Journey to a New You

A new you might mean different things for different people. A new you could mean:

being able to spend more time outdoors.
participating in physical activities with friends or going for a walk with a loved one.
finally being able to sleep better or having enough energy to get through the day.
something as simple as being able to pick up and hold a child or grandchild.

ALA Surgery is more than just your medical team; we're a family of support. The goal of Dr. Moran and the ALA team is to support you at every step along your journey to better health. Below is an outline of the weight surgery process that others have followed on their journey to surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Process

Step 1: Find Out if You are a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery

Candidates for bariatric surgery meet the criteria below. You can use our Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to find your BMI.

You are 100 pounds or more overweight with a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater along with one or more co-morbidities (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.)
You have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods such as diet, exercise and medication.

Step 2: Get Informed about Bariatric Surgery and Set up Initial Consultation

Preparation for the journey begins with one of our informational seminars or initial contact with our office.
Our office will contact you to discuss questions you may have and help you verify your insurance benefits.
Provide us with a signed consent form so that we can obtain a five-year weight history from your healthcare provider. We prefer to have this information before your first appointment if possible so that we may better answer your questions.
Set up an appointment for your initial consultation with one of our qualified team members and meet the ALA family.

Step 3: Prepare for Bariatric Surgery

For your first appointment, you will have an in-depth evaluation, including your history and physical, and meetings with the ALA medical team, including the clinical staff, financial services representative, and the Bariatric Program Manager.
Our Bariatric Program Manager is here as your advocate. She will schedule all of your necessary appointments, including nutrition, general health or mental health appointments.
When we have received all of your results, we will call you to set your tentative date of surgery. Appropriate information will then be sent to your insurance company for their final authorization.
Once your approval is finalized, we will contact you to schedule your "results visit" approximately one week before surgery. Here the medical team will discuss your specific pre-op information and answer any last minute questions you may have.
The next step... SURGERY!!

Step 4: After Weight Loss Surgery

You will be scheduled for a post-op appointment approximately one week after your surgery where the team will evaluate how you are adjusting, your new eating habits, your general wellness, and your overall progress.
We have found that most success stories include periodic and scheduled follow up exams. The team will help design a personalized schedule to provide maximum support for you.
You are highly encouraged to attend our support group meetings to meet others who have embarked on the same journey. Currently these are scheduled the last Thursday evening of each month at 7 PM. Newcomers meet at 6:30 PM. Here you will be able to share hints and tips, as well as give and receive wonderful encouragement for your successful life change.

Continue to learn about the Types of Weight Loss Surgery Dr. Moran performs.