Our Process
We are excited that you are pursuing a permanent solution for weight control! We are here to help. The following is an overview of the steps designed to prepare you for your gastric banding surgery – and the rest of your life.
Patients wishing to use health benefits have additional insurance company requirements that vary by carrier and plan, and are discussed in more detail at the bottom of this page.The insurance approval process process is involved and requires that you work with us as a partner to achieve your goal.
Step 1 – Attend one of our free informational sessions. Self-pay patients can schedule their appointments immediately. We encourage you to look into your benefits by calling the number on your ID card and asking about procedure 43770 – Adjustable Gastric Banding. Please be aware that not all insurance plans cover the procedure.
Step 2 (Insurance Only) – After your seminar, if you are pursuing insurance coverage, our office will contact you after we have confirmed your benefits to discuss what is necessary to get your surgery approved.
Step 3 – View Emmi. Emmi is a brief 30-minute online educational module. Your Sun Coast Bariatrics contact will send you an email or paper instructions with a password to access Emmi. This session must be viewed prior to your consultation.
Step 4 – Schedule your pre-surgical consultation with Dr. Jessee. All patients must complete our patient Portal prior to your visit. Click here to register in the portal. We will also need a signed Release of Information in order to request the necessary records and medical clearance. Bring signed Office Paperwork to your appointment.
Step 5 – Obtain a psychological evaluation. The psychological evaluation is required and is intended to make sure you are ready for surgery. Dr. Jessee works with two licensed psychologists, Dr. Baum (727) 894-9777and Dr. Lindsay (727) 341-1402 that specialize in Bariatric patients.
Step 6 – Obtain some simple pre-operative tests (i.e. labs, EKG and chest X-ray). At your consultation you will be given instructions on how to complete your testing. Testing must be back to our office at least a week prior to your surgery.
Step 7 – Attend the Pre-operative Nutrition Class taught by our program nutritionist, Pat Pedersen, RD, LDN, CDE.
Step 8 – Obtain a signed Medical Clearance Form from your attending doctor. Your doctor may require additional tests in order to feel comfortable that you are healthy enough for surgery. Clearance must be received at least one week prior to your surgery. If medical clearance cannot be obtained your procedure will be postponed.
Recommended Optional Tools for your success:
- Registering on My LAP-BAND® Journey for LAP-BAND® patients, or Realize My Success™ for Realize™ Band patients. These sites offer comprehensive support and information for your journey. It is highly recommended that you register as soon as you decide which band you prefer - or check out both!
- An optional Orientation File is available for you to view. This file discusses your surgery day and diet before and after your surgery.
For Adjustable Gastric Band and Gastric Bypass Surgery Insurance Patients:
Dr. Jessee accepts most major insurances. Requirements for approval are dictated by your insurance company, not Sun Coast Bariatrics. Almost all Insurance companies require pre-authorization for this procedure. Your Sun Coast team will work with you to obtain the necessary information. Below is a summary of common requirements. At the bottom of this page are some helpful documents for obtaining insurance coverage in Documents for Insurance Patients. Here are some common requirements:
- Letter of Medical Necessity - All insurances require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your attending doctor or PCP. We have provided a sample Letter of Medical Necessity to provide to your attending doctor as an example of a comprehensive letter.
- Physician Supervised Conservative Diet - Many insurances require a physician supervised conservative diet attempt of 3 to 6 months. If you have already completed this, obtain your records and we will review them to see if they fulfill this requirement. If you are beginning your diet, we recommend that you bring our Supervised Weight Loss Attempt form with you to share with your doctor. It ensures that your doctor is documenting all the necessary information required by most insurance companies.
- History of Obesity - Medical record requirements vary. Some common requirements include up to 5-year history of obesity and for BMI's of 35 - 39.9, documentation of health problems associated with obesity. One office visit note or progress note per year documenting your weight is all that is usually required.
- Nutritional Evaluation - our on-staff Registered Dietitian, Pat Pedersen, RD, LDN, CDE provides classes that fulfill this requirement.
Medical Clearance Form
Form for attending physician to complete at least a week prior to surgery to clear patient for surgery
Release of Information
Release to obtain medical records
Office Paperwork
Please sign the first 3 pages of this document and bring it with you to your consult.