Patients interested in learning more about our program are required to attend one of our free monthly group information sessions. Patients can learn about the gastric bypass or the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedure and have the opportunity to meet the surgeons, learn about the risks and benefits and understand the commitment required to be successful both before and after surgery.
Both the gastric banding info session and gastric bypass info session are followed by a peer support group where prospective patients can ask questions and interact with other patients in the program. Patients meet with NSMC Heart and Wellness cardiologists, fitness nurses and nutritionists for further evaluation. Finally, patients will have a psychiatric evaluation to assess their mental status and their competency and commitment to comply with the lifelong post-operative follow-up needed for post-surgical success.
Pre-operative Evaluation
First, the program coordinator will provide patients with materials that offer a thorough explanation of the procedure, including information on pre- and postoperative issues. Then a surgeon will meet with the patient to review their complete medical history, followed by a thorough physical medical exam, and a battery of medical tests to ensure that the patient’s overall health is good enough to endure the surgery.
Insurance Coverage
Because bariatric procedures are considered elective by many insurers, patients must obtain insurance approval for the surgery prior to scheduling the procedure. There is no fee for the information session nor for the initial interview by the program coordinator. While many of the costs that will be incurred during the evaluation process will be covered by insurance, some charges may become the responsibility of the patient.
If a patient qualifies medically for bariatric surgery, the surgeon’s office will request pre-approval for coverage of the procedure from the patient’s health insurer. This can take from a week to two months. When the insurance company gives its pre-authorization, patients are notified by the surgeon’s office. In most cases, a date for the operation will be scheduled during this notification. For patients not covered by insurance, there are self-pay options.
Pre-operative Preparations
Precise details vary from surgeon to surgeon, but once a date for the operation is scheduled, patients are often asked to come into the office about a week before the procedure. At this point they are given pre-operative instructions and a more detailed explanation of what to expect on the day of surgery and the days immediately following. Often it is at this point that patients have the opportunity to ask all their remaining questions before signing consent forms indicating that they understand the procedure and the risks associated with it. Surgeons need these signed forms so they can have assurance that patients understand the serious nature of the procedure and that they also appreciate the nature of the life-long commitment. If patients are not eligible for surgery or decide it is not an appropriate option for them, NSMC is committed to helping them attain their weight loss and health goals. Other weight management and exercise programs offered as part of our Wellness and Integrative Medicine program are also available. Ask the program coordinator for more information about these options.
Hospital Stay
Typically, patients whose gastric bypass or gastric band surgery is performed laparoscopically stay in the hospital for one or two nights and then see their surgeon again seven to ten days after surgery. For an open gastric bypass procedure with a full incision, the hospital stay can be three to five days.
