We Use
Attend Information Seminar
Synergy Bariatrics general information seminar will give you an overview of the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery, and the impact that it has upon daily life. You will learn about the various weight loss surgery procedures Synergy Bariatrics offers, the similarities and differences among them, the amount of weight loss to be expected, and the commitments required to achieve and maintain success. Gain an understanding of our office policies, the insurance companies we participate with, and the next steps to take.
The Synergy Bariatrics information seminar can be viewed online or in person. Click here to request online access or call the office at (716) 565-3990 or toll free at (800) 535-8236.
Submit Registration Paperwork
Complete the new patient registration packet you received from the information seminar. This packet contains several pages of medical questionnaires, business policy forms, and instructions for other information to submit to us before the surgeon can see you in our office. Although most of these requirements are mandated by insurance companies, this information is very helpful to us in determining your surgical candidacy and which procedure may be right for you.
Visit Family Doctor
Make an appointment to talk to your family doctor about bariatric surgery and undergo the tests necessary for surgical evaluation. Discuss your medical history and the diets and exercise programs you’ve tried in the past and the reasons why you are pursuing weight loss surgery. Ask your doctor to write a letter of medical necessity to the surgeon of Synergy Bariatrics. This letter gives an overview of your medical history and attests to the appropriateness of surgery for you. Although insurance companies are very particular about the content and format of this letter, we would be happy to help your doctor with it.
Have Psychological Consultation
Most patients must meet with a clinical psychologist who specializes in pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery. This evaluation will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of bariatric surgery and the behavior and lifestyle changes you must make for long-term success. (Private consultation with a registered dietitian may be indicated as part of your preparation.)
Meet with Bariatric Surgeon
Each patient meets privately with the surgeon who will perform a physical exam and review your social, family and medical history, and the reasons why you want to have bariatric surgery. He will explain its appropriateness to you and whether or not he feels the risks outweigh the potential benefits. Pre-surgical tests, details of the surgery, recovery, time off from work, and all of your other concerns will be discussed, oftentimes, with your family member or friend present. He will ask also for your written consent for surgery and your commitment to healthy lifestyle changes and long-term office follow-up.
Request Insurance Coverage
Once you and your surgeon agree that bariatric surgery is appropriate, Synergy Bariatrics will gather all of your pertinent information, submit it to your insurance company and request authorization for surgery. This process usually takes a few weeks. Once we receive a letter of approval from them, we will contact you to schedule your procedure and the medical clearance appointment and other tests required just before surgery.
Pre-Surgical Exercise & Nutrition
As part of our commitment to providing patients with the tools for success, education continues with a pre-operative group exercise and nutrition class. The purpose of this session is to review the phases of food progression, to provide insight about the hospital stay, and to encourage continued health and fitness with instruction and reference materials developed by our expert team of registered dietitians, exercise consultants, and other health professionals.
Peer Support Groups
Attend a Synergy Bariatrics affiliated peer support group at least once prior to surgery. Moderated by our certified bariatric nurse who is also a patient, we offer multiple meetings every month at our office location, each targeting a specific audience. Peer support groups are a great resource. Listening and talking to others who are considering surgery or have already taken that step can make you feel more comfortable with your decision. For a list of meeting times and dates, please ask a member of our office staff.