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Bariatric Care

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Program Steps

View the steps in a quick reference PDF.

1. Attend an intro class

Attend a free informational class to learn more about obesity, weight loss surgery and whether it is right for you.

Click here for dates and times.

2. Decide to pursue weight loss surgery

To help you decide if weight loss surgery is right for you, it's important to research the options. Talk to your doctor about the surgery and lifestyle changes needed for successful weight loss.

3. Complete health and diet history form

Fill out the health history form provided to you at the introductory class.

4. Meet with the Bariatrician and Bariatric Nurse Clinician

Bring your health history form to this meeting. The Bariatric Nurse Clinician will review it with you. She will also take your height, weight and body mass index (BMI).

You will then meet with Laurie Sund, MD, for a medical evaluation. Dr. Sund is one of 14 certified bariatricians (a doctor specializing in weight management) in Minnesota. Dr. Sund will also help you meet any insurance requirements for "physician monitored structured weight loss."

You will be given a "to do" list to be completed prior to being submitted or scheduled for surgery.

All of these things will help to determine if you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery.

5. Say “hello” to new eating and drinking habits

To prepare for life after surgery, it is helpful to practice:

Drinking 64 oz. of liquid each day
Not drinking liquids with meals
Eating small bites (no larger than the size of your small fingernail)
Chewing each bite 30 times to applesauce consistency
Eating slowly

6. Obtain a nutritional consultation

A consultation with a specially trained dietitian will help evaluate your understanding of the dietary changes you will need to make after surgery. The dietitian will also teach you about nutritional requirements and how to get them after surgery.

7. Obtain a physical therapy consultation

8. Obtain a health and behavioral assessment

A health and behavioral assessment will help determine if you are mentally and emotionally prepared for surgery, lifestyle changes and commitment that is necessary after surgery.

9. Meet with your surgeon to discuss surgical options

10. Attend Connections support group before surgery

Connections is a support group for Bariatric Care patients who are preparing for or have undergone weight loss surgery. It is a time dedicated to learning, listening and sharing with others.

11. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider

We encourage you to choose a primary care provider that is supportive of your decision to have weight loss surgery. He/she is the one who will continue to care for you following surgery, and is a big part of our Bariatric Care team.

12. Schedule appointments with specialists, as directed

Specialty consultations and blood work will be done to check for existing health conditions. We want you to have the best outcome possible, so it's important to make certain that the risks of having surgery do not outweight the risks of not having it.

13. Our insurance specialist submits information to your insurance company

It is important to call the member services telephone number on the back of your insurance card to determine whether or not weight loss surgery is covered by your insurance plan. When you have met all of the criteria, and we have all of the necessary information required by your insurance company, our insurance specialist will submit your case to the insurance company.

14. Receive insurance approval or denial

If you are approved, both your insurance company and HealthEast Bariatric Care will notify you. Sometimes you will hear from the insurance company before we do. Please note: we must have the actual approval notification from the insurance company before we can schedule you with the surgeon to set your surgery date.

15. Meet with your surgeon to discuss possible surgery date

At this appointment you will set a surgery date based upon your schedule, the surgeon's schedule and your pre-operative weight loss progress. It is also a good time to ask any questions you may have.

16. Attend the Bariatric Care pre-operative teaching class

We want to make sure that you are well prepared for your life after surgery! In this class you will review:

Benefits and risks of weight loss surgery
Lifestyle changes after surgery
Nutritional requirements after surgery
How to eat after surgery
Medical and support follow-up

17. Have surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital

18. Participate in the HealthEast Bariatric Care lifelong follow-up program

Our nurses and medical staff will guide you through your hospital stay and help prepare you for life after surgery.

19. Attend Connections or LapBand support group after surgery

Click here for details.

20. Experience new beginnings!

This is it. You have taken the first step to a new beginning.
Enjoy it!

Keep in mind that results may vary. As with all elective surgeries, weight loss surgery involves risks and responsibilities for patients. Consult your doctor to discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.