The Consultation
Prior to scheduling an appointment, we ask all patients to complete a medical questionnaire and return it to our office. Once we receive it, we will contact you and set up our on-line education programs for LAP-BAND® and Gastric Bypass (EMMI). EMMI provides an excellent educational tool which helps give you a head start on their appointment and even offers an opportunity for you to type questions for the surgeon to review during your appointment. Once the EMMI programs are completed, we will set up an appointment to see one of our surgeons. The EMMI program is free to the patient. It is a critical part of our educational program to jump start your knowledge regarding weight loss surgery.
Our multi-disciplinary consultation process involves evaluation through questionnaires and consultation with your surgeon and his team. Our goals in the consultation appointment are three-fold:
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To help you determine which surgery is appropriate for you;
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To introduce you to the Surgical Weight Loss Center's team;
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To reinforce information regarding height, weight, history, medical co-morbidities (medical conditions caused by obesity), previous surgeries, etc., in order to determine whether you qualify for surgery;
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To determine if there is a need for further evaluation prior to surgery (sleep study, cardiac evaluation, etc.)
Further consultations may be necessary to ensure you are stable to undergo surgery. These may include cardiology, sleep study, psychology, and/or others.
If your surgeon determines you are an appropriate candidate for surgery, he will make a written request to your insurance company to approve coverage for obesity surgery.
