how to get started? what tests to expect?

[jaxmommy2012 21]

Im new to all of this. Just recently decided (and got my husband on board with) getting the sleeve. Now what should I expect? How do I get started? How long does process take from start to surgery? Im nervous and scared and SOOOO afraid I will be told NO. support? anyone? :/

[mokee 588]

First find a doctor that is Bariatric Center of Excellence. Then go to their seminar. Do a lot of research on the doctors that you find. You want someone that has done hundreds of sleeves. Go to more than one seminar and take notes. I went to 4 different practices before I chose the one I thought was right for me. Also want a doctor that has very small percentage of leaks. Where are you from? There is a surgeon button at the top to get started.

Best of luck.

[Chele H 427]

First step is to call your insurance company go see if they cover WLS and what the requirements are. Then I would attend few WLS seminars with different doctors, research get as much info as yiu can. Get a referral from your PCP if required and a letter from your PCP with your weight history and his/her recommendation for WLS. Make an appointment with the surgeon of your choice. My surgeon has a checklist of things that need to be done....blood work, psych eval, nutritionist,etc. and had names of people to see for all of this. I am now waiting on my insurance. GOOD LUCK!

[Aisha902 3]

As for the tests (I just got them done this morning)... mine included:

1) CBC

2) Liver Function

3) Coagulation profile

4) Kidney Function

5) Blood sugar

6) Pulmonary Function

All were blood serum tests except for number 6 (checking your lungs).

I'm in the Middle East, so there may be differences from the US, but the above tests make sense for what we're about to undergo... Good luck!

[NewAshes 232]

My insurance requires a referral from your primary care. Then you go to the seminar. Some places you don't see the surgeon first but after the seminar I got a appointment with my surgeon for evaluation. Then she ordered blood work and cardiac clearance which is usually a treadmill test and a EKG I also had to do a drug test including nicotine. Then you see a dietician and usually a psychologist and sometimes classes that involve diet and stuff with the sleeve then sometimes they will do a endoscopy to see if you have any hernias,bacteria,ulcers ect. But it's best to ask your insurance where to start..also sometimes they won't tell you if they cover unless you have the proper codes otherwise they will just say I don't know.

[hopeliveshere 294]

Hello and welcome! i am way at the beginning of the process as well so would be happy to answer questions. what insurance do you have? i agree with the others about checking with your insurance first. The other things you have to do will depend on your surgeon. I went to to the seminar first and then had a cosultation with the surgeon. They gave me a list of all the things i need to complete before i go back to them for my second consult in 3 months. My insurance requires 6months documented weight loss attempts with my pcp. my surgeon also requires a nutrtional visit, cardiologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist clearance as well as a pshyc evalutaion.

Good Luck!

[jaxmommy2012 21]

WOw!!! Thank you EVERYONE!! I honestly didn't expect to get responses so quickly. Im sooo fresh to this I haven't even gotten my insurance card in the mail yet. (My husband and I just garried Friday and we sent in our insurance paperwork) However, the enrollment packet did say in plain black and white that it does cover bariatric surgery. Now I understand that's pretty broad so should I still call and see if the sleeve itself is covered? Also, I have SO many other questions...I haven't had a PCP in about 10 years besides my latest which was only for prenatal care. (I had my son in Oct) Also, having just had a child, will that disqualify me? Ive had obesity issues for basically my entire life. Also, My mother has a Lap band and told me Im better off going straight to the Dr. because getting through insurance and getting questions answered is usually pretty hard to do. Will I need previous proof of health issues? I have family history or diabetes and heart problems. Im honestly just trying to feel out the play field first before I even get my hopes up! Im afraid Ill be turned down. And again thank you all so much for your speedy responses.

[Thenewmrssmith 36]

WOw!!! Thank you EVERYONE!! I honestly didn't expect to get responses so quickly. Im sooo fresh to this I haven't even gotten my insurance card in the mail yet. (My husband and I just garried Friday and we sent in our insurance paperwork) However' date=' the enrollment packet did say in plain black and white that it does cover bariatric surgery. Now I understand that's pretty broad so should I still call and see if the sleeve itself is covered? Also, I have SO many other questions...I haven't had a PCP in about 10 years besides my latest which was only for prenatal care. (I had my son in Oct) Also, having just had a child, will that disqualify me? Ive had obesity issues for basically my entire life. Also, My mother has a Lap band and told me Im better off going straight to the Dr. because getting through insurance and getting questions answered is usually pretty hard to do. Will I need previous proof of health issues? I have family history or diabetes and heart problems. Im honestly just trying to feel out the play field first before I even get my hopes up! Im afraid Ill be turned down. And again thank you all so much for your speedy responses. [/quote']

What insurance company do you haave?

