How to Start the Process of Weight Loss Surgery at The Nicholson Clinic

1. How to Start the Process of Weight Loss Surgery at The Nicholson Clinic If you are considering weight loss surgery, the process can seem overwhelming. However, at the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery we want to make it as easy as possible for our patients. We understand that weight loss surgery is a big decision, and we are here to help you every step of the way. At the Nicholson Clinic, we offer a variety of bariatric procedures including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND) removal, Single Anastomosis Duodenal Bypass (SADI) or the Loop Duodenal Switch, and revisional surgery. Our experienced surgeons will work with you to determine which procedure is best for your individual needs. The first step in the process is scheduling an initial consultation with one of our surgeons. This appointment gives us a chance to meet each other and discuss your medical history, lifestyle goals and expectations for weight loss surgery. During this consultation, our surgeons will explain the different bariatric procedures available so that you can make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you. We will need to verify your insurance coverage before scheduling your initial consultation or any appointments or tests. Our insurance specialists will contact you if there are any questions regarding your coverage or if additional information is needed from you or from your insurance carrier. If you don’t have coverage, don’t worry. We offer one of the lowest self-pay prices in town and offer affordable financing options with Care Credit. And if going the self-pay route, the process is quick - we can get you scheduled for a consultation within 1-2 weeks and surgery within 4 weeks from consult. For insurance to cover weight loss surgery, your BMI must be 35 to 39.9 w/a co-morbidity such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. If you have a BMI over 40, there is no co-morbidity needed. Most insurance companies have a process towards getting approval that could take anywhere from 1 to 6 months. This usually consists of dietitian visits and a psychiatric evaluation to make sure you are emotionally ready for the surgery. Once these steps are complete, we will send all the above documentation to your insurance company and help you secure approval for weight loss surgery. We’ll be there to help guide you through this process and make it as easy as possible. Once coverage has been verified, we can move forward with scheduling any necessary tests or appointments related to your bariatric procedure. Watch this short video with Denise, our Practice Manager and Donna, a Lead Coordinator as they discuss ‘Starting Your Weight Loss Journey’. At The Nicholson Clinic, patient education is key when it comes to weight loss surgery and achieving long-term success after surgery. If using insurance, patients will often need to meet

2. with a dietitian and a psychologist prior to surgery. These appointments provide essential information about life after bariatric surgery and adopting healthy eating habits and behavioral changes that must be adhered to after the procedure for it to be successful long-term. Once your appointment is scheduled, you can also join the Facebook Support Group up to two weeks prior to your surgery. Here patients can connect with others who have had similar experiences as well as access resources for on-going support. All of these resources are designed to help patients get prepared for their upcoming procedure, so they feel confident when it comes time for the actual day of surgery, and have the support they need after. At The Nicholson Clinic, we want all our patients to feel supported throughout their entire journey towards better health through weight loss surgery - from the initial consultation through post-op follow up visits - so that they can achieve long-term success in reaching their goals!