Preparing for Surgery

Getting Started

What are the steps involved in pursuing bariatric surgery?

1. It is required for all patients to attend one of our free information seminars before being seen in the office. At the seminar, you will obtain a bariatric questionnaire.
2. It is important that you answer all questions in the questionnaire. This is necessary in order to obtain approval for surgery from your insurance company.
3. During your initial consultation with Dr. Floch, the doctor will review your Questionnaire and discuss weight loss options.
4. Based on the surgical procedure you have chosen, as well as your BMI and past/current medical conditions, additional consultations will be arranged with one or more of the following:
   • Your primary care physician
   • An Endocrinologist
   • A Nutritionist (*required)
   • A Mental Health Counselor or Psychiatrist (*required)
   • A Pulmonologist
   • A Cardiologist
5. If you are already under treatment by a cardiologist, endocrinologist, mental health counselor, etc, an additional consultation may not be necessary.
6. Be aware that insurance companies will not approve surgery without consultations from a nutritionist and a mental health counselor. Unfortunately, not all medical insurances cover these expenses. You may incur fees for these visits “out of pocket”. Your insurance may then reimburse you according to the terms of your individual plan.
7. 7. In addition to the above consultation(s), the doctor may order one or more of the following blood tests and/or radiological exams:
   • Blood Test for H. Pylori
   • Thyroid screen (blood test)
   • Ultrasound of the gallbladder to rule out stones
   • Upper GI Series
   • Additional test as needed or recommended by another medical specialist
8. Your primary care physician may be asked to examine you to provide pre-operative clearance stating that you are physically able to undergo the procedure.
9. After you have been cleared by Fairfield County Bariatrics, all your information will be gathered and submitted to your insurance company for approval.Our office staff will be available to assist you in the approval process and in the coordination of your pre-op work up as necessary.
10. Once approval has been obtained, you will be scheduled to meet with your surgeon for a preoperative interview and review consent forms. This will occur 10 to 14 days prior to surgery.

PLEASE NOTE: We understand your desire to complete this process and schedule your surgery as soon as possible. Our office staff is working hard to prepare you for surgery. However, there are many steps that simply take time to complete. If you would like to contact our office, please do so via e-mail at chad@fcbariatrics.com If you do not have access to a computer, please call us at (203) 899-0744.