The decision to undergo surgery to control obesity should be considered very carefully and only be chosen after you’ve exhausted all other options for weight control. Bariatric surgery procedures are major surgery, and we recommend you review the risks and complications as well as the benefits equally. Weight loss surgery is only a tool; success after surgery depends on you, the patient. Below is the New Jersey Bariatric Center ’s guide on the pathway to surgery.
STEP 1: Obtain New Information Packet
Obtain new information packet via email or mail to see if surgery is right for you. This packet contains detailed instructions on how to proceed, including a checklist with everything you need to know to get started.
Prior to your office visit or educational seminar, you have the option to email us your insurance card information to see if your insurance company covers bariatric surgery. If you chose not to give this information prior to your first office visit, we will inform you of your bariatric coverage within one week of the visit.
Our informational seminar is a free, no-obligation presentation on weight loss surgery given by New Jersey Bariatric Surgeons Dr. Ajay Goyal and Dr. Glenn Forrester. The seminar will give you an overview of weight loss surgery, including benefits, risks, and alternatives, so you can better decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you. Seminars are regularly held in Summit , Hoboken and Elizabeth , New Jersey .
First, fill out the Health Questionnaire Form (Download Form) prior to your office visit.
During this consultation you will meet with our team including Dr. Goyal or Dr. Forrester, Nutritionist and our insurance specialist to discuss your surgery options. During your first visit, we will cover all aspects of our surgical program, patient follow-up and support programs.
New patient consultations usually range from 45 minutes to one hour long and you will need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. At your initial consultation, we will review your health and history form with you, and perform a physical examination.
STEP 4: Medical Testing
New Jersey Bariatric Center ’s approach to patient care has resulted in zero mortality and a complication rate that is lower than the national average. These surgical results stand out as some of the best in the country. To obtain these results we need your help.
Preoperative testing is essential to obtaining the best surgical weight loss results. Additionally, insurance companies require this before they will approve your surgery. Examples of common requirements include:
Psychological evaluations
Nutritional evaluations
Comprehensive Blood Tests
Chest X-ray and EKG
Attend Support Group Meeting
At New Jersey Bariatric Center , your health and safety are our primary concerns. By being dedicated to completing the process, you can help us schedule the surgery at your earliest convenience. (Insurance Process)
STEP 5: Insurance Authorization
Once you have completed all testing and insurance requirements, we will submit your paperwork to insurance companies to get surgical approval.
For patients not using health insurance to pay for surgery, we offer competitive prices and attractive financing options through CareCredit. (Insurance & Self Pay)
STEP 5: Pre-Surgery Educational Class and SURGERY
After all preoperative testing is done you will be given a surgical date and be required to attend a Pre-Surgery Educational Class two weeks before surgery. The purpose of this class is to make sure you have a good understanding of surgery (benefits, risks, necessity of behavior modification), and to review the test results from your preoperative evaluation.
FINAL STEP: SURGERY
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