Bariatric Surgery Timeline

Weight Loss Surgery is a very emotional and life changing decision. It can also be overwhelming to stay on top of all the appointments that are required to get to surgery. That is why at Eviva we take the wheel at first. We have a team of people that focus on getting you to surgery and keep you on track, so you don’t have to.

Am I a Candidate?

Getting to surgery depends on many different factors including the procedure type, your insurance, your health, and appointment availability. For example, the timeline for a self pay ESG is typically much shorter than an insurance  gastric bypass. The below timeline is intended to be a general overview of items that you may encounter on your journey.

Initial Consultation

Meet one on one with one of our amazing surgeons. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to find out if surgery is a good option for you.

(Same day as consultation)
Intake with Pathway Coordinator

After your consultation, you will meet with one of our Bariatric Pathway Coordinators. They will go over your specific insurance benefits as well as any requirements that you may need to complete prior to scheduling surgery. You will also go over pricing for either self-pay or with insurance.

(Required for both self-pay and insurance)
Bariatric Nutrition Assessment
The nutrition assessment will be conducted by a bariatrician, nurse practitioner or registered dietitian specializing in bariatric surgery. The purpose of the nutrition assessment is to get a baseline of your eating patterns and weight history and to educate you on the process of nutritional success before, after, and in the long term following your bariatric surgery.
(Required for both self-pay and insurance)​
Psych Assessment
The psychological evaluation is a fundamental requirement for all bariatric surgical patients. We recognize that the choice to have bariatric surgery is an important one that can affect patients both physically and emotionally. The need to identify any obstacles or issues that may be affecting a patient’s emotional health is critical to a successful outcome for bariatric surgery.
(Required for both self-pay and insurance)​
Full Bariatric Lab Work
We will generate a lab order for you to take to the lab company of your choice. Using Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp is typically the fastest at sending us results.
(If required by surgeon)
EKG

We will generate an electrocardiogram order for you to take to your primary care provider. We are not currently doing EKGs in our clinic, but this may change as we begin to do more and more in person clinic visits.

(Required for both self-pay and insurance)​
Complete Biometrics Testing

Biometric testing using the BodPod® and Medgem® to determine body composition and resting metabolic rate are completed to accurately track physiological changes and tailor your dietary and exercise prescription accordingly.

(If required by surgeon)
Sleep Study
To determine whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea, your surgeon may order a sleep study. Once your sleep study is complete, our sleep technicians will have your study interpreted and a provider will go over your results. If you test positive for OSA, you may be required to be set up on a CPAP device.
(If required by surgeon)
Endoscopy
To rule out a Hiatal Hernia, Barrett's Esophagus, H-pylori or other abnormalities of your esophagus and stomach, your surgeon may require an EGD prior to your surgery.
(If required by insurance)
Complete all Supervised Diet Appointments

Some insurances require you to complete a medically supervised diet prior to surgery. Typically this involves seeing a bariatrician, nurse practitioner or registered dietitian a handful of times over a couple of months. These diets vary between insurances, but your specific requirements will be gone over with you by your bariatric pathway coordinator.

Collect Requested Medical Records

This may include weight histories, cardiology histories, etc. from outside providers.

(If required by insurance)
Insurance Authorization

Once all goals have been completed, and all medical records have been collected, we will submit an insurance pre-authorization. Every insurance company has different protocols. It can take between 2-6 weeks depending on the insurance company. Eviva has no control on the length of time it takes to obtain an approval.

Update Health Information

Depending on how long it has been since you started on your path to surgery, lab work, EKG and other items may have to be re-tested to verify any changes in your health. 

Surgical & Anesthesia Review

Once all clinical requirements and insurance approvals have been completed, our surgical and anesthesia team will review your case. Once they have given the final approval, you will be ready to schedule your surgery!

Surgery Schedule Call

When scheduling a Surgery Date with our scheduler you will also schedule your:

  • Pre-op appointment
  • Diet Education Class
  • COVID-19 Test
Pre-op appointment

Will take place within 30 days prior to your surgery date. It is the final clinic appointment prior to surgery. Ideally your support person will be a part of this appointment. You will review any last-minute questions, and discuss your surgery and recovery process. Prescriptions will also be given at this appointment so you can have them filled and ready for surgery ahead of time.

Please watch this video before your Pre-op appointment:

https://youtu.be/hPLDE27xTgc

Diet Education Class
Will be with your bariatric dietitian two to three weeks prior to your surgery date. You will receive education and materials on the Pre-op low-carbohydrate diet as well as the post-operative transitional diet.
 
Please watch this video before your DEC appointment:
 
Date of Surgery

Finally, the day has come! Congratulations on getting this far, the fun part of your journey is just beginning!

end of timeline fireworks celebration

After Surgery you have 1 year of aftercare appointments with us to support you in long term success.

It is important to remember that once you have your procedure, we hand over the keys and let you take over. We are still there for you 100% of the time, however we know for you to have long term success with your new bariatric surgery “tool” you must learn new habits and do the work for your weight loss journey. But we are always here to support you along the way, cheer for your successes and assist with new ideas when you hit hard times to keep you going.

seattle times gold winner badge for best in the pnw

VOTED BEST
WEIGHT
LOSS CENTER

Latest Blog Post

Discover the Best Walks and Runs in Seattle – April 2025 Event Guide

Discover the ultimate guide to Seattle’s top walks and runs this April 2025! From Earth Day celebrations and nostalgic 90s-themed races to endurance challenges like the Cottontail 6 & 12 Hour Run, our blog post provides detailed event information, locations, and direct sign-up links. Get ready to lace up and experience the vibrant local running community while enjoying the beautiful spring weather in Seattle.

Read More »
April 8, 2025

Aftercare

Weight loss surgery entails much more than an anatomical change. Our patients receive a comprehensive and highly individualized aftercare plan.
Learn More

Weight Loss Surgery

Deciding whether to partake in bariatric procedures is a difficult one. You’ve made it this far, and have already begun the process. Learn more about the minimally invasive bariatric procedures options that our board certified surgeons can provide to help you accomplish your weight loss goals.
Learn More

How can we help you?