Consumer Residential & Personal Services Elective & Specialty Healthcare

Bariatric Surgery

High-stakes personal decisions requiring trust, guidance, and coordinated execution across multiple parties.

Cleveland Clinic Mayo Clinic Bariatric Centers of America NYU Langone
Inside this journey
  1. Patient & Referral Discovery

    Capture patient clinical profile, BMI/comorbidities, prior weight-loss attempts, referrer rationale, and payer coverage criteria.

    Discovery Questions

    Start Here: A Quick Snapshot of the Person We’re Meeting

    • Patient full name, preferred pronouns, and the best way/time to reach you?
    • What is the patient's age bracket and current ZIP/postal code? Options: 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+
    • Current height and weight (or most recent clinic measurement) — please enter numbers and date measured.
    • Do you know the patient's current BMI (or would you like us to calculate it from the numbers above)? Options: I know the BMI, Please calculate it for me, Unsure
    • Who referred this patient to our program (select best fit and provide the referrer's name if known)? Options: Primary care physician, Endocrinologist, Sleep medicine specialist, Employer/HR, Insurance case manager, Self-referred, Other (please specify)

    Why Now? The Moment That Pushed You Toward Surgery

    • What change or event made you consider bariatric surgery at this point in your life?
    • Which of these triggered the referral or urgency (check all that apply)? Options: New diagnosis (e.g., Type 2 diabetes), Worsening of existing condition, Provider recommendation after failed medical therapy, Insurance/benefit change, Personal health crisis (e.g., hospitalization), Quality of life decline, Other
    • How long has this feeling of urgency been present? Options: Days–weeks, 1–3 months, 3–12 months, Over a year
    • If this decision were delayed another 6–12 months, what would you expect to happen medically or personally?
    • On a scale from 1–10, how important is changing weight now compared with other life priorities? What makes that number accurate? Options: 1–3, 4–6, 7–8, 9–10

    Health Profile in Plain Terms: What’s Really Going On

    • Which of the following medical conditions does the patient currently have (select all that apply)? Options: Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Obstructive sleep apnea, Hyperlipidemia, GERD/acid reflux, Osteoarthritis/joint pain, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Depression or anxiety, Other
    • Please list current major medications related to weight or comorbidities (e.g., insulin, metformin, antihypertensives, GLP-1 agonists) and how long they've been used.
    • Has the patient been diagnosed with or treated for sleep apnea? If yes, indicate type of therapy and adherence. Options: No sleep apnea diagnosis, Diagnosed — CPAP currently used, Diagnosed — CPAP prescribed but not used, Diagnosed — other therapy, Suspected but not tested
    • Are there any prior cardiac, pulmonary, or anesthetic concerns we should flag immediately (e.g., prior DVT/PE, CHF, severe COPD)? Options: None known, Cardiac history, Pulmonary history, Prior serious clotting event, Other
    • When was the last set of labs/imaging relevant to weight care (A1c, lipid panel, liver tests, vitamin levels)? Please include dates and results if available.

    The Weight-Loss Battles: What You’ve Tried and What Worked (Briefly)

    • How many structured weight-loss attempts has the patient completed (programs with documented supervision)? Options: None, 1–2, 3–5, 6 or more
    • Which approaches have been used in the past 5 years? (Select all that apply.) Options: Dietary counseling/nutritionist, Medically supervised low-calorie diet, Commercial programs (e.g., Weight Watchers), Pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 or other meds), Behavioral/psychotherapy, Bariatric procedure in the past, Other
    • Of the methods tried, which produced the most weight loss and how long was it maintained?
    • Has the patient used prescription weight-loss medications (e.g., semaglutide, liraglutide)? If yes, list current/past meds and response. Options: Never used prescription weight-loss meds, Currently using, Used previously — stopped, Tried multiple agents
    • If prior bariatric or abdominal surgery exists, please describe procedure, year, and any complications or revisions.

