I was on a 6 month doctor supervised diet (required by insurance). I saw my surgeon every month or so before surgery because he wanted to make sure I had covered everything required by my insurance company. I had to see a cardiologist, have an EKG and electrocardiogram and stress test, have a pulmonary function test, see a nutritionist and psych evaluation and attend a 2 hour class about the surgery and what to eat before and after the surgery, all at the surgeon's office. All this before surgery. After surgery, I have only seen the nurse practitioner for the 1 week and 1 month follow up. I go for my 6 month follow up in July so will probably see her then, as well. The nutritionist is available anytime I have questions. They are all really nice in this surgeon's office. I would recommend him/them to anyone in this area wanting surgery. He went over everything with me and even drew pictures so I would know what it entailed. There is a support group at the hospital where his office is located the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7. I haven't made it yet but plan on going next month. It's about 10 miles from here. Since I work in the office on Wed., it's on the way home. I can always find something to do for an hour after work before going there.