Preoperative Care

You will meet with your surgeon individually to discuss questions or concerns you may have about weight loss surgery. Your surgeon will make recommendations regarding any tests, procedures, or specialist consultations necessary before you can safely undergo weight loss surgery. Our nutritionist, Clinical Coordinator, and Administrative Coordinator will work closely with you throughout this process. Support Group meetings are held monthly to discuss both pre- and postoperative topics of concern. These meetings are available to our patients before and after surgery. Once all evaluation documentation has been received and reviewed by your surgeon, you will be scheduled for a pre-operative appointment with your surgeon to discuss his or her recommendations.

Aftercare

We want your weight loss to be as successful as possible, therefore our program offers you a lifetime commitment to your post-operative care, including:

• Support group
• Nutrition visits
• Surgeon visits
• Exercise guidance
• Educational literature

Insurance

Insurance approval must be obtained prior to your pre-operative appointment is scheduled. Our team can assist you with the approval process required by an insurance carrier. Some common reasons why the surgery is not approved include:

1. Lack of adequate documentation that a medically supervised diet has failed.
2. Patient does not meet weight criteria.
3. Patient does not have significant weight-related medical problems; as defined by their insurance company.
4. Patient has specific medical condition(s) or other circumstances that are contraindicated for weight loss surgery.
5. Insurance does not allow out-of-network facilities or doctors.
6. Lack of documentation of psychological, nutritional or medical clearances.

You also have the option to forego insurance. Self-pay rates are available from both Drexel Surgical Associates and Hahnemann University Hospital.