    What’s Getting in the Way? The Real Barriers That Keep Coming Up

    • Which obstacles have most consistently stopped sustained weight loss for this patient? Options: Hunger/biologic cravings, Medication side effects, Mental health barriers, Limited access to healthy food, Time constraints/childcare/work, Financial limitations, Physical pain or mobility issues, Other
    • How has weight and these barriers affected daily life—work, relationships, mobility, or self-image? Please share a recent example.
    • Are there ongoing behavioral health concerns (e.g., uncontrolled depression, active substance use, disordered eating) that we should know about before scheduling evaluations? Options: None, Depression/anxiety — stable, Depression/anxiety — needing support, Active substance use, Disordered eating behaviors
    • How consistent has the patient been able to follow medical plans in the past year (appointments, meds, prescribed diets)? Options: Very consistent, Mostly consistent, Sometimes, Rarely
    • Which social or logistic factors would be hardest to solve if the patient chose surgery (e.g., time off work, post-op caregiver, transportation)? Options: Time off work, Lack of caregiver, Transportation, Financial gaps, Childcare, None of the above, Other

    The Fears and Hopes Conversation: What Matters Deeply

    • What is the single biggest fear the patient has about bariatric surgery?
    • Which of the following concerns influence decision-making most (select up to three)? Options: Surgical complications, Permanent lifestyle/dietary restrictions, Regaining weight, Financial burden, Stigma or judgment from others, Anesthesia risks, Loss of control around food, Other
    • What outcomes would make the patient feel the surgery was unquestionably worth it (e.g., diabetes remission, mobility, medication reduction)?
    • How emotionally ready does the patient feel on most days to make a major medical decision like this? Options: Completely ready, Mostly ready but anxious, Unsure/ambivalent, Not ready
    • Who or what would make the patient feel more confident about moving forward (specific person, information, data, or guarantee)?

    Who's In Your Corner: Support, Logistics, and Daily Life After Surgery

    • Who will provide in-home support during the first 2 weeks after surgery (select all that apply)? Options: Spouse/partner, Adult child, Friend/neighbor, Professional caregiver, No one available, Other
    • How many consecutive days of time off from work could the patient realistically take for surgery and recovery? Options: <7 days, 7–14 days, 15–28 days, More than 28 days, Not applicable/unemployed
    • Does the patient have reliable transportation to attend pre-op testing and post-op follow-ups? Options: Yes — always, Sometimes — needs assistance, No reliable transportation
    • Are there caregiving responsibilities (children, elderly relatives) that would require alternate arrangements if surgery were scheduled? Options: No significant caregiving duties, Yes — children, Yes — elderly relative, Yes — other
    • Is there a work or disability benefit issue (FMLA, short-term disability, shift work) we should coordinate with the employer about? Options: No, Yes — needs coordination, Unsure

    The Referrer & Payer Angle: Documentation, Coverage, and Timing

    • Does the referring clinician have documentation of failed medical weight management that meets typical payer criteria (please confirm what exists)? Options: Clear documentation provided, Partial documentation, No documentation yet, Unsure — need to check
    • What type of insurance covers the patient (select one) and do you have a policy number ready? Options: Commercial/private, Medicare, Medicaid, Employer self-funded, Uninsured, Unsure
    • Has pre-authorization been started or approved for bariatric surgery? Options: Pre-authorization approved, Pre-authorization in progress, Not started, Denied previously
    • If denied or uncertain, what was the payer's stated reason (medical necessity, documentation gap, BMI threshold, other)? Options: Medical necessity unclear, Insufficient documentation, BMI or comorbidity criteria not met, Coverage exclusion, Other, Not applicable
    • What deadline or timing pressure does the patient have from payer, employer, or personal circumstances?

    Clinical Red Flags & Safety Signals We Can't Ignore

    • Are there any immediate clinical issues that could postpone evaluation or surgery (active infection, pregnancy, uncontrolled substance use)? Options: No immediate issues, Active infection, Pregnant or planning pregnancy, Uncontrolled substance use, Other
    • Has the patient had any recent unexplained weight loss or rapid weight gain that should be evaluated first? Options: No, Yes — rapid loss, Yes — rapid gain, Not sure
    • Is there active suicidal ideation, psychosis, or a psychiatric hospitalization in the last 12 months? Options: No, Yes — outpatient concerns, Yes — hospitalization or high risk
    • Does the patient have any allergies, implantable devices, or prior transfusion reactions we should flag for anesthesia? Options: No known allergies/reactions, Medication allergies, Implantable device present, Prior transfusion reaction, Other
    • Are there mobility or fall-risk concerns that will affect perioperative planning? Options: No, Yes — limited mobility, Yes — needs assistive device, Yes — high fall risk

    Readiness Check: If Everything Aligned, Would You Proceed?

