Aftercare Program*

Weight loss surgery, and the lifestyle changes required to achieve your desired outcome, require a serious commitment on your part. However, your commitment also comes with a promise from Houston Surgical Specialists to do everything we can to help you succeed. We will work with you to create an individualized nutrition program to fit your lifestyle. Our ultimate goal is to help you lose the desired amount of weight and keep it off for good. To achieve your healthy weight goals education on nutrition and fitness are the final key.

PsyMed, Inc. are experts in the field of bariatric weight loss dietary needs. Their program is led by Renell Cronk, RDN, LD.

Renell Cronk, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist who graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition/Dietetics with a Minor in Psychology. Over the years, Renell has acquired many skills in the area of food, nutrition, supplements and healthy lifestyles. She has experience working in various fields of nutrition but her primary passion and specialty is weight management. Nothing gives Renell a greater feeling of accomplishment and joy than helping individuals achieve their health and nutrition goals!

What you can expect:

  • One-on-one evaluation with a Registered Dietitian.
  • Education specific to your needs to include goal setting and food/exercise logs.
  • Orientation to Baritastic App to log food, stay on track with goals, set reminders and much more.
  • Packages available to follow up with your personal Dietitian post-op for up to 2 years.
  • Resources to assist along the way and learn how to start a fitness plan.

Who is this for?

Anyone and Everyone! Dr. Marvin recommends a nutrition consult for all patients, even those who do not pursue weight loss surgery. Knowing how your food consumption affects your weight, mood, vitamin deficiencies and potential health risk or issues is the KEY!

Note: Patients undergoing the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty are required to undergo one nutrition consultation prior to surgery with PsyMed and is Cash Pay only. For traditional surgery patients with insurance plans requiring a nutrition consult, alternate vendors are used. The staff will help in setting up appointments appropriately.

Delivery: The majority of patients choose a simple phone call with downloadable access to forms and information. However: you may also chose to speak virtually face-to-face with the use of Gruveo. This is a very simple “phone call” style platform, no app needed, yet they are available.

Nutrition Education and Support Program Packages

Pre-surgery visit

  • Pre- surgical education
    • required before procedure
    • Education on both pre/post op diets and diet/life style changes necessary for surgery to be successful
    • Evaluation of patient understanding of pre/post op diets and diet/lifestyle changes necessary for surgery to be successful (if patient seems to not have a full understanding or display a significant need for behavior change; we recommend a 3 months or more supervised diet program and reevaluation prior to surgery.

Post-surgery visit

  • 2-6 weeks post-surgery education or as needed after surgery
    • Check in with patient regarding diet progression and answer questions
    • Educate patient on diet progression from day of visit to 3 months
    • Educate patient on nutrition and lifestyle changes

4 visit Package

  • 2-6 weeks post-surgery education
    • Check in with patient regarding diet progression and answer questions
    • Educate patient on diet progression from day of visit to 3 months
    • Educate patient on nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • 3 month post-surgery education
    • Educate patient on diet progression from 3 months to 6 months
    • Educate patient on nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • 6 month post-surgery education
    • Educate patient on diet progression from 6 months to 12 months
    • Educate patient on nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • 1 year post-surgery education
    • Educate patient on maintenance diet going forward
    • Educate patient on nutrition and lifestyle changes

6 visit packages

  • 2-6 weeks post-surgery education
    • Check in with patient regarding diet progression and answer questions
    • Educate patient on diet progression from day of visit to 3 months
    • Educate patient on nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • 5 visits to use as needed within 1 year of surgery
    • Educate patient on diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes

* Results will vary by person and are based upon the patient, the surgery type and the compliance with the aftercare program. As with any medical procedure or surgery, there are specific risks and possible complications. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results may not be representative of the experience of others. Testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid, nor were they provided with free products, services, or any benefits in exchange for said statements. The testimonials are representative of patient experience but the exact number of pounds lost and experience will be unique and individual to each patient.

Make an appointment with Dr. Marvin for diagnosis and treatment.