Fresh Start Bariatrics Offers Comprehensive Support for Patients with Psychological Consultation Before Surgery

    COLUMBUS, OH, August 04, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Fresh Start Bariatrics program at Riverside Methodist Hospital is dedicated to providing its weight loss surgery patients with a holistic program, including the emotional and mental factors that contribute to weight loss and health. Part of this extra care includes a face-to-face meeting with the Fresh Start Bariatrics psychologist, Dr. Jeannine Tell, at the patient's initial "Intake Day" visit.

"It is my role to reassure patients as they are entering the weight loss surgery process," Dr. Tell said. "I focus on how their personal history, medical history, personality style, etc. are affecting their decision for surgery, and together we optimize that for success when they have the surgery."

The Fresh Start program provides a psychological analysis to identify each person's needs; just like any other prior medical condition, patients must address these concerns before going through bariatric surgery. With each patient, Dr. Tell works on counseling, setting specific goals and identifying personal expectations and needs. She is then able to work with patient's ongoing healthcare provider before and after surgery, to help them meet those specific goals. Even though Dr. Tell doesn't provide ongoing counseling with Fresh Start patients, she does position herself as a consultant for patients as they go through the weight loss process.

"I've worked with several patients right before they enter surgery, as well as after surgery; sometimes that means spending time on the phone, other times patients stop by my office," Dr. Tell said. "I've even heard from patients four or five years post-surgery! I'm always willing to give my feedback and help them with the next step of their journey."

Building such a strong relationship with patients allows Dr. Tell to be an excellent host of the pre-operation and post-operation support groups offered by Fresh Start Bariatrics. The groups are organized to cater to specific needs and issues patients face before and after surgery.
"For most of these patients, the fact that they're getting bariatric surgery allows them to work through other issues in their life," Dr. Tell said. "Most would never have received the quality therapy they deserve if they would not have gone through this program."

With so many interesting life stories to hear, Dr. Tell shared that it's a privilege to work with such a motivated population of people. She said it's rewarding to see patients down the road, after they've reclaimed their lives.

For more information about the Fresh Start Bariatrics program, visit www.freshstartbariatrics.com.

About Fresh Start Bariatrics
What makes Fresh Start Bariatrics so unique is our compassion for each patient as an individual. In fact, our highly personalized care is the reason Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital stands out from other bariatric surgery programs in Ohio. Our team approach means you will have support every step of the way throughout this life -changing and life-saving procedure and every one of our operations is performed at Riverside Methodist Hospital, respected nationwide for exceptional patient care and outstanding results. That is why so many people from all over Ohio choose Fresh Start Bariatrics. If you think you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery, sign up for one of our free seminars.

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