    • If insurance, medical clearance, and scheduling were resolved tomorrow, how likely is the patient to say yes to surgery in the next 6–8 weeks? Options: Very likely, Somewhat likely, Unsure, Unlikely
    • What would need to change for the patient to move from 'unsure' to 'ready' (financial aid, more outcome data, time to prepare, emotional support)?
    • Are there dates or time windows in the next 6 months that are impossible for scheduling (school, work, travel, events)? Options: No restrictions, Specific dates — will specify, Ongoing restrictions — needs planning
    • Who is the decision-maker for final consent (patient alone, patient + spouse, guardian, power of attorney)? Options: Patient alone, Patient + spouse/partner, Patient + family, Legal guardian/POA, Other
    • What questions, worries, or information would you want answered before committing to a consultation with a surgeon?

    Documentation & Next Steps: What We Need From You to Move Forward

    • Which of these items can you upload or provide now to speed authorization (recent clinic notes, A1c, sleep study, prior weight-loss program records)? Options: Recent clinic notes, A1c within 6 months, Lipid/liver labs, Sleep study report, Documentation of prior supervised weight loss, None available
    • Would you like a member of our team to contact the referring provider to request missing documentation and assist with prior authorization? Options: Yes — please contact, No — we will provide, Unsure — contact me to advise
    • Best next step for you right now: schedule surgeon consult, start insurance pre-auth, set up pre-op testing, or other? Options: Schedule surgeon consult, Start insurance pre-authorization, Schedule pre-op testing, Behavioral health evaluation, Need more information first
    • Anything else we should know that hasn't come up — a story, context, or detail that would change how we approach care?
  2. Solution Experience

    Translate the patient’s clinical data into tailored procedure options, expected outcomes, risks, and realistic long-term commitments using real-case scenarios.

    Experience Meetings

    • Clinical Synthesis & Current-State Confirmation
    • Tailored Procedure Options — Diagnosis → Options
    • Real-Case Outcomes & Risk Walkthrough
    • Insurance Alignment & Authorization Strategy
    • Shared Decision-Making & Final Readiness Check

