Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Informational Seminar
The informational seminar is free and mandatory for anyone considering weight-loss surgery. You will get to know the bariatric surgery team and the types of weight-loss surgery Mercy offers. This is a great way to explore options and make the very best decision for your health! Register for a seminar now. If you are unable to register online, please contact Barb Cooper, RN, Bariatric Program Coordinator, at bariatrics@mercycare.org.

Prior to the seminar, please complete a health questionnaire (print one here) and bring it with you to the educational seminar. After we have received the questionnaire, we will contact you to make an appointment for an initial consultation in the Bariatric Surgery Clinic.
Insurance
Prior to your first appointment, ask your insurance company if they cover weight-loss surgery, lap gastric bypass, lap sleeve gastrectomy or lap adjustable band. Also ask what requirements must be completed in order to be approved, such as length of physician-supervised diet and psychiatric evaluation. It is your responsibility to understand your insurance coverage.

We have included an insurance form in the patient questionnaire that we require you to use when talking with your insurance provider. Please fill out and return this form with your patient questionnaire. We are available for assistance and will verify coverage with your insurance company as well.
Initial Consultation
When you arrive for your consultation, you will meet with the bariatric surgery team (coordinator, dietitian and surgeon). You will also receive a patient information binder at this visit. From this point on, your weight-loss journey will be individualized. Together as a team, we will help you decide which procedure is best for you based on previous history, preference, insurance and lifestyle.
Nutrition Counseling
All weight-loss surgery patients must meet with a dietitian to discuss dietary counseling, nutritional education, and pre- and post-operative dietary requirements. Your insurance may not cover these visits, but these are a requirement of our program. Learn more about nutrition counseling at Mercy.
Psychological Evaluation
All weight-loss surgery patients must undergo a psychiatric evaluation prior to surgery to ensure the best possible outcome. Weight loss surgery is a life changing decision and the psychiatric evaluation is the first step to ensure that your journey is successful.
Additional Consultations
Based on your medical history, you may be required to get other consultations prior to approval for surgery (primary care provider, pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, etc.).
Insurance Pre-approval
After you successfully completed all dietary consultations, the psychiatric evaluation, and any additional consultations or tests and you have incorporated the required lifestyle changes, our team will review your case and submit to your insurance provider for pre-approval.
Assignment of Surgery Date
Once the office receives approval from your insurance company, we will meet with you to pick a date for surgery.
Pre-operative Diet
Patients are routinely placed on a pre-operative liquid diet prior to their surgery. Depending on your starting weight, your liquid diet may last two to four weeks. This helps shrink your liver so the surgeon can better access your stomach during surgery.
Day of Surgery
Report to the Surgery Center’s waiting area. Mercy Surgery Center is accessible by using any south entrance and taking the elevator to Level 2.

Surgery patients are normally asked to arrive 2 hours before their scheduled surgery. The nurses will prepare you for the operating room by starting an IV and asking you questions about your medications and health history.

Your family and friends can wait in the Surgery Center’s waiting area while you are in the OR and recovery room. You will be taken to a private room for the rest of your inpatient stay. Friends and family can visit.

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Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

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Preparing for Bariatric Surgery