What to Expect

Looking for a Bariatric Surgeon? Let Us Help

There are several steps that lead to surgery:

1. Seminar attendance
2. Initial consultation
3. Preoperative workshops
4. Presurgical visit
5. Surgery

Let’s take a look at each step.

1. Seminar

The first step in the surgical path is attending a live seminar or completing the online webinar. This will give you an overview of the bariatric surgery journey, introduce you to our surgeons and prepare you for your next steps.

Once you have completed the required seminar, our office will help verify that you have bariatric coverage through your insurance policy or provide you with information on your self-pay options. We will verify that your policy has the benefit for bariatric surgery. We urge you to do the same. Having the benefit is not an approval for surgery. This only confirms you do have bariatric surgery benefits as part of your insurance policy. We will work with you to review your individual situation and discuss what unique requirements your policy may have.

2. Initial Consultation

At your initial consultation, you will meet members of your care team who will help you understand the process. We will answer your questions and guide you through the process of scheduling required pre-operative consultations and evaluations

Please remember, this is not a typical doctor’s appointment. This is a lengthy visit. The preoperative workshop for bariatric surgery involves many components. Gathering information and helping you completely understand the surgery process will set you up for success in your weight loss journey.

Please arrive at the recommended time by our staff.

At your initial consultation, we will ask you to provide:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• A list of all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications/ supplements
• Your current physician’s names and phone numbers
• Specialist co-pay (if applicable)

3. Pre-Operative Work Up

After your initial consultation, you’ll meet with several other providers who are ready to help you on this new journey. From nutritionists and psychologists to a sleep study and lab work, we will compile a clear view of your health and prepare you for the exciting changes ahead.

As part of your pre-operative work-up, our providers will work with you on diet and exercise. You will complete nutrition, psychiatric, fitness and potentially a sleep evaluation. Our team will complete a medical evaluation and work with your other physicians to make sure you are ready and safe for surgery.

Every insurance company has its own criteria needed for bariatric surgery. Our staff will work with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure all the required information is submitted to expedite the approval process. We will do our very best to get this done as efficiently as possible for each patient. If you chose to pursue bariatric surgery outside the constraints of your insurance coverage, we encourage you to look into our self-pay options.

4. Pre-Operative Visit

Once your preoperative tests and evaluations have been completed, a pre-operative visit will be scheduled with your surgeon. This is your opportunity to finalize your choice of surgery, to review your medical status and to get pre-surgery instructions.

5. About Our Resources

WakeMed Bariatric Surgery & Medical Weight Loss offers a wide variety of patient resources to assist patients on their weight loss journey.

Along with our free patient seminars, insurance verification services and support group, we provide our patients:

• A bariatric coordinator who acts as your  point of contact during the pre-operative process and post-operative follow-up
• WakeMed lab centers for pre-op and post-op blood work
• Bariatric dietitians for pre-op and post-op nutrition counseling
• An inpatient bariatric registered nurse and registered dietician for pre-operative and post-operative education
• A network of mental health professionals to provide pre-operative counseling and screening
• Our fitness specialist to help you create your physical activity plan
• Weight loss providers who can offer the full range of medical weight loss solutions in addition to bariatric surgery