Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

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Choosing weight loss surgery requires careful consideration and commitment. When you are ready to take the first step, use these guidelines to make the process as smooth as possible. Simply click a step description to view.

Step 1:
Decide if weight loss surgery is right for you

Step 2:
Find an experienced bariatric surgeon that you feel comfortable with

Step 3:
Begin your weight loss surgery journey

Step 4:
Wait for surgical authorization

Step 5:
Attend the Pre-surgical Exercise and Nutrition Class

Step 1: Is weight loss surgery right for you?

Investigate the risks, benefits, and the impact that gastric bypass has upon daily life. Be cautious about where you receive your information. Many sources contain bad information, so be sure to get your facts from qualified professionals or reputable resources. This website is a great place to begin. If you want to conduct further research, much of the medical information provided here is linked to other reliable websites and medical journals.

Talk to your family doctor about whether weight loss surgery is right for you. Discuss your medical history and the diets and exercise programs you’ve tried in the past. If you are in agreement that weight loss surgery may be an option for you, ask your doctor whom he/she recommends for your surgery.

Step 2: Find an experienced bariatric surgeon that you feel comfortable with

A bariatric surgeon is the best person to talk to about your concerns with surgery. Elements which distinguish the top bariatric surgical practices from others in the country include:

ASBS Bariatric Center of Excellence designation
Surgical practice dedicated exclusively to bariatrics, or whose surgeon(s) performs at least 125 bariatric surgery procedures each year
Promotion education through its comprehensive approach to weight loss before and after surgery with nutrition, exercise, and wellness guidance
Involvement with peer support groups for patient participation
Communication with the patient at every stage in the pathway to surgery and throughout the road to recovery
Commitment to long-term patient follow-up

Step 3: Begin your weight loss surgery journey

Described below is the process to become a patient of Synergy Bariatrics. Other programs have similar requirements, but there may be slight variations.

- Attend a general information seminar hosted by Synergy Bariatrics
The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the surgical team, medical professionals, office staff, and to learn of their experience with bariatric surgery. You will also review the risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes of weight loss surgery and receive information about office policies, insurance participation (link to insurance coverage) and their requirements, and finance options.

Synergy Bariatrics offers two seminar options:

1) Register for an in-person seminar offered quarterly by Dr. Caruana by calling his office at (716) 565-3991 or toll free at (800) 535-8236.

2) View this seminar at your convenience online. This program may be accessed from this site. Click here request a username and password by email.

- Complete the new patient registration packet
Download and print a copy of the registration packet provided in the online program. Complete is and send to our office.

- Obtain a physician referral from your family doctor if needed
Check your policy for details. Once Synergy Bariatrics has received your registration packet, a copy of your insurance card(s) and driver’s license, and a valid referral (if needed), you will be contacted to schedule your appointment.

- Meet surgeon in the office for your initial consultation and examination During your visit, the surgeon will review your social, family and medical history and ask the reasons why you wish to have gastric bypass. He will explain the appropriateness of the procedure to you and whether or not he feels the risks outweigh the potential benefits. Details of the surgery will be reviewed and he will talk to you about recovery, time off from work, and the commitment he would like you to make regarding lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up with him and his medical team. Use this opportunity to ask any unanswered questions and express your concerns.

- Submit a typed (if possible) diet history to Synergy Bariatrics. Insurance carriers require their subscribers to include a typed history of the attempts to achieve weight loss in the past as part of their request to pay for surgery. Click here to download and print a sample of this report from your computer.

- Obtain a letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician.
In addition to a referral, insurance carriers require their subscribers to include a letter from their primary care physician attesting their agreement that gastric bypass should be performed. The requirements of this letter are very specific. Click here to download and print a sample of this letter to take to your primary care physician.

- Undergo a psychological evaluation. Most insurance carriers require their subscribers to see a psychologist or psychiatrist at least once before weight loss surgery to help patients establish a better understanding of the behavior changes essential for long-term success. To read more about this presurgical psychological evaluation, click here.

A psychological evaluation is necessary in all patients who have been treated for depression within the past five years and in patients who have taken mood stabilizing drugs within the past five years. To download and print a list of psychiatric professionals who have been approved to provide a pre-surgical evaluation for our patients, click here.

Step 4: Wait for Surgical Authorization
Once you have fulfilled the requirements above, Synergy Bariatrics will request authorization for surgery from your insurance company. This can taka a few weeks. Once we receive the letter of approval from the insurance company we will contact you to schedule your surgery.

Step 5: Attend the Pre-surgical Exercise and Nutrition Class

Once the remaining requirements have been met, Synergy Bariatrics will request approval for gastric bypass from your insurance company. Upon authorization, your surgery will be scheduled. As part of our commitment to providing a comprehensive program of education and support, patients are required to attend a structured pre-surgical exercise and nutrition class provided by our partners at Synergy Health & Fitness Associates, Inc.

- Meet with our Registered Dietitian. Changes to your digestive system and its implications on nutrition after gastric bypass will be explained by our registered dietian. Information about the phases of food progression, use of multiple vitamin and mineral supplements, the importance of protein and adequate fluid intake, and other concerns should be discussed. For a glimpse of what to expect after gastric bypass, click here for more specific nutrition guidelines.

- Meet with our Exercise Physiologist. Emphasis on regular physical activity will be addressed by Paul, our Exercise Physiologist. He will describe the components of a proper fitness routine, like core, flexibility, and balance training for example, and even demonstrate exercises which you can do to prepare for surgery. For more information about the benefits of resistance training and other exercises which help preserve lean muscle tissue, promote dramatic, sustainable weight loss, and improve posture throughout weight redistribution, click here.

- Attend a peer support group at least once prior to surgery. Peer support groups are a great resource for patients. Talking to others who are also considering surgery or have already taken that step can help you feel more comfortable with your decision. Share your concerns and ask them questions about their own experiences. For a list of Synergy Bariatrics approved support groups that meet in the Western New York and nearby areas, click here.