    Issues & Enhancements

    • Agree on an appeal pathway and owners in case of denial.
    • Order any option-specific diagnostics (H. pylori, endoscopy, cardiopulmonary testing) within 10 days if not already available.
    • Patient to review and confirm which outcomes matter most (e.g., diabetes remission vs maximal weight loss) before the Outcomes Walkthrough.
    • Objective & Validation of Pre-conditions
    • Prove, with matched real cases, that the selected procedure can achieve the future-state outcomes the patient values.
    • Ensure the patient acknowledges the realistic complication probabilities and long-term commitments required.
    • Obtain explicit patient validation that the demonstrated future state is desirable and realistic.
    • Supply the patient with the anonymized case summaries and outcome graphs for their records and review.
    • Behavioral health/nutrition team to draft a personalized 12-month adherence plan linked to the chosen procedure.
    • If concerns arise, schedule a focused complication-risk counseling or second-opinion consult within 7 days.
    • Recap Chosen Procedure & Key Clinical Justifications
    • Produce a complete pre-authorization checklist with owners and submission deadlines.
    • Close any documentation gaps that would prevent timely authorization.
    • Introductions & Meeting Objective
    • Coordinator to assemble and submit the pre-authorization packet by the agreed date, including surgeon justification letter and required documentation.
    • Referring PCP to provide required documentation of prior supervised weight-loss attempts within 5 days.
    • Insurance lead to prepare peer-to-peer talking points and timeline for escalation if denied.
    • Confirm Chosen Procedure & Rationale
    • Obtain mutual commitment to proceed or create a clear alternative path if not ready.
    • Ensure the patient can articulate the future-state outcome they expect and the commitments required to achieve it.
    • Confirm pre-op items are assigned and scheduled so there are no administrative barriers to surgery once authorization is in place.
    • Patient to sign informed consent and return any administrative forms within 3 days.
    • Scheduler to hold proposed operating room date and confirm once authorization is received.
    • Nutrition team to begin pre-op diet plan and supply written instructions to the patient immediately.
    • Produce a clear, one-sentence current-state that all participants agree is accurate.
    • Make explicit the clinical and practical consequences of delay or non-action.
    • Identify and assign ownership for any missing clinical, insurance, or psychosocial data required for solution design.
    • Create a short pre-work list to complete before the Solution Options meeting.
    • Surgeon to draft and publish the agreed one-sentence current-state to the patient's record and shared workspace.
    • Coordinator to collect outstanding records/tests (sleep study, A1c, prior bariatric records) within 7 days.
    • Patient to confirm medication list and prior weight-loss program documentation before the next meeting.
    • Recap: Current-State & Consequence
    • Ensure the patient and referring clinicians understand how each procedure directly addresses the defined current-state and consequences.
    • Elicit a preliminary patient preference or list additional information needed to choose.
    • Identify which option(s) require additional tests, specialists, or insurer evidence before proceeding.
    • Team to generate individualized outcome estimates (12/24/60 months) for each option and upload to the shared workspace.
    • Risks, Recovery & Long-term Commitments Review
    • Payer Policy Mapping
    • Case Study 1: Closest Match — Longitudinal Outcomes
    • Option A: Procedure, Mechanism, Immediate Outcome
    • One-sentence Current-State Readout
    • Option B: Procedure, Mechanism, Immediate Outcome
    • Consequence Quantification
    • Informed Consent Questions & Psychosocial Readiness
    • Case Study 2: Alternative Procedure — Tradeoffs
    • Pre-Authorization Packet & Timeline
    • Data Gap Review
    • Pre-op Checklist & Scheduling
    • Option C / Revisional Considerations (if applicable)
    • Denial Contingency & Appeal Strategy
    • Complication Scenarios and Management
    • Final Validation & Next Actions
    • Validation & Patient Confirmation
    • Long-term Commitment Reality Check
    • Comparative Decision Matrix
    • Owner Assignment & Validation
    • Patient Preference & Validation
    • Validation Check & Acceptance
    • Next Steps & Pre-work for Options Meeting
  3. Solution Scope

    Define the chosen procedure, pre-op medical and psychological clearances, nutrition/behavioral plan, insurer responsibilities, and measurable success signals.

    Scope Configuration

    • Bariatric Education Seminar
    • Insurance Preauthorization Management
    • Preoperative Very-Low-Calorie Diet Program
    • Medical Optimization for Surgery
    • Intraoperative Sleeve Gastrectomy
    • Intraoperative Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
    • Intraoperative Duodenal Switch
    • Revisional Bariatric Surgery
    • Inpatient Postoperative Care and Monitoring
    • Twelve-Month Postoperative Nutrition Program
    • Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Pack
    • Telehealth Postoperative Follow-Up Visits
    • Multidisciplinary Behavioral Support Program
    • Endoscopic Management of Postoperative Complications

    Scope Questions

    Bariatric Education Seminar

    • Is attendance at an education seminar required by the referring clinician or insurer for this patient? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • Which seminar delivery formats should we offer for this patient cohort? Options: In-person group session, Live virtual webinar, On-demand recorded session, Hybrid (choose per patient)
    • Who should be invited to attend the seminar in addition to the patient? Options: Caregiver/partner, Primary care physician, Referring specialist, Patient only
    • What key topics must be included for this patient (select all that apply)? Options: Procedure options & outcomes, Risks and complication rates, Insurance/authorization process, Long-term lifestyle commitments, Nutritional basics and supplementation
    • Are there language, accessibility, or literacy accommodations required for seminar materials? Options: None, Non-English language (specify in next field), ASL/interpretation, Low-literacy materials required

    Insurance Preauthorization Management

    • Which payer(s) are involved for this patient and do they require prior authorization for bariatric surgery?
    • What is the current authorization status for this patient? Options: Not started, In progress, Pre-authorization denied, Pre-authorization approved, Appeal in progress
    • Which clinical documents are available to support authorization (e.g., PCP notes documenting failed medical therapy, labs, sleep study)?
    • Does the insurer require specific program milestones (e.g., documented supervised weight-loss attempts, pre-op diet completion, psychological evaluation)? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • Do you want the center to manage appeals and peer-to-peer reviews if denial occurs? Options: Yes - full management, Yes - provide templates/support, No - clinic will manage

