How to know if you're ready for surgery

If you're thinking about weight-loss surgery, you'll meet with a healthcare team. The team may include:

• Your primary healthcare professional.
• A surgeon.
• A specialist who gives you medicine to put you in a sleeplike state during surgery, called an anesthesiologist.
• A healthcare professional who specializes in food and nutrition, called a dietitian.
• Nurses with special training in weight management.
• Mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
• Other specialists depending on your medical conditions.

Healthcare team members will explain what to expect before and after the procedure. They will talk about any medical, behavioral or mental health concerns with you before surgery. They will assess whether you're ready for surgery and help you decide if it's an option for you.