Process for Potential Obesity Surgery Patients

At the Winthrop Surgical Weight Loss Program, we want our patients to be well informed about everything involved in obesity surgery procedures performed at our Long Island, New York facility. Several stages of preparation are required of all potential patients in order to make sure that their treatments will be safe and successful.

Step 1:
Determine Eligibility

The first step in the obesity surgery process is to attend a free seminar as a precursor to the initial consultation, at which we will determine whether you are a viable candidate. Once we establish that you are eligible, you will be scheduled for a pre-surgery consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons.

• Sign up for a free seminar
• Find out if  you are a candidate for bariatric surgery
• Meet our bariatric surgeons
• Surgery for lower BMI patients
• Frequently Asked Questions

Step 2:
Enroll in a Support Group

We encourage all patients who are considering obesity surgery to attend one of our support groups. Potential patients can speak with people who have had bariatric surgery and get an idea of what life is like after the procedure. Support group meetings are held once a month and cover both pre- and postoperative issues.

• Learn more with a support group recap
• See our support group schedule
• About morbid obesity

Step 3:
Prepare Patient Forms

To save time in the waiting room and simplify the process, please fill out our New Patient Packet and History Form and bring them with you to your consultation. We can mail or fax them to you before your consultation.

Step 4:
Insurance Pre-authorization

If you are using insurance to cover the cost of obesity surgery, you will need to submit information to your insurance company for authorization. Your insurer may also require that you obtain a referral from your primary care physician prior to your obesity surgery consultation. Medicare patients have a slightly different process to follow. We are happy to assist with verifying qualification criteria and help navigate the unique intricacies of Medicare coverage.

• Learn more about Paying for Bariatric Surgery
• Insurance Accepted

Step 5:
Pre-Consultation Nutrition Class

You must attend one of these classes prior to attending your private consultation with one of our Nutritionists; Michele or Arlene.

• 2021 Pre-Consultation Nutrition Class Schedule
• 2020 Pre-Consultation Nutrition Class Schedule
• FAQ’s
• Our Nutrition Blog & Recipes

Step 6:
Attend a Pre-surgery Consultation

During your pre-surgery consultation, you will receive a detailed account of the process of undergoing obesity surgery at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. You will meet with one of our surgeons; Dr. Collin Brathwaite, Dr. Jun Levine, Dr. Venkata Kella, Dr. Owen Pyke, and/or Dr. Gloria Chu who will answer any questions you may have about the procedure. You will also meet the other team members involved in your surgery and treatment program, including our registered dietician and our psychologist by appointment.

In addition, you will be weighed so that we have a starting point with which to compare and track your future weight loss. You will have a nutritional and dietary assessment performed so that our team can create your personalized postoperative diet plan. We will also provide details about recovery and the long-term follow-up steps required of our obesity surgery patients.

Standalone hiatal hernia surgery is a straightforward procedure and patients are usually able to go home the next day.