Getting Started

North Colorado Medical Center Bariatric Center

Getting Started

Steps to a Healthier New You
This worksheet is designed to guide you through the steps that need to be taken prior to having Bariatric Surgery at the North Colorado Medical Center.

Steps for Bariatric surgery image of the number one

Step 1: Determine Your Candidacy

The best way to determine your candidacy is to call the office and speak with our Clinic Business Specialist, Angie, at 866-569-5926!
You must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, or have a BMI greater than 35 along with at least one serious health problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or diabetes.
You should have a history of being unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time.

Step 2 of Bariatric Surgery at the North Colorado Medical Center

Step 2: Get Educated!

Attend one of the Information Sessions offered through our program. If you cannot attend an Information Session, we will send you a DVD with the content of an Information Session and some Patient Testimonials.
Read the information provided for you on this web site about "Bariatric Surgery".
Read the "Patient Handbooks".

Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility & Make Your Appointments

Contact us to confirm your eligibility and make your appointments.
You may contact our office by phone: 866-569-5926 or by e-mail.
We will ask you a few medical questions to make sure you meet basic eligibility requirements for surgery.
If you are a possible surgical candidate:
- Two consecutive appointments will be made for you.
- One appointment will be with a nurse, followed by one with Dr. Johnell.

Step 4: Verification of Insurance Coverage

If you plan to use your health insurance to cover your surgery costs, we will contact your insurance to find out if Gastric Bypass or LAP-BAND® is a covered benefit under your plan, as well as the specifics of your coverage.
Insurance coverage, cash pay, and financing options can be discussed at the time of your consultation appointment.

Step 5 of Bariatric Surgery at the North Colorado Medical Center

Step 5: Complete your Forms

Complete your health history forms.
Carefully read the handbooks and take the True/False quiz for the procedure of your choice.
- Bring the completed tests and other forms with you to your consultation appointments.
- You may choose to fax your forms.
- Forms must be completed prior to your appointment.

Step 6 of Bariatric Surgery at the North Colorado Medical Center

Step 6: Appointment with the Nurse

During this visit, the nurse will evaluate you for requirements of candidacy. She will determine if you are eligible to go forward with your consultation with the surgeon.
During your visit with the nurse your BMI and ideal body weight will be calculated, and preoperative vitamin/mineral supplements, and exercise information will be reviewed.
She will also discuss time off from work, getting back to normal activities, support from family and friends, emotional and psychological changes, and post-op support activities.

Step 7: Appointment with the Doctor

If you meet the criteria for candidacy after the nurse screens you, you will continue with your appointment with the surgeon. Patients who do not meet criteria for surgery, may or may not go forward with a visit from the surgeon. Patients who do not meet with the surgeon, not be charged for the visit.
If you continue on with your consultation with the surgeon, he will discuss and clarify your medical history, conduct a brief physical examination, and make a determination regarding your eligibility for weight loss surgery.
If you are deemed a candidate, he will discuss with you the benefits, expected outcomes, risks, complications, and contraindications of the different procedures.

Step 8: Insurance Authorization

After consulting with the surgeon, most patients make the decision to have surgery at this time, and the insurance approval process begins.
However, you may choose to delay your decision and call back at a later time.
Following your consultation visits we prepare and send a “pre-approval” request to your insurance company.

Step 9: Behavioral Screening

A behavioral evaluation with a qualified psychologist is a requirement of our program. We will explain how to arrange this appointment. Depending on your insurance coverage, there may be an out-of-pocket expense for the behavioral evaluation.

Step 10: Scheduling For Surgery

When we obtain approval for surgery from your insurance carrier, our office will contact you to schedule your surgery date.
You will receive a packet of information for home study to prepare for pre-op class. Completion of a quiz is also required before you come to the class.

Step 11: Pre-operative Testing

You will also be scheduled for your preoperative labs, classes, and exams.
Your pre-op visit with the surgeon will be scheduled at this time.
Labs and x-rays are usually obtained in Greeley @ NCMC or Summit View Medical Commons, but an alternative location can be arranged.

Step 12: Pre-operative Class

You will also be scheduled for a mandatory pre-op class prior to surgery. Classes are held on Mondays.
Nutrition, dietary and behavior change requirements, exercise, and facts about your hospital stay are covered in the class.
Dr. Johnell will also review the Informed Consent document during class.

Step 13: Support Group

All patients and their families are invited to attend support groups before and after surgery.
Although not mandatory, we recommend that patients attend a meeting before surgery.
Meetings are held once a month at NCMC--check with our office for the location.
Or, if you live outside of the area, you are encouraged to attend a bariatric support group closer to your home.

Step 14: Pre-operative Visit

You will have a brief physical exam by the PA or NP.
You will be asked to sign your surgical consent at this visit.

Step 15: Surgery!

Date :___________________________________