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GETTING STARTED
 It may seem overwhelming, but your journey through weight loss
surgery with us happens in just a few simple steps, beginning with
understanding your insurance and other payment options. Whether you
are ready to move forward with surgery or are just beginning your
research, contact our office at the number above and speak to a
Patient Services Representative or Insurance Specialist who can help
guide you further and work with your insurance company on your
behalf to obtain coverage.
Call Us
We値l use the guidelines set forth by
the National Institutes for Health and assess your individual
situation to help you determine if you are a candidate for surgery.
If so, we値l mail you our brochure and Health History Form and
secure a seat for you at our next seminar.
Benefits Verification
We will contact your
insurance company to determine your level of coverage for bariatric
surgery and have this information available to discuss with you
during your consultation. We will not be able to discuss
insurance information with you prior to your visit.
Attend a Consultation
Our surgeons and staff
will provide information about your options, risks and benefits of
the procedures, and the insurance approval process, followed by a
question and answer session. You will be weighed, measured and
have vital signs checked. You will also be asked which procedure you
prefer.
Meet the Surgeon & Medical Acceptance
Our
surgeons will review the information you provide at the consultation
to ensure you meet the National Institutes of Health criteria, then
review your Health History Form to ensure the benefits of surgery
will outweigh the risks. Your case will then be assigned to our
Insurance Department for benefits verification.
Pre-Operative Testing
Once your insurance is
settled, we値l schedule a date for surgery date and any necessary
pre-operative testing. Our surgeons carefully evaluate your
individual risk factors and order these test accordingly.
Pre-Operative Education & Informed Consent
At this stage you値l first meet with our dietitian to go through an
extensive informed consent process. It can be a bit
overwhelming, so we encourage you to bring a friend or family
member. You will receive written information about your procedure
and the post-operative diet and follow-up care. We encourage you to
ask all the questions you need at this meeting.
Pre-Operative Appointment with Surgeon
One to
two weeks prior to surgery, you値l have an appointment with a
surgeon. Your surgeon will conduct a history and physical, review
your current condition, test results and any medications you are
taking and conduct a physical exam. They will then review the
surgical procedure, discuss the risks, review your Informed Consent
and answer any remaining questions.
Hospital Admission
Prior to surgery, your
surgeon will answer any final questions and determine who will
accompany you so they know who to communicate with once the
procedure is complete. Then you will be transported to the operating
room and given medication to help you relax and fall asleep. After
surgery you will go to the recovery room for about an hour. You will
be started on pain medications as soon as you are able to vocalize
you are having pain. If necessary, you may also request
Phenergan for nausea.
Follow-up Care
You will need to make an
appointment to follow-up at the New Heights Weight Loss office.
Please note follow up appointments may vary depending on your
surgery type and surgeons requirements. You will be given a specific
follow up schedule prior to your surgery.
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