What is the bariatric surgery process like?

Step 1: Assess Insurance Coverage

Determining insurance coverage for weight loss surgery involves several steps. Initially, we gather your insurance details, including provider, policy, and group numbers.

Next, our bariatric program contacts your insurance provider to ascertain coverage for obesity management or bariatric surgery. What happens when we reach out to your insurance company?

We ascertain whether your insurance covers the surgery or if you will need to self-pay. Direct communication with your insurance provider allows us to document the call, note the reference number, and determine approved surgical facilities.

We identify eligible surgeries and establish your medical weight loss trial period. Additionally, we document coverage for associated visits within the weight loss surgery program.

If your insurance doesn’t cover the surgery, you may opt for self-payment. In such cases, individuals may choose to pay in cash or explore healthcare financing options. We can connect you with healthcare lending agencies if needed.

Step 2: Determine Eligibility for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also referred to as bariatric surgery, is typically recommended for individuals struggling with severe obesity. Physicians use body mass index (BMI) as a criterion to assess eligibility. A BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher coupled with obesity-related health issues, may qualify individuals for weight loss surgery.

Several factors may contribute to a person’s candidacy for weight loss surgery:

• Severe obesity: Individuals who are at least 100 pounds overweight (for men) or 80 pounds overweight (for women) with a BMI of 40 or higher may be eligible for weight loss surgery.
• Obesity-related health conditions: Those with a BMI of 35 or higher who suffer from health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or severe joint pain may also be considered for weight loss surgery.
• Failed attempts at non-surgical weight loss: If traditional weight loss methods such as dieting, exercise, and medications have been unsuccessful, weight loss surgery may be an option.
• Commitment to long-term weight loss: Candidates must be willing to make significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to support their weight loss goals.
• Psychological readiness: A psychological evaluation may be conducted to ensure candidates are mentally prepared for the surgery and the post-operative lifestyle changes.

It’s crucial to make the decision to undergo weight loss surgery in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, considering individual health and circumstances.

Step 3: Undergo a Weight Loss Surgery Consultation

A weight loss surgery consultation with a surgeon involves several essential components. These consultations are comprehensive, aiming to evaluate the patient’s health and readiness for weight loss surgery. Here’s what to expect during a typical consultation:

• Medical history and physical examination: The surgeon assesses the patient’s medical history, including existing health conditions, prior surgeries, and current medications. A physical examination is conducted to evaluate the patient’s overall health and identify any potential risk factors.
• Body mass index (BMI) assessment: The surgeon calculates the patient’s BMI to determine eligibility for weight loss surgery based on their weight and height.
• Discussion of weight loss goals and expectations: The surgeon discusses the patient’s weight loss goals, desired amount of weight loss, timeline, and reasons for considering weight loss surgery. This ensures the patient has realistic expectations and understands the potential outcomes of the surgery.
• Review of different weight loss surgery options: Various weight loss surgery options are discussed, including their benefits, risks, and potential complications. The surgeon recommends the most appropriate surgery based on the patient’s medical history and health conditions.
• Evaluation of lifestyle and dietary habits: The patient’s current lifestyle and dietary habits are assessed to determine readiness for making necessary lifestyle changes after surgery.
• Screening for psychological readiness: The patient’s psychological readiness for weight loss surgery is evaluated to ensure they understand the surgery’s impact on their lifestyle and can cope with potential emotional and psychological changes.
• Discussion of potential risks and complications: The surgeon explains the potential risks and complications associated with weight loss surgery, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks, and long-term complications. The importance of post-operative instructions and regular follow-up appointments is also discussed.
• Question and answer session: The surgeon addresses any questions or concerns the patient may have about weight loss surgery, providing information to help them make an informed decision.

Overall, the weight loss surgery consultation is a crucial step in the decision-making process, allowing the patient to discuss their health, expectations, and concerns with the surgeon and ensuring they are well-informed about the procedure.

Step 4: Complete Dietary Counseling and Medical Evaluation

Before weight loss surgery, patients may undergo dietary counseling and participate in a medical weight loss trial to optimize their health and readiness for the procedure. Here’s what to expect during this phase:

• Dietary counseling: Patients work with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider specializing in nutrition to develop a personalized eating plan. This may include recommendations for portion control, meal frequency, and types of foods to consume or avoid. Education on hydration, nutrient supplementation, and strategies for managing emotional eating may also be provided.
• Medical weight loss trial: Patients participate in a supervised program focusing on weight management through lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, behavior modification, and medication management. The goal is to achieve significant weight loss and improve overall health, including managing obesity-related health conditions.

These interventions aim to help patients adopt healthy eating habits, increase physical activity, and achieve weight loss before undergoing surgery, setting the stage for a successful outcome.

Step 5: Undergo Evaluation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep. Here’s why people who are obese are at increased risk for sleep apnea:

• Increased fat deposition in the upper airway: Excess body fat, particularly in the neck and upper airway region, can lead to narrowing of the airway, increasing the risk of airway collapse during sleep.
• Reduced muscle tone: Obesity can lead to decreased muscle tone in the upper airway, further increasing the risk of airway collapse and sleep apnea.
• Inflammation and hormonal changes: Obesity is associated with increased inflammation in the body, which can cause structural changes in the airway and contribute to sleep apnea. Hormonal changes associated with obesity can also affect respiratory control.
• Increased respiratory demand: Obesity can increase respiratory demand, leading to increased effort to breathe during sleep, which can contribute to airway collapse and sleep apnea.
• Central obesity: Excess fat accumulation in the abdominal region, known as central obesity, is particularly associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea due to its effect on lung volume and respiratory control.

Maintaining a healthy weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications may help reduce the risk of sleep apnea in individuals who are obese. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or are at risk due to obesity, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.

Step 6: Complete a Behavioral Health Assessment

A behavioral health assessment for weight loss surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s mental health, emotional well-being, and readiness for the surgical procedure. Here’s what the assessment may include:

• Mental health evaluation: Assessment of the patient’s mental health history, including any psychiatric conditions and current symptoms.
• Emotional well-being assessment: Evaluation of the patient’s emotional well-being, coping skills, and support system.
• Eating behavior evaluation: Assessment of the patient’s eating behaviors, attitudes towards food, and history of dieting.
• Body image evaluation: Evaluation of the patient