    Preoperative Very-Low-Calorie Diet Program

    • Is a formal preoperative very-low-calorie diet required by the surgeon or payer for this patient? Options: Yes, No, Optional
    • What is the planned duration for the VLCD for this patient? Options: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, Other - specify
    • Should the program include delivered meal replacements versus clinic-managed meal plans and counseling? Options: Delivered meal replacements, Clinic-provided meal plan with recipes, Combination, Patient-managed
    • What clinical monitoring is required during the VLCD (e.g., weekly weight checks, labs, telehealth touchpoints)? Options: Weekly weight checks, Weekly telehealth visits, Baseline and end labs, EKG if indicated, None
    • Are there contraindications or comorbidities (e.g., advanced cardiac disease, pregnancy) that would modify the VLCD approach for this patient? Options: Yes - specify in next field, No, Unknown

    Medical Optimization for Surgery

    • Which medical clearances does this patient require prior to scheduling (select all that apply)? Options: Primary care clearance, Cardiology evaluation, Pulmonary evaluation/sleep medicine, Endocrinology/diabetes optimization, Psychological clearance
    • Are there active comorbidities that need optimization before surgery (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, OSA untreated, uncontrolled hypertension)? Options: Yes - list in next field, No, Partially controlled
    • What baseline pre-op testing should be ordered (e.g., labs, EKG, chest x-ray, imaging)?
    • Should the center coordinate medication adjustments (e.g., anticoagulants, diabetes meds) with the referring provider? Options: Yes - center coordinates, No - referring provider handles, Shared plan
    • Do you require documented risk counseling or a formal informed-consent checklist prior to scheduling? Options: Yes - standardized checklist, Yes - tailor per procedure, No

    Intraoperative Sleeve Gastrectomy

    • Is sleeve gastrectomy the chosen index procedure for this patient? Options: Yes, No, Undecided
    • Which operative approach is preferred? Options: Laparoscopic, Robotic-assisted, Open (rare), Surgeon preference
    • Are there intraoperative adjuncts or supplies required (e.g., staple-line reinforcement, bougie size preference, hemostatic agents)?
    • What anesthesia and intraoperative monitoring requirements should the team anticipate (e.g., special airway plan, invasive monitoring)?
    • Should intraoperative criteria be documented for conversion to alternative procedures or staged approaches? Options: Yes - provide criteria, No standard criteria, Discuss case-by-case

    Intraoperative Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

    • Is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass being considered/selected for this patient? Options: Yes, No, Undecided
    • Are there anatomy or prior-surgery factors that affect the operative plan (e.g., previous upper-abdominal surgery, large hiatal hernia)? Options: Yes - describe, No, Unknown
    • What limb lengths or technical preferences should be specified (e.g., biliopancreatic limb length)?
    • Do you require routine intraoperative leak testing and if so, by which method? Options: Yes - endoscopic insufflation/air test, Yes - methylene blue, No routine testing, Other
    • Are specialized intraoperative consults anticipated (e.g., general surgery, hepatobiliary)? Options: Yes - list in next field, No

    Intraoperative Duodenal Switch

    • Is duodenal switch being planned or considered for this patient? Options: Yes, No, Undecided
    • Does the patient require staged procedures or counseling about malabsorptive impacts prior to committing to DS? Options: Yes - propose staging, No - single-stage planned, Undecided
    • Are there specific intraoperative resource needs (e.g., longer OR block time, specialized staplers, experienced anesthesia team)?
    • Should intraoperative nutrition counseling and early parenteral strategies be pre-planned given malabsorptive profile? Options: Yes - plan and document, No - standard postop diet
    • Are protocols required for monitoring and managing expected higher-risk complications (e.g., bile reflux, protein malnutrition)? Options: Yes - provide protocols, No

