Steps Before Surgery
We have developed a complete program to help you through your weight loss journey. All of our patients are required to complete each of the following steps before surgery. Our staff at the OSF Weight Management Center is trained to guide you and ensure your successful completion of the pre-surgical process. You must lose or at least maintain your weight during the program. If you gain weight, you may not be approved for surgery.
1. Obtain a Referral from your Medical Provider (doctor)
A referral letter from your family doctor is required. Once the referral has been received, someone from our team will call you to schedule an initial appointment.
2. Call your insurance company.
Call your insurance provider to learn if these services are covered. All health insurance plans differ, but typically your first visit will be billed under CPT Code 99213, using the diagnosis of obesity.
3. Watch the information video series.
To learn more about weight loss surgery, and the program steps, click here to watch a 4-part video series. This step is required to proceed in the program.
4. Complete the medically managed weight loss program (approximately 6 months).
To begin the surgical weight loss program, you will complete a medical assessment with an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) to get a clear picture of your overall health. You will also complete a Bod Pod Assessment which provides a detailed overview of your body composition. and will help determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Each month, you will meet with a registered dietitian and an exercise specialist to learn about the changes required before- and after surgery.
5. Meet with your surgeon
You will be scheduled for an appointment with your surgeon to discuss surgery options and develop your surgical plan AFTER you have completed the video series, mentioned above.
6. Attend Monthly Support Group Meetings
To help ensure your success and connect you with others in the community who have or are going through the surgical weight loss program, you are required to attend at least 1 support group. Click here to learn more about the support groups.
7. Complete a Psychological Evaluation.
This is a requirement. You will be referred to a psychologist about mid-way through the program steps.
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