Getting Started

Am I a Candidate?

To be considered a candidate for weight loss surgery, all of the following criteria must apply:

  • Weight criteria:
    • BMI of 40 or more , OR …
    • BMI of 35 or more with obesity-related co-morbidities (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc)
  • Failure of other prior treatments to control obesity (diet, exercise, etc)
  • Absence of medical or psychological contra-indications for surgery
  • Acceptable risk for major surgery (to be determined by the surgeon, along with appropriate consulting specialists if needed)

Details will be discussed with each patient at the initial office consultation.

How do I get started?

People who want to be considered for surgical weight loss operation should do the following:

  1. The first step is to complete the SWLP Screening Questionnaire
  2. People who are likely to qualify will be given a packet with more information, and a more detailed history will be obtained
  3. All patients must attend one of the 2-hour SWLP Education classes
  4. All patients must undergo psychological evaluation
  5. Patients are then scheduled for individual evaluation and examination with the surgeon*
  6. Based on individual assessment, the surgeon may decide to obtain consultation with other medical specialties before surgery
  7. All necessary documentation is submitted for insurance approval
  8. Surgery usually is scheduled within 4-6 weeks after seeing the surgeon

*Note: you will NOT have an appointment with the surgeon until all paperwork is completed and all necessary documentation is received!

For further details, call the Hickory Surgical Clinic at (828) 327-9178

Which Hospital?

The surgeons of the Hickory Surgical Clinic all perform the same weight loss operations at both Frye Regional Medical Center, and at Catawba Valley Medical Center, both in Hickory, NC.

Financial

Will my insurance pay for my operation?

Once a person has been identified as an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery, then other documentation may be required in order to obtain insurance coverage:

  • Letter of referral from doctor
  • Five (5) years of medical documentation
  • documented weights
  • documented weight-related health problems (if present)
  • Documented participation in a professionally supervised diet program within the last 12 months
  • Recent thyroid panel (within the last 12 months)
  • Psychological evaluation (required for all patients)

Please note that the criteria for coverage varies among insurance carriers, and the items listed above may or may not be required by your insurance. Please contact your personal insurance carrier or human resources department to find out about your personal coverage requirements.

Please note that although the procedure may be covered by your insurance, some insurance company reimbursement rates do not cover our costs and are therefore not accepted by our office. As of October 2003 we will no longer accept Medicaid for weight loss surgery.

For further details, call the Hickory Surgical Clinic at (828) 327-9178