    Revisional Bariatric Surgery

    • What is the index procedure the patient previously had and what is the indication for revision?
    • Has the patient had prior operative reports, imaging, or endoscopy available for review? Options: Yes - all available, Partial records available, No records
    • Is the revision expected to be endoscopic, laparoscopic, or open, and should we plan for combined approaches? Options: Endoscopic, Laparoscopic, Open, Combined
    • Are additional preoperative investigations required (e.g., upper GI series, endoscopy, CT abdomen)? Options: Yes - list in next field, No, Unknown
    • Are there heightened perioperative risk considerations to plan for (e.g., extensive adhesions, nutritional deficits, need for blood products)? Options: Yes - specify, No

    Inpatient Postoperative Care and Monitoring

    • What is the anticipated postoperative length of stay for the planned procedure? Options: Same-day discharge, Overnight (1 night), 2-3 nights, 3+ nights
    • Are higher-acuity bed needs anticipated (e.g., step-down or ICU) for this patient? Options: No, Yes - step-down, Yes - ICU
    • Which standard postoperative orders/protocols should be used (select all that apply)? Options: Standard ERAS pathway, IV fluids/advance as tolerated, DVT prophylaxis protocol, Nausea/pain multimodal regimen
    • What routine labs and imaging should be ordered post-op and at what intervals?
    • Should the inpatient team include routine consults (e.g., nutrition, physical therapy, pain service)? Options: Yes - specify which in next field, No

    Twelve-Month Postoperative Nutrition Program

    • What is the cadence of dietitian follow-up you want included in the 12-month program? Options: Weekly first month then monthly, Biweekly first 3 months then monthly, Monthly only, Tailored per patient
    • Should the program include structured meal plans, behavioral coaching, and education modules? Options: Meal plans + coaching + modules, Only meal plans, Only coaching, Custom combination
    • Will routine nutritional labs (e.g., CBC, iron studies, B12, vitamin D) be scheduled as part of the program? Options: Yes - baseline and at 3,6,12 months, Yes - baseline and PRN, No
    • Should the program integrate weight and adherence tracking with automated reminders or telehealth check-ins? Options: Yes - automated and telehealth, Yes - telehealth only, No
    • Are group education sessions or peer-support groups desired as part of the 12-month program? Options: Yes - group sessions, Yes - peer support only, No

    Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Pack

    • Should a standardized post-bariatric multivitamin pack be provided at discharge? Options: Yes - include pack, No - patient sources independently, Provide first month only
    • What formulations should be included (select all that apply)? Options: Multivitamin with iron, Calcium citrate + vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (sublingual/IM option), Thiamine supplement, Iron-only option
    • Do you require branded product selection, bulk generic, or patient-specific compounded packs? Options: Branded, Generic bulk, Compounded patient-specific, Insurance-preferred options
    • Should the program include automatic re-supply or pharmacy fulfillment and shipment to patient? Options: Yes - automatic refills, Yes - manual reorder prompts, No - patient manages
    • Are there payer coverage constraints or prior authorizations needed for any supplement components? Options: Yes - need verification, No, Unknown

    Telehealth Postoperative Follow-Up Visits

    • How many telehealth visits should be included in the standard postop plan within the first year? Options: 1-2, 3-5, 6+, Tailored per patient
    • Which visit types are acceptable via telehealth (select all that apply)? Options: Routine wound check, Dietitian counseling, Behavioral health session, Urgent symptom triage
    • Which telehealth platforms or EMR integrations are required for scheduling and documentation?
    • Do patients require pre-visit technical support or an onboarding guide for telehealth? Options: Yes - provide support, No
    • Should telehealth visits trigger in-person escalation criteria (e.g., vital sign thresholds, concerning symptoms)? Options: Yes - specify criteria, No standard escalation
  4. Mutual Commit

    Confirm insurance pre-authorization, informed consent, financial responsibility, scheduling, and mutual readiness criteria among patient, surgeon, and payer.

    Agreement Modules

    • Statement of Work (Care Plan)
    • Insurance Pre-Authorization Confirmation
    • Informed Consent
    • Financial Responsibility & Payment Agreement
    • Scheduling & Procedure Booking Confirmation
    • Pre-Operative Medical & Psychological Clearance Acknowledgement
    • Pre-Op Nutrition & Behavioral Commitment
    • Mutual Readiness Checklist
    • Release of Medical Records & Payer Communication Authorization
    • Post-Operative Follow-Up & Monitoring Agreement
    • Emergency Contact & Support Plan
  5. Deployment

    Coordinate pre-op diet and testing, clearances, surgical scheduling, perioperative logistics, and discharge/follow-up handoffs with owners and timelines.

