The Bariatric Surgery Process, Step by Step
Exactly what happens between your first form and your surgery date — how long each stage takes, what we handle for you, and what you need to do. Most of it is done from home.
How long it takes
A few weeks to several months. The pace is set mainly by your insurance plan's requirements, not by us.
Mostly done from home
Registration, the preparatory course, your consultation and even the pre-op visit can all be done remotely.
We handle the paperwork
Our team initiates your referrals and submits everything to your insurer for preauthorization.
Five steps to your surgery date
Every stage is laid out below — nothing hidden, nothing to click open.
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1
Book your consultation
20–25 minutesRegistration is entirely online. You'll fill out our digital intake forms, choose an appointment date and time that suits you, and receive a confirmation email containing your Zoom link.
A member of our team then reviews your application and emails you a link to enroll in our preparatory course.
What you do
- Complete the online forms
- Pick your appointment slot
- Watch for your confirmation email
What we do
- Review your application
- Send your course invitation
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2
Complete the online preparatory course
9 modules, at your own paceThe course runs across nine modules and finishes with a short quiz. Both the modules and the quiz need to be completed before you move forward.
It's built to answer the questions most patients arrive with — so by the time you meet Dr. El Djouzi, your consultation can focus on you rather than the basics.
What you do
- Work through all 9 modules
- Pass the closing quiz
Why it matters
- Makes your consultation far more productive
- Required before surgery
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3
Meet Dr. El Djouzi
Virtual, via ZoomDr. El Djouzi starts by going through your intake form and medical history with you. He'll then recommend which procedure fits your situation and which tests you'll need, and work through any questions you still have.
He'll also invite you into our private patient Facebook community, where you can follow other patients' journeys, and remind you to contact the office to move to the next stage.
What you'll leave with
- A recommended procedure
- Your required test list
- Access to the patient community
Come prepared with
- Your medication list
- Past surgical history
- Any questions the course didn't answer
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4
Tests, clearances & insurance approval
Weeks to months — the longest stageThis is where the timeline really lives. You'll complete blood work, radiological exams and medical evaluations. Our team explains each one and initiates the referrals for you.
Once your results are in, they go to your insurance provider (where applicable). After preauthorization comes through, we contact you to schedule your surgery date and your pre-operative visit — which can also be virtual.
What we handle
- Initiating every referral
- Explaining what each test is for
- Submitting results for preauthorization
How to speed it up
- Book tests as soon as referrals arrive
- Don't leave gaps between appointments
Timelines at this stage are driven by your insurer's requirements and how quickly testing appointments open up — which is why it varies so much between patients. No insurance? Self-pay options skip this stage entirely.
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5
Your pre-operative visit
About 2 weeks before surgeryYou and Dr. El Djouzi review your test results together and settle any remaining questions. He'll also walk through the two-week pre-operative diet and why sticking to it matters for a safe, well-prepared surgery.
What you do
- Review your results with Dr. El Djouzi
- Start the two-week pre-op diet
- Ask your final questions
Good to know
- This visit can be virtual
- The pre-op diet is not optional
Surgery day
The afternoon before your surgery, a surgical nurse calls you with your final instructions — arrival time, what to bring, and exactly when to stop eating and drinking.
By this point you've completed the course, met your surgeon, cleared your testing and finished your pre-op diet. Nothing about the day should come as a surprise.
Start with step one
Registration takes about 20 minutes, and we verify your insurance before your first visit. Consultations are available virtually or in person in Darien and Bolingbrook.
Most major insurance accepted — BCBS, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Tricare and Medicare. Self-pay options available.