Marquette General Bariatric & Metabolic Center
Steps to Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is an important decision. We encourage you to learn as much as you can about the surgery and the lifestyle adjustments that are needed to be successful.
Following the steps to weight loss surgery assists you in making an informed choice that is right for you. If you would like more information at any point in this very important journey, call our office at 225-7979 or 1 888 655-7979 or email us at weightloss@mgh.org.
Marquette General patients complete the following steps. Each step is
discussed in detail following this list.
1. Public Seminar
2. Insurance Verification
3. New Patient Education Day
4. Multidisciplinary Day
5. Surgery and your inpatient stay
6. Post-surgical follow-up
Public Seminar: This program provides information on the types of weight loss surgery, criteria for surgery, guidelines to follow before and after surgery, and the lifestyle changes that are necessary for long-term success. The program provides an opportunity to meet Dr. Wayne English and members of our multi-disciplinary team.
When: The 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00pm EST unless otherwise announced.
Where: MGH Conference Center. Video conferencing may be available in your community. Call or email for more information.
Cost: No charge
Registration is encouraged. Call or email to let us know you will be in attendance.
225-7979 or 1 888-655-7979 or weightloss@mgh.org
Insurance Verification: It’s never too early to contact your insurance carrier. Insurance carriers and individual plans vary in coverage for surgical weight loss and related services. It’s important for you to contact your carrier to determine the bariatric surgery coverage and requirements specific to your plan. We can help, but it’s ultimately up to you.
The following questions will help in discussing coverage with your insurance carrier:
1. Do I have coverage for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery?
2. What criteria do I need to meet in order to be considered for this surgery?
3. Is there a requirement for medically supervised weight loss program?
4. What medical documentation needs to be submitted for bariatric surgery consideration?
5. Do I have a pre-existing clause?
Your insurance carrier may ask for the following:
· Diagnosis Code 278.01
· Procedure Code for laparoscopic surgery 43644
· Procedure Code for open 43846
· Procedure Code for a revision 43848
· Procedure Codes for nutrition counseling
· Procedure Code for psychological assessment
New Patient Education Day: If you believe surgical weight loss is right for you, and that you meet the criteria, call our office to schedule a New Patient Education Day appointment. During this appointment we work with you to determine appropriateness for surgery and provide further education.
Plan on spending 4 hours at our clinic. This appointment will include further group education on the surgical procedure and lifestyle changes, a discussion with Dr. English and a nurse, an introduction to the bariatric diet, an opportunity to meet individually with our patient advocate, and a new patient office visit with Dr. English or his physician assistant.
When: New Patient Education Day appointments are generally available every Thursday. Specific times and dates will be provided to you when you call for an appointment.
Format: Small group format followed by individual appointments with the patient advocate and Dr. English or his physician assistant.
Where: Surgical Weight Loss clinic at Marquette General Hospital. Enter the hospital through the east entrance and take the elevator to the fourth floor. Valet parking is available at the hospital’s main entrance. Wheelchairs are available in lobbies.
Cost: $30 program fee. In addition, your insurance will be billed for a new patient visit, and you will be responsible for deductible and co-pay.
Contact Your Primary Care Physician: We work with your primary care physician to give you the best health care possible. Your primary care physician can assist you with the documentation necessary to meet insurance criteria. He/she will also make the formal referral that allows us to coordinate your care.
Request that medical notes related to obesity, and a referral, be sent to:
Wayne English, MD
Marquette General Surgical Weight Loss.
580 West Magnetic Street
Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: 906 225-7979 or 1 888-655-7979
Fax: 906 225-4815 or 906 225-7997
Multidisciplinary Day: Approximately 4-6 weeks before surgery you will be scheduled for Multidisciplinary Day. Expect to spend 4-6 hours in this process. You will meet with the health psychologist for psychological testing and evaluation, with a registered dietitian for nutritional counseling, with a physical therapist for fitness evaluation, with an anesthesiologist for pre-surgery assessment, and have a comprehensive physical exam. You will also have a chest x-ray, upper GI study, and have blood drawn for lab tests. If indicated, you will be scheduled for further testing prior to clearance for surgery.
When: On an individual basis when all above steps have been completed and you are ready for surgery.
Where: Marquette General Hospital
Cost: $110.00 program fee. In addition, your insurance will be billed for labs, x-ray, psychological exam, physical exam, and any additional testing/clearance indicated by your personal health status. You will be responsible for insurance deductibles and co-pays.
Surgery and Hospitalization: The average length of stay for lap band placement is 1 day, laparoscopic surgery is 2 days, and for open surgery, 3-4 days. This is based on an uncomplicated recovery, and each patient is assessed for discharge according to his/her health status. You will be given specific guidelines for nutrition and activities prior to discharge.
Post-Surgical Follow-up: You will be scheduled for routine follow-up appointments with Dr. English and the staff at Surgical Weight Loss. It is highly recommended that you participant in support groups.
Two support groups are offered for surgical weight loss patients:
Immediate post surgery support group is open to patients who have had bariatric surgery at MGH within the past three months. Dr. English leads the group in discussions on post surgical issues and concerns. Multidisciplinary team members are present to discuss issues such as nutrition and lifestyle changes.
This group meets every third Tuesday of the month from 4:30pm to 5:30pm EST in 3rd floor conference room. Video conferencing is available upon request.
Ongoing support group is primarily for those who have had bariatric surgery including those who have had surgery at other centers. In addition, those who are considering bariatric surgery are welcome to attend. Dr. English facilitates the group and members of the multidisciplinary team are present to address issues and concerns. Occasionally, a guest speaker will lecture on bariatric-related topics.
This group meets every third Tuesday of the month from 5:450pm to 6:45pm EST in the MGH conference center. Video conferencing is available upon request.
