TEN STEPS TO WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
WILLAMETTE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
1. Attend an information seminar
Presented by our multi-disciplinary team, the
information session provides you with the opportunity
to learn more about weight loss surgery and have any
questions you may have about the surgery answered.
2. Review the information packet
Ask yourself if you are ready to make the lifestyle
change commitment that is required to be successful
with weight loss surgery. It is also important for you to
understand the financial commitment involved with
weight loss surgery.
3. Insurance benefits verification
Our financial counselor will notify you and verify your
insurance benefits. At this time we will also discuss your
insurance company’s requirement for authorization of
weight loss surgery. If weight loss surgery is not a
covered benefit, we will provide you with information
about your self-pay plan.
4. Complete appointments with the surgeon,
dietitian, psychologist and cardiologist. Throughout the
surgery preparation process, your progress will be
tracked by our medical assistant and program
coordinator.
• Surgeon
During your initial consultation visit the surgeon will
review your medical/surgical history, medications and
current dietary and exercise routines. Any questions not
addressed during the information session or specific
surgeries will be discussed further. They will give you
our bariatric guidebook to review and take to your
dietitian and psychology appointments. Patients will
follow up with surgeon monthly to meet our Weight
Loss Management requirements.
• Dietitian
Schedule and complete your first visit with our dietitian.
The number of required meetings with the dietician will
be determined by your insurance.
• Psychologist
In order to have a successful long-term outcome, it is
necessary to make a number of permanent lifestyle
changes. You will need to permanently change your
behaviors, eating habits and activity patterns. A
psychology evaluation will include a one-hour interview
and brief questionnaire(s) assessing eating habits,
weight history, stress factors, coping patterns, and life
style behaviors.
• Cardiologist
All of our weight loss surgery patients must be cleared
by a cardiologist prior to surgery. We will work with you
to
schedule an appointment approximately three months
prior to surgery.
5. Attend a support group meeting
Our program requires each patient to attend at least
two support groups prior to surgery. The schedule of
support group dates and times can be found in your
information folder or on our website,
www.willamettevalleyweightlosssurgery.com/
Research shows that patients who attend weight loss
surgery support group meetings lose 20 – 30% more
weight.
6. Upper Endoscopy
If you are having a sleeve gastrectomy an EGD
(Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) will need to be
performed to evaluate your stomach and test for
H.pylori bacteria.
7. Multidisciplinary Review/Approval
Once the above mentioned appointments (plus any
other prerequisites required by your insurance) are
completed our Bariatric team will review your case and
determine if you’re ready for surgery. After approved
the surgeon’s office will submit the required paperwork
to your insurance company for approval of your weight
loss surgery. We will notify you when you have been
approved for surgery!
8. Pre-operation class
Attend a pre-operation class with our bariatric program
manager / registered dietitian to prepare you for your
day of surgery. This appointment will last for
approximately 1 hour.
9. Preparing for surgery
You will need to complete your pre-surgical testing,
which is usually done 2 – 3 weeks before surgery. This
includes pre-admission testing, review of
surgical/medical history, and medications at the
hospital. All other medical clearances must be obtained
before surgery.
10. Day of surgery: Congratulations!
