Getting Started

Bariatric Surgery Process

Bariatric Surgery Seminar and Consultation

The bariatric surgery process at The Hospitals of Providence begins when you attend one of our informational seminars, either online or via webinar. Bariatric surgery seminars provide an opportunity for you to learn about the bariatric procedures available (including risks, benefits and payment options) and address any questions or concerns you may have. Afterwards, you may choose to move to a one-on-one consultation with a surgeon, at which time your personal health and desired outcomes will be reviewed.

Begin Your Online Seminar Video

If you and your surgeon decide that a particular type of treatment is right for you, a process of preliminary steps lasting one to six months will begin. During this time, preoperative tests will be conducted and all insurance authorizations will be completed. Total time from consultation to the actual surgery date will vary and largely depends on your individual insurance plan requirements.

Insurance and Financial Eligibility

The Hospitals of Providence accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage for weight loss surgery can vary by policy, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm if surgical weight loss is covered. To help you navigate this process, our dedicated team of financial counselors and patient navigators is here to answer your questions and provide guidance on working with your insurance company to seek approval. For further financial questions regarding weight loss surgery, please complete the form below or call 888-508-0027, and a bariatric navigator will be happy to assist you.

Medical Tests

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a significant step for any patient, so the staff at each weight loss center goes to great lengths to ensure you are a suitable candidate and are prepared for your procedure.

To avoid complications, we perform several tests to evaluate your overall health. These include:

Blood work
Urinalysis
Chest x-ray
Electrocardiogram
Psychological assessment
Due to insurance requirements or physician requests, some patients may need to undergo additional tests, such as:
- Cardiology evaluation
- GI evaluation
- Pulmonology evaluation
- Sleep study

Mental Health Evaluation

Physical health is the first step in the preparation process, but mental health is equally important. Before receiving clearance to move forward with surgery, you will meet with members of our team to review your expectations, your commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and methods on how to cope with the changes surgery brings.

While preparing for bariatric surgery, patients will meet with:

Registered Dietitians
Psychologists
And other specialists when needed

These individuals can assist in making a determination about overall eligibility. In some cases, numerous appointments may be required.

Lifestyle Changes

Bariatric surgery, while extremely effective, requires diligence and commitment from patients in order to see the best possible results. Many medical professionals encourage patients to make changes before surgery to ensure better adjustment immediately after surgery, and on an ongoing basis for the remainder of your life.

Increased Exercise

Exercise is an important part of maximizing results from bariatric surgery. Walking, jogging, yoga and cardio are recommended to help patients get used to making exercise a habit. Due to physical limitations, incorporating exercise prior to surgery may be challenging for some patients. In this case, any effort made toward creating healthy and active lifestyle habits is helpful.

Healthy Eating

For some surgical procedures, like gastric bypass, eating poorly can lead to dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a highly unpleasant side effect which can lead to digestive problems, nausea, and vomiting. Before surgery, a dietitian will draw up a custom eating plan for patients to follow, often including high-protein, low-fat meals and meal replacement protein shakes. A custom eating plan can help adjust eating habits and facilitate weight loss. Weight loss can reduce fat surrounding the liver and spleen, which minimizes the risk of complications during surgery.