Planning for Bariatric Surgery

Planning for Surgery
Once a patient is cleared for surgery, Greenwich Hospital’s bariatric program coordinator is there to provide emotional support as well as specialized, individual attention in the areas of insurance, pre-surgery education and training with a dietician and physical therapist as well as after-care.

Preadmission
The program coordinator conducts preoperative interviews by telephone or in person with all patients scheduled for surgery to explain:

• what is involved with the procedure
• how to prepare for surgery, including nutritional information
• what to expect during the hospital stay
• how to prepare for returning home after surgery
• follow-up physical therapy and nutritional guidance

The program coordinator makes sure that all the necessary preoperative tests have been done and conducts a complete review of the patient’s medical and psychological history. Any needs the patient has, such as translation services or transportation, are discussed.

Preparing for Surgery 

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More about Admitting >>

Learn more about bariatric surgery in our Patient Education Fact Sheets Library >>

Discharge Planning
Discharge planning begins before the procedure, with the preadmission interview.

Patients who are scheduled for ambulatory surgery, often called “same-day surgery,” receive discharge instructions during the preadmission planning. They will receive them again after they are admitted to the hospital.

Patients who stay longer will review discharge information with the care team during their hospital stay. An individualized plan will be developed, often in collaboration with physicians, nurses, case workers and others to address a variety of patient needs. These include transportation, support services, home care and medication management.

To learn more about discharge procedures >>

Billing and Payment
Part of the discharge planning process includes helping patients fully understand the billing process in order to plan for payment. Hospital staff  work closely with patients to clarify insurance benefits eligibility. Please note: Patients may receive separate bills from providers other than the hospital. These may include physicians, such as the radiologist and anesthesiologist, and the laboratory.

Learn more about billing and how to pay your bill online >>