Our Process

New Patients:

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 is involved and requires that you work with us as a partner to achieve your goal.

Process Overview

Step 1 – Attend one of our weight loss clinic's 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 – After your seminar, our Bariatric Coordinator will contact you to arrange an appointment with her. At this time, she will provide you with valuable information regarding the process of surgery scheduling, insurance benefits and requirements (If Applicable) and also schedule your Consultation with Dr Jessee.

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 – Complete your Patient Portal prior to your consultation with Dr Jessee. Our Bariatric Coordinator will provide you a link to access our electronic medical records system. This MUST be completed prior to your consultation with Dr Jessee. This portal will be referred as a “Virtual Visit”.

Step 5 – Attend Consultation with Dr Jessee.

Step 6 – 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) 894-9777 and Dr. Lindsay (727) 341-1402, who specialize in Bariatric patients.

Step 7 – Attend the Pre-operative Nutrition Class taught by our program nutritionist, Pat Pedersen, RD, LDN, CDE.

Please note, Steps 5, 6 and 7 may be completed on the same day

Step 8 – While you and the Sun Coast Bariatrics Coordinator have been gathering the documented requirements for surgery, this is the time we are ready to submit to your insurance carrier for authorization (if applicable). *Please note, insurance approval can take anywhere from 15-30 days to complete. This is determined by your insurance carrier, not Dr Jessee. We understand this process can be long and frustrating, but we will continue to work on this until we have a response*

Step 9 – Schedule your surgery date! At this time, you will be given requisitions for pre-operative tests. (i.e. labs, EKG and chest X-ray). We will also discuss with you special clearances you may need like cardiac clearance, pulmonology clearance, etc. The results of all tests and clearances must be back to our office at least 1 week prior to your surgery. *Please note, pre op testing must be performed within 30 days of surgery or will need to be repeated*

Step 10 – Begin your pre-op diet (2 weeks before surgery)

Step 11 – Attend your pre-op appointment with Sun Coast Bariatrics

Existing Patients:

Existing patients, please log into your Patient Portal here and complete your Virtual Visit. Remember, Virtual Visits need to be completed prior to EVERY appointment with Sun Coast Bariatrics.

Recommended Optional Tools for your success:

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 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.
History of Obesity - Medical record requirements vary. A common requirement is documentation of up to 5-years history of obesity. One office visit note or progress note per year documenting your weight is all that is usually required.
BMI levels and associated health conditions - With BMI levels between 35 – 39.9 documentation of obesity related health conditions is required.
**Please note, as of 2/17/2011 the FDA approved the use of the LAP-BAND ® in individuals with BMI levels as low as 30.
Nutritional Evaluation - our weight loss clinic's on-staff Registered Dietitian, Pat Pedersen, RD, LDN, CDE provides classes that fulfill this requirement.