Question 1

I am a St. Agnes bariatric patient. Should I use the website contact form?

Accepted Answer

No. St. Agnes bariatric referrals come directly from St. Agnes and follow specific program requirements. Contact the GIBNC office directly at 443-490-1240 or nutrition5@gibnc.net instead of submitting the website inquiry form.

Question 2

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

The GI & Bariatric Nutrition Center provides telehealth nutrition services, including bariatric nutrition education, pre- and post-operative nutrition support, supervised weight documentation programs, individual nutrition consultations, follow-up appointments, lab reviews, and ongoing nutrition support.

Question 3

Are appointments online or in person?

Accepted Answer

Appointments and educational programs are completed through telehealth and online learning, allowing patients to participate from home.

Question 4

Do you work with bariatric surgery patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GIBNC provides required bariatric nutrition education and support for patients preparing for bariatric surgery as well as continued nutrition support following surgery. St. Agnes bariatric patients should contact the office directly at 443-490-1240 rather than use the website inquiry form.

Question 5

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

GIBNC services are generally private pay. Required bariatric nutrition services for eligible St. Agnes Hospital patients are billed through the hospital, and patient responsibility depends on the individual insurance plan. St. Agnes bariatric patients should call GIBNC directly at 443-490-1240 with referral or program questions.

Question 6

Can I see a dietitian even if I am not having bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GIBNC provides individual nutrition consultations and follow-up care for patients with a variety of nutrition needs.

Question 7

What is STRIVE BLE?

Accepted Answer

STRIVE BLE is a seven-week recorded behavioral program led by Nancy, a therapist, and participating patients. It includes weekly worksheets, weekly quizzes, a certificate of completion, and three months of live biweekly Zoom support with Nancy and a therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Bariatric Surgery: Before Surgery

Insurance & Supervised Documentation

Insurance & Pricing

Non-Surgical Nutrition & Consultations

Bariatric Surgery: After Surgery

Programs & Behavioral Support

Technical Help

Still Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What services do you offer?

Are appointments online or in person?

How do I become a new patient?

Can I schedule my appointment online?

What do I need before my first appointment?

Do I need a referral?

What browsers work for telehealth appointments?

Can I attend my telehealth appointment from my car?

Bariatric Surgery: Before Surgery

I am a St. Agnes bariatric patient. Should I use the website contact form?

Do you work with bariatric surgery patients?

What is included in the bariatric nutrition program?

How long do I have to complete my online bariatric classes?

Do the bariatric classes have tests?

Can I use my class materials while taking the test?

What happens if I don't pass my bariatric nutrition test?

When is my nutrition clearance sent to my surgeon?

What happens after my nutrition clearance is sent?

I completed the program before but never had surgery. Do I have to start over?

Insurance & Supervised Documentation

What is supervised weight documentation?

Do you offer supervised weight documentation?

How much does the online supervised weight documentation program cost?

What do I have to complete each month?

When do I complete my monthly documentation?

What is the monthly deadline?

What happens if I miss the monthly deadline?

What happens if I miss a whole month?

Do I have to come into the office to be weighed?

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. Do I need additional appointments?

I have Aetna. What does my supervised program require?

Can my primary care doctor complete my supervised diet instead?

Insurance & Pricing

Do you accept insurance?

Will my insurance cover the bariatric nutrition program?

What if insurance doesn't cover the entire amount (St Agnes Patients Only)?

Are there services I pay for directly?

Can I use an HSA or FSA card?

What is your missed appointment policy?

Non-Surgical Nutrition & Consultations

Can I see a dietitian even if I'm not having bariatric surgery?

How long is an initial nutrition consultation?

How long are follow-up appointments?

Can Nancy review my blood work?

Where do I send my labs?

Do I need to complete food logs before my appointment?

Can I get help with vitamins after bariatric surgery?

Bariatric Surgery: After Surgery

Do I need to contact you on the day of my surgery?

What happens after surgery?

Can I ask nutrition questions after surgery?

Do you offer ongoing Q&A support?

Can I speak with Nancy if I only have a quick question?

Programs & Behavioral Support

What is STRIVE BLE?

What is Bariatric Life Empowerment (BLE)?

Are other CBT-based programs offered?

How much do behavioral group programs cost?

Technical Help

I can't log into the online learning center. What should I do?

Where do I access my online classes?

I only see one class. Where are my other classes?

I didn't receive my enrollment email. What should I do?

Still Have Questions?