Program Overview - Hays Medical Center

Bariatrics

785-623-5000 | Submit an Email
2500 Canterbury Drive
Hays, KS 67601 | Directions

At Hays Medical Center your treatment is more than just a medical procedure. It is a complete program of support and is designed to assist you to New Health! New You! You will receive guidance through each step of the process. If you would like more information or to see if you qualify for weight loss surgery, please contact the Southwind Surgical office at 785-623-5945.

The Process:

1) Contact Bariatric Program Nursing Staff

Contact the bariatric program nursing staff at 785-623-5945.

2) Complete Health Questionnaire

Complete and return the Health Questionnaire – You will receive this form from the nurse.

3) Initial Surgical Consult

Our bariatric surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery in addition to answering questions you may have regarding the surgical process itself. The nursing staff will review and assist with beginning the required testing process.

4) Initial Insurance Approval

If you are considered an appropriate candidate for surgery and we have all the necessary documentation, a letter will be sent to your insurance company requesting preauthorization. Various insurance companies require 3-9 month physician directed weight loss programs including behavioral modification, exercise therapy and nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian. This can be a lengthy process to complete.

5) Get Moving!

Once you have made contact with the bariatric program, it is time to start your regular daily physical activity. The challenge is to begin your exercise program now so that you will be better prepared for your surgery and have fewer complications after the surgical process. Remember, before starting any exercise program, you should consult your primary care physician and get a medical clearance to exercise.

6) Psychological Evaluation/Clearance

A requirement for our program is that you make an appointment for a complete psychological evaluation to explore your readiness for surgery. The goal of treatment prior to surgery is to prepare candidates for the upcoming stressors and changes. It is crucial to your ultimate outcome to disclose your current psychological and social state, and to work with your mental health care provider in creating a plan to prepare you for the stressors and success which lie ahead. This can be completed prior to your initial surgical consult or arrangements can be made after that appointment.

7) Complete Medical Testing

It is necessary to follow the surgeon’s instructions with regards to pre-op testing and clearances. This will all be arranged after the initial appointment with the surgeon.

8) Dietary Consult

An additional program requirement is a consult with a registered dietitian. The dietitian will meet with you before and several visits after surgery. Depending on your insurance requirements, there may be additional pre-op visits. Candidates with a BMI of 50 or more may be asked to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program.

9) Exercise Physiologist

After conducting a personal evaluation of your fitness level, our exercise physiologist will discuss the benefits of exercise both before and after surgery. In addition, the two of you will develop an exercise program that fits your specific needs and that is adaptable during each step of the bariatric surgical process. The package fee includes your one on one exercise therapy sessions through the cardiovascular program at The Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center.

10) Pre Surgical Visit

You will meet with the bariatric surgeon and nursing staff. You will receive information regarding your surgery, pre op testing/diet requirements and hospital stay. A tentative surgery date will be discussed but cannot be definite until written insurance approval is received.

11) Financial Insurance Approval

Once the pre surgical visit with the surgeon is complete, a final letter of approval is sent to your insurance company for review. This process can take anywhere from just a few days to a month depending on their requirements or review process. The surgery date can be scheduled and confirmed once the insurance approval process is complete.

12) Post-Op Clinical Visits

You will be seen in the office one week post operatively. In routine cases, your next visit will be in 4-5 weeks from the date of surgery. This will include an appointment with the dietitian at this visit. Routine visits with both the surgeon and dietitian are at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. You will continue to see the surgeon at 1 year and yearly up to 5 years.