Center for Bariatric Surgery

New Life Program

New Life is a group class that was developed to help prepare you for surgery and meet requirements outlined in most medical insurance policies. The group has four main functions:

• To assist individuals in meeting medical policy requirements for surgery coverage
• Arm participants with the knowledge and foundation for life-long success after bariatric surgery
• Build a support system. The program is unlike any other weight management program. It is a fun and supportive learning environment where you will not be alone. Each participant is seeking surgical assistance for weight loss. A group setting provides an opportunity to meet other individuals just like you who can support you on the journey before and after surgery. Some of our patients have met their best and most supportive friends in the pre-op classes
• To promote at least 5% weight loss. Losing weight and improving physical capacity prior to surgery can help make surgery safer.

To enroll in New Life, you will schedule a one-on-one assessment with one of our dietitians to review medical history, weight history, and set goals for the duration of the program. After the assessment is complete, participants attend monthly group education classes. The classes are convenient, meeting the third Monday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm. If you are unable to attend the group meeting, accommodations can be made.

Words of Wisdom from program graduates:

I benefited immensely from the New Life program. The staff was great, very informative and made approval from the insurance company a breeze.

- Mark Baxter, Surgery August 2011, Steger, IL

Choosing to have bariatric surgery is an exciting and challenging time in your life. The pre-op program is a tremendous help in preparing you. It isn’t enough to just lose a few pounds before surgery. You need to be armed with all the information you can get to help you post-surgery. You are going to feel overwhelmed post-surgery and I believe the pre-op program helped me make sense of it all and got me through the rough spots. The pre-op team is always there to work with you. Take advantage of their knowledge and assistance. Also, once you have made the decision you don’t want any delays in starting your new life. Start and stay with the program, you will be glad you did.

- Kim D. – Surgery December 2007

The once-a-month meetings required by my insurance company to qualify for bariatric surgery were little hardship and well worth the time. Meetings were run by professional, friendly people who explained things in detail and were always willing to answer questions. Knowing what I could do to help myself through proper nutrition and sensible exercise has allowed me to achieve my own personal goals. Surgery is not an end in itself. It is only a beginning. To be truly free of the "fat monster", you need the training from the pre op program.

- Jack L, Surgery March 2009

The Insurance companies have set this process in place to gauge ones determination to their goals. It may be helpful to break down your goal into smaller goals. Sit down and break it down into smaller steps, i.e. to attend support groups, loose 2-3 lbs. per week, remove yourself from the negative or toxic people in your life and keep a positive attitude toward your goals. One may even write all this out to keep these guidelines handy. It can also be a little apprehensive to see all the specialists before your operation is even scheduled.

- Michael V, Surgery January 2009

“I did not go through your program but I can tell you I did it on my own and it was very frustrating and took me a year and a half to get o.k’ed. I do think that if I went through a program that was set up by the hospital that I would have been approved a lot faster.

-Sharon H. - surgery elsewhere, Franciscan St. James support group attendee