FAQ
Welcome to Southern Surgical FAQ
Here is the Most Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page, designed to answer your questions before and after surgery, along with any other queries you might have. Here, we aim to clarify your doubts and ensure you feel informed and ready for what lies ahead. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us directly. We’re here to help and provide the support you need for a smooth journey.
Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the customer service rep if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit for you. You are just trying to verify benefits, not authorize your surgery (our office will do that).
No, depending on your insurance company’s stipulations, you must see your primary care physician, licensed professional or Julie Johannes, PA at Southern Surgical once a month for the time period specified. During these visits he/she must place you on a diet plan and exercise regimen and document your progress.
Yes, if you are currently being treated by a cardiologist or pulmonologist you may see them for your evaluation if required. Be sure that you actually see the doctor; we are looking for a formal clearance from your doctor as well as any testing they deem necessary. If our office has scheduled you please cancel your appointment if you are going to see your own doctor. Please note it must be a cardiologist and pulmonologist, you cannot see your primary care physician for this visit.
Our office will not submit for approval for your surgery until after you have completed all of your testing and have seen your surgeon. We must wait for the documentation from your surgeon about your visit with him. (This takes at least 7-14 days) Once we have received the documentation needed we will submit to your insurance by phone, fax or mail. Our office will contact you once we have written approval to schedule you for surgery.
Contact your insurance company and ask for your Medical Policy for Morbid Obesity. You can find this online or the customer service agent can direct you how to locate it. You must meet all of the requirements based on your individual insurance company before they will pay for your surgery.
No, you must see one of our nutritionist or psychologist. They are aware of our bariatric program and what insurance companies are looking for in your evaluation.
You must complete ALL appointments/testing required, including any follow up visits PRIOR to seeing your surgeon. Once you have completed all appointments, including any diet and exercise program that may have been required for you, call our office and we will review your chart and schedule you an appointment.
Please call to notify our office, and then fax the authorization to our office so we may schedule your surgery.
This is hard to answer because it varies based on your particular insurance plan. You can call to get your benefits (deductible and co-insurance amounts) from your customer service rep at your insurance company to get a general idea. Once you have been approved for surgery, our office will check your benefits as well and will be able to tell you at that time what you will need to pay to Southern Surgical.
After surgery, you must wait 48 hours before showering if you have band-aid dressings, and 24 hours if using skin glue, unless your surgeon advises otherwise.
First, call our office. Drainage does not mean infection. Keep incisions dry. Do not apply ointments, creams, or lotions to incisions.
It is recommended that you not lift more than 10 pounds after surgery for 4 to 6 weeks.
The pain in your left shoulder after laparoscopic surgery is known as “referred pain,” caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve from the carbon dioxide gas used during the procedure. This discomfort is temporary and should lessen as your body absorbs the gas. We recommend GasX strips and increased activity such as walking. Walking can help break up the gas, easing the discomfort.
The band is too if you are unable to eat soft foods, have reflux, regurgitation, or cough at night. Please call for an appointment to adjust the band as it is vital for your overall health that you be able to eat solid foods.
Any fibrous foods such as asparagus, broccoli, celery, fresh pineapple, etc. are examples of foods that may cause a blockage at the opening of the pouch and may require further surgery to re-open.
