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How Do I Become a Patient?

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Becoming a Bariatric Surgery Patient

When a patient decides to pursue weight loss surgery, the process can seem confusing and complicated. At Panhandle Weight Loss Center in Amarillo, TX, it is our mission to take all the guesswork out of becoming a bariatric surgery patient. By guiding our patients on a clear path to success, we allow them to focus on what really matters: embracing a healthier future.

Your Journey as a Weight Loss Surgery Patient

The first step in becoming a weight loss surgery patient is to consult with a surgeon here at Panhandle Weight Loss Center. Dr. Schniederjan, Dr. Neichoy, or Dr. Peterson can evaluate your unique situation and determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery. Once you are approved for surgery, we’ll make sure the process moves along efficiently.

Here are the steps to take in preparation for weight loss surgery at PWLC:

Insurance Verification

We will help you determine the extent to which your medical insurance will cover the cost of treatment. For patients who plan to use insurance, their provider often requires that they attend a set number of monthly visits with a physician before approving them for surgery. These visits can be completed through PWLC, and will include meetings with your Dietician, exercise training, and counseling.

For patients who do not plan to use medical insurance to help pay for weight loss surgery, this process can often be condensed.

Medical Clearance

To gain medical clearance for bariatric surgery, our patients need:

  • Cardiac clearance
  • Basal metabolic rate (BMR) established
  • DEXA body composition scan
  • Psychological clearance
  • Transnasal endoscopy
  • Medication review

Preoperative Consultation

Just before your weight loss surgery, you will have a final meeting with your surgeon. This is an opportunity for you to make sure you fully understand the procedure and the recovery process.

Whether you live in the Amarillo area or plan to travel to the Panhandle to undergo your weight loss surgery, we offer a consolidated preoperative program to help patients complete these initial steps as efficiently as possible. Be sure to ask us about our ACCELERATE program!

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The Path to Medical Weight Loss

While bariatric surgery can be a life-saving procedure that helps many of our patients achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, it is only one of the many options we offer. If weight loss surgery is not the right solution for you, you may be interested in our REWIRE program for medically-supervised weight loss.

Through this program, you will be empowered, educated, and supported by the team at Panhandle Weight Loss Center to address and overcome all factors that contribute to obesity. Our 12-week medical weight loss program includes the following steps and resources:

  • 3 visits with your Advanced Practitioner
  • 4 – 30 minute sessions with your personal Health & Wellness Coach
  • Access to the online Rewire curriculum
  • Fitness evaluation and workout guidance
  • BMR testing 
  • DEXA scan at 1, 6 & 12 weeks
  • 3 month supply of vitamins to boost energy
  • 5% discount in the PWLC store

Contact Us to Learn More

If you are interested in becoming a bariatric surgery patient at Panhandle Weight Loss Center, we are very eager to meet you. Please contact us today to learn more about this process and take the first step on your journey to a healthier you.

The surgeons at Panhandle Weight Loss Center have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated: