Information Session

Interested individuals must attend a free, two-hour information session to learn more about our weight loss surgery program and decide if this approach is right for you. For information on the meeting schedule and/or to register, go to our registration form.

Insurance Coverage

We accept many insurance programs at Milford Regional Medical Center, however, it is your responsibility to make sure you have coverage. Please contact your insurance company prior to your initial consultation to ask:

• Do you have coverage for bariatric surgery
• Is Milford Regional Medical Center within your network
• Are Drs. Donald Czerniach and Philip Cohen covered in your network

Medical Intake

Following attendance at an information session, an appointment is scheduled with our bariatric coordinator to evaluate your health and determine if there are any medical conditions or concerns that require attention prior to surgery.

Nutrition Appointments

Our bariatric dietitian will work with you one-on-one to help develop and implement healthy eating habits that will get you started on your weight loss journey and set you up for long term success. The dietitian will meet with you monthly to monitor your progress and provide support throughout the program and after surgery.

Behavioral Health Counselor Consult

Consultation with a behavioral health counselor provides critical insight into the many factors that affect an individual's struggle with weight, the decision to have weight loss surgery and its impact on your life afterwards. This meeting ensures your greatest success following surgery.

Program Fee

All patients are required to pay a non-refundable $375 fee in order to move forward in the program. The fee helps pay for support groups, preoperative skills classes and other services not covered by insurances. The payment will be requested after your behavioral health consult.

Exercise Evaluation

FreshStart patients attend an exercise class with our exercise physiologist where they can work together to establish an effective exercise regimen for before and after surgery.

Skills Classes

As part of the preoperative process you will attend four skills classes to prepare you for surgery and your journey thereafter.

Meeting with the Bariatric Surgeon

Our bariatric surgeon will work closely with you and the rest of the team to determine your best surgical weight loss option.

After Surgery

Follow-up Visits

You will have follow-up visits with your surgical team at two and six weeks, five months, one year and then at least yearly. You will follow up with your dietitian at three weeks, three months, six months, one year and then at least yearly.

Additional Support

The FreshStart approach includes ongoing support for your individual needs after surgery through support and discussion groups, an exercise program and individual appointments. Our FreshStart team is committed to supporting you through successful weight loss from start to finish.

Would you like to know what is discussed in our support group meetings? See our 2018 schedule of support group topics.