  6. Success

    Monitor weight-loss milestones, complication surveillance, nutritional labs, adherence support, and maintain a shared issues & enhancements channel for ongoing care.

    Success Reviews

    • Early Recovery Check (2-week post-op)
    • 30-Day Progress Review
    • Quarterly Outcome & Nutritional Laboratory Review (3/6 months)
    • Annual Maintenance & Long-term Strategy (12 months+)
    • Multidisciplinary Care & Issues Review (Shared Channel Sync)

    Issues & Enhancements

    • Ensure systems-level handoffs to primary care and specialists for durable follow-up.
    • Current-state clinical snapshot
    • Detect and correct nutritional deficiencies and adjust supplementation to reach lab targets.
    • Agree on measurable short-term weight and comorbidity targets and the interventions that will achieve them.
    • Assign clear owners and timelines for each intervention and ensure patient buy-in.
    • Order complete nutritional panel and any targeted tests (iron studies, folate, B12, vitamin D, zinc) and schedule follow-up labs.
    • Update supplement prescriptions and provide written dosing plan.
    • Enroll patient in structured behavior-change program or schedule dietitian/psychology sessions.
    • Document measurable targets and owners in the shared care channel and notify PCP/endocrinologist.
    • Comprehensive outcomes review
    • Confirm 12-month clinical outcomes and determine if additional medical or surgical interventions are necessary.
    • Agree on a clear, measurable long-term monitoring and support plan with assigned owners.
    • Current-state snapshot
    • Create and share a documented long-term maintenance plan including lab schedule and target metrics.
    • Order annual maintenance labs and schedule the next annual review.
    • Refer to specialty services or evaluate candidacy for revisional procedures if indicated.
    • Enroll patient in ongoing support resources (groups, coaching app) and record access instructions.
    • Review open issues from shared channel
    • Clear the shared channel backlog of actionable issues with assigned owners and timelines.
    • Implement at least one workflow or policy change per meeting to reduce recurring issues.
    • Ensure timely communication of resolutions to patients and relevant stakeholders.
    • Assign owners and deadlines for each high-priority issue and log them in the shared channel.
    • Draft and approve any agreed workflow or documentation changes and set an implementation date.
    • Initiate appeals or coverage requests with payer contacts for unresolved authorization barriers.
    • Notify patient and PCP of issue resolution and any changes to the care plan.
    • Confirm there are no early post-op complications requiring urgent intervention.
    • Verify adherence to immediate diet/medication/supplement plan and address barriers.
    • Order any necessary tests or referrals and schedule the next follow-up visit.
    • Order urgent labs or imaging if red-flag signs present (CBC, CMP, CT if indicated).
    • Schedule surgeon or urgent clinic visit for any identified complications.
    • Refer to dietitian for reinforcement of stage-appropriate intake and supplement checklist.
    • Document wound care/pain instructions in patient portal and confirm patient understands.
    • Concise outcome snapshot
    • Confirm early weight-loss is within expected range or define corrective steps if it is not.
    • Identify and begin correction of any nutritional deficiencies or intolerances.
    • Link patient to behavioral support when barriers to adherence are identified.
    • Order or repeat basic nutritional panel (CBC, CMP, iron studies, B12, vitamin D) if not already done.
    • Adjust or reinforce supplement dosing and document changes.
    • Initiate behavioral health or structured support program referral if indicated.
    • Notify PCP/endocrine team of medication changes for continuity of care.
    • Consequence analysis
    • Long-term consequence framing
    • Consequence and prioritization
    • Preliminary labs & deficits
    • Red-flag screening
    • Define future-state maintenance plan
    • Diet and medication adherence
    • Nutritional deep-dive
    • Diet tolerance and intake review
    • Decision and owner assignment
    • Behavioral adherence & psychosocial check
    • Pain management and wound care review
    • Revisional or specialty evaluation
    • Barrier diagnosis & behavioral intervention
    • Process or policy enhancements
    • Define future-state targets & proof points
    • Orders and next steps
    • Comorbidity and medication reconciliation
    • Lifelong support and resources
    • Validation and closed-loop communication
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