Pathway to Success

Surgical weight loss is about getting your life back. It also presents an opportunity to re-evaluate your lifestyle and make the changes needed to improve yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.

Making this transition to the “new you” involves the proper support group and a willingness to take the necessary steps to reach your goal. The most successful surgical weight loss patient is the one who follows our program all the way through — from pre-certifications to surgery to counseling and exercise.

Let our highly trained staff guide you as you take these series of steps on your pathway to success.

Step 1: Attend one of our free educational seminars 

By attending one of these seminars you will gain a better understanding about what surgical weight loss entails and whether it is right for you. These seminars are designed to give us a chance to meet and learn about you as well. They also provide the opportunity for you to have an in-depth conversation with our staff and physicians. Remember, you must attend an information seminar before advancing to the next step.

Step 2: Verify your insurance coverage for weight loss surgery  

Please call the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card to verify the following information:

  • Do you have weight loss surgery benefits?

Diagnosis code (ICD9):

278.01 morbid obesity

Procedure codes (CPT):

gastric bypass: 43644 

gastric band: 43770

sleeve gastrectomy: 43775

  • What criteria need to be met to be eligible for the benefit? If your insurance excludes the benefit, we do offer self pay options.

Step 3: Complete the surgical weight loss bariatric questionnaire           

You may bring the completed questionnaire to the educational seminar or a copy will be provided to you at that time. When we receive your completed bariatric questionnaire, we will contact you within two weeks to discuss the next step in the process.

Step 4: Surgical weight loss visits 

This is a six-part evaluation with our staff to determine a treatment plan that addresses your personal weight loss needs.

  • The surgical weight loss nurse will obtain your medical history, provide education and answer questions about the bariatric procedures that are offered at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
  • Our behavioral health specialist will complete an assessment to determine your ability to participate in treatment and post-operative care following bariatric surgery.
  • Our dietitian will obtain your dietary history and provide education about preparing for post-surgical diet and lifestyle changes.
  • Discussion with a King’s Daughters physical therapist.
  • Extended medical weight loss – if required by your insurance or the multidisciplinary surgical weight loss team.
  • Evaluation by your bariatric surgeon

Step 5: Multidisciplinary team review 

Once you have completed the necessary evaluations, the surgical weight loss team will meet to assess your readiness for lifestyle changes and surgery.

Step 6: Behavioral health class 

This is a one-hour behavioral health component of your surgical weight loss education. It is vital to your success with initial weight loss after surgery and maintaining that weight loss long term.

Step 7: Insurance approval 

Once you have been approved by the multidisciplinary team and have completed all of the necessary insurance requirements, our insurance specialist will work with your insurance company for bariatric surgery approval.  

Step 8: Pre-operative teaching 

This is a two-and-a-half-hour educational component to prepare you for surgery.

Step 9: Pre-operative appointment  

Once your insurance company has approved you, we will schedule you an appointment with your bariatric surgeon. At this appointment, you will be assigned a surgery date.

Step 10: Pre-admission testing 

Prior to your surgery date, you will need to complete pre-admission testing. This will be reviewed with you during your pre-operative appointment with your bariatric surgeon.

Step 11: Surgery