Weight-loss surgery

Frequently asked questions

Pre-surgery Surgery Recovery Weight loss

Scarring/reconstructive surgery Post-surgery care Financial/insurance Miscellaneous

Pre-surgery

Do I qualify for surgery?

The process involved in consideration for surgery is lengthy and can be complicated. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight or have a body mass index of 40 or greater. Consideration will be made for patients with a body mass index of 35 or greater if you have two or more major medical complications related to obesity.
• You must have a documented weight loss effort. This usually means that your primary care doctor has documented that they have followed you for weight loss counseling. You may need to provide the last five years of your medical records for documentation.
• You must contact your insurance company and inquire if your specific policy covers weight-loss surgery. Many insurance companies have an exclusion policy that will not pay for these procedures. Your alternative is to pay the expense yourself.
• Before you are submitted to an insurance company for preauthorization, you will be required to have a psychological evaluation to assess whether or not you can comply with the necessary steps involved with this surgery and lifelong changes. This does not need to be completed before you attend the information session.
• Insurance companies usually require that you have a medical need to have surgery. They will not pay for this surgery simply because you are overweight. Specific medical needs are discussed at the free informational session.

How can I start the process to have weight loss surgery?

• Before you can have an evaluation to be considered for surgery, you are required to attend an informational session.
• When the packet of information you received at the information session is completed and returned to Dr. Bruderer, you will receive a call to schedule an appointment with the doctor to discuss your needs and questions. A referral letter from your primary care doctor should be sent to Dr. Bruderer's office. This will help in getting reimbursement from your insurance company for the consult charge.
• During the clinic session, if you decide to proceed with the surgery, a review of your medical records will be done, a physical examination will be performed, additional tests may be ordered and a photo will be taken. Your information will then be submitted to your insurance company for preauthorization.
• If and when your insurance company approves you and Dr. Bruderer's office has received the approval letter, the nurse will call you to set up a surgery date. The entire process usually takes several months to complete and may require three to four visits to the clinic and/or hospital. Don't get frustrated. You have the rest of your life to reap the benefits of this surgery.

top

Can pre-op evaluation be done with my family doctor?

Yes. That can be arranged. We insist that your primary doctor be part of your care before and after the surgery.

Why do I have to attend an information session before surgery?

To learn more about the surgery and to assure you are making the right decision at the right time. It makes you a more informed patient and facilitates your care. It is highly advisable to bring friends and family members with you to the meeting.

Is there a waiting list to have surgery?

Yes. We are booked around one month in advance, but if there is a reason you need to have surgery by a certain date, that can be discussed.

How long does it take from the time I turn my paperwork in to the scheduled date of surgery?

Once we receive your paperwork, we verify your insurance and schedule you for a consultation. After that, it depends on how long it takes for your insurance company to approve your surgery. Once they approve the treatment, it is just a matter of scheduling the pre-op work and the surgery. Please allow three weeks after submitting your papers before you call to check the status.

top

Psychological evaluation doctors

Bismarck Medcenter One Mental Health Center 323.6543 Richard Arndorfer, Ph.D. Mark J. Hanlon, Ph.D. Claudette Reno, Ph.D. Peter Peterson, Ph.D. Matt Doppler, Ph.D. John Collins, Ph.D.

Dickinson Robert Baer—483-9720 Shelly Goodrich—225-1050 Carrington John Collins, Ph.D.—1-800-526-8648 Devils Lake Greg Volk, Ph.D.—662-1911 Grand Forks Keith Erickson, M.D.—775-2500 Thomas Peterson, M.D.—775-2500 Jamestown Medcenter One Jamestown Clinic John Collins, Ph.D.—1-800-526-8648 Minot Julie Rickert, Ph.D.—858-6700 Williston James Keck, Ph.D.—774-7477

top