Program Requirements
Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?
- BMI over 40
- BMI more than 35 with underlying conditions (comorbidities)
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea
- GERD (acid reflux/heartburn)
- High cholesterol
- Degenerative joint disease (arthritis)
- Fatty liver
- Prepared to make a lifelong change in your relationship with food and weight
- Family or social support to help you recover from surgery and support lifelong changes
Who does not qualify?
- Younger than age 18
- Addiction to drugs, alcohol or nicotine within the last two years
- Plans to become pregnant in the next 24 months (about two years)
- History of psychiatric illness — stabilized for at least one year
Pathway to surgery
Step 1: Virtual seminar through Baritrax360
Step 2: Insurance verification
Step 3: Complete consultation with the Willis Knighton Bariatric Surgery team
- Patient navigator
- Bariatric dietitian
- Behavioral modification counselor
- Surgeon/Mid-level providers
Step 4: Complete our introductory program and insurance requirements. This step includes six visits with our bariatric team AND:
- PCP medical clearance
- Other medical clearances
- Medical records - two years
- Support group
- Exercise consultation
Step 5: Attend mandatory pre-op class (four weeks before surgery)
Step 6: Attend two week pre-op office visit
Step 7: Surgery
Step 8: Aftercare
Although each person’s plan may vary, the steps listed are the requirements of our program and cover most insurance requirements to authorize surgery. Our patient navigator helps you understand your individual insurance requirements. Your plan will be adjusted if additional steps or testing are needed. You are the most important piece of this pathway. Our team is here to support your needs and provide support and education.
NOTE: Bariatric surgery is not for everyone. Our goal is to share all the information available to make an informed decision. We cover what procedures are available to you and who is a candidate for bariatric surgery.
If you are not a candidate for surgery, please contact us about our nonsurgical weight loss program at 318-212-6940.
