Weight Loss Surgery Journey

Before your first appointment, you will receive a link to activate your Epic MyChart through Memorial Hermann, follow the link to activate, this will allow you view after visit summaries, schedule/reschedule appointments, view testing results, communicate with the practice, etc. You may also complete below new patient forms and bring in on the day of your visit.

New Patient Forms - Dr. Turnquest

New Patient Forms - Dr. Chang

Our staff will verify coverage closer to the day of your appointment and will notify you of any non-coverage or insurance stipulations.

We encourage patients to check with their insurance company directly to verify ahead of time. Plans will either provide coverage based off medical necessity and criteria completion or in some cases they may have an exclusion or a waiting period. If your plan has an exclusion, this means no coverage is available. We do offer financing. The criteria for coverage will vary among insurance companies, our coordinator will discuss the details during your initial visit.

Below are some questions you may ask your insurance company to determine eligibility:

• Is weight loss surgery covered under my insurance plan?
• Which of these CPT codes are covered:
• Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy 43775
• Gastric Bypass 43644
• Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) 43845
• Morbid Obesity E66.01 (Primary)
• Morbid Obesity 278.01 ( Primary diagnosis code used, along with any comorbidities)
• Do I need to complete a medically supervised diet? If yes, for how long?

• Comprehensive medical evaluation (weight, BMI, health history).
• Discussion of surgical options — sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, etc.
• Explanation of risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes.
• Meet and discuss insurance criteria with our Bariatric Coordinator.

• Nutrition Counseling: Learn portion control, protein focus, and vitamin needs.
• Psychological assessments.
• Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, start light exercise.
• Insurance Approval: required before surgery can be scheduled. (Submission are done once all criteria has been completed).
• Medical Testing: Blood tests, endoscopy, sleep study (if needed).

• Nutrition Counseling: Learn portion control, protein focus, and vitamin needs.
• Psychological assessments.
• Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, start light exercise.
• Insurance Approval: required before surgery can be scheduled. (Submission are done once all criteria has been completed).
• Medical Testing: Blood tests, endoscopy, sleep study (if needed).

• Usually, 3 days or 2 weeks before surgery.
• High-protein, low-carb liquid diet to shrink the liver, a sample diet will be given when you meet with our dietitian.
• Helps make surgery safer and more effective.

• Begin liquid diet for the first few days.
• Pain management and early mobilization (walking) encouraged.
• Close monitoring for complications (nausea, infection, dehydration).

Gradual reintroduction:

• Week 2: Pureed foods
• Week 4: Soft foods
• Week 6+: Regular textured foods (small portions)

Continuous hydration and protein intake emphasized.

• Regular appointments at:
• 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter.
• Weight, nutrition, and vitamin levels monitored.
• Adjust medications or supplements as needed.

• Focus on balanced diet, mindful eating, and consistent exercise.
• Join support groups for motivation and accountability.
• Track weight loss progress and emotional health.