[NewAshes 232]

I don't think having a child recently can get you denied..

[stacy03 50]

WOw!!! Thank you EVERYONE!! I honestly didn't expect to get responses so quickly. Im sooo fresh to this I haven't even gotten my insurance card in the mail yet. (My husband and I just garried Friday and we sent in our insurance paperwork) However' date=' the enrollment packet did say in plain black and white that it does cover bariatric surgery. Now I understand that's pretty broad so should I still call and see if the sleeve itself is covered? Also, I have SO many other questions...I haven't had a PCP in about 10 years besides my latest which was only for prenatal care. (I had my son in Oct) Also, having just had a child, will that disqualify me? Ive had obesity issues for basically my entire life. Also, My mother has a Lap band and told me Im better off going straight to the Dr. because getting through insurance and getting questions answered is usually pretty hard to do. Will I need previous proof of health issues? I have family history or diabetes and heart problems. Im honestly just trying to feel out the play field first before I even get my hopes up! Im afraid Ill be turned down. And again thank you all so much for your speedy responses. [/quote']

The main thing I found out from my insurance company is which hospital they cover. Mine only allowed me to go to a particular hospital/center of excellence and there are 3 large hospital systems here in town (I live in indianapolis) that have bariatric surgery centers. So it might be best to find that out before you start going to info meetings. After that, it just all depends what your insurance company requires. But like others said, the surgeons office will help you get that info. I've been lucky and didn't have any hoops to jump thru for insurance so hopefully the same is the case for you.

I've done my pre-op testing and am cleared for surgery...just waiting for a date!! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions! Also...did you say you and your husband were just married? Congratulations!!!

[Vixynne 695]

Another thing you might want to consider is finding a book that will tell you what to expect. I love the forums, and the people here are helpful and supportive, but sometimes I'd have a question and wasn't able to be online--having a book to read at my own pace and refer to when going to my surgeon, was really helpful. There's lots of resources out there! One that I have was written by the founder of our forum, and it's pretty comprehensive (and only $10 on my Nook)! I'm pretty sure there's a link to it here in the forums, but here's another: The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve

Definitely check with your insurance carrier; make sure you write down what they tell you and get the name of the customer rep that you talk to in case there are any contradictions along the line (so far I've been quoted two different numbers for what dollar amount I'm responsible for; they were only $50 apart, but I'm glad I double checked).

Find a primary care doc that you like and can establish a good rapport with--you know you need one for run-of-the-mill health care anyway, and it will be something you will definitely want post-op! Shop around till you find someone who supports WLS patients; you'll need their referral to a bariatric surgeon, and the more they know and the more positive they are toward your decision, the happier you'll be.

An online search should pull up the Bariatric Centers of Excellence in your area. Many hospitals have forums like this one where you can search for patients who've had the surgeon/s you consider for your surgery; talking with prior patients can be a huge help so that you know what to plan for. I agree with the advice about trying to find the surgeon with the most expertise and the best success rates, that's a definite plus.

My tests included CBC (complete blood count), chest X-ray, ultrasound of abdominal organs, urine/stool sampling, and enough other blood tests to require 9 vials of drawn blood--all worth it! Because I'm under 50 years old, my surgeon didn't require a stress test. You'll probably also have a psychology screening--not nearly as intimidating as it sounds--and maybe a set of lifestyle workshops to make sure you're prepared for the changes coming your way.

Good luck to you and congratulations on making a decision to improve your health and your life! Keep up with the forums, there's lots of good info and good people here!

[jaxmommy2012 21]

i have blue cross blue shield

[jaxmommy2012 21]

What insurance company do you haave?

blue cross blue shield

[NtvTxn 1,262]

Im new to all of this. Just recently decided (and got my husband on board with) getting the sleeve. Now what should I expect? How do I get started? How long does process take from start to surgery? Im nervous and scared and SOOOO afraid I will be told NO. support? anyone? :/

do you have a doctor? that is the first step, and then register and attend their seminar, I know the three doctors I considered here in Dallas, require you attend. It was great, informative and I left feeling really good about my decision. I was self pay, so I didn't have to jump through hoops to get approved, I really don't know what will be next for you. The pre-op diet, if your doctor does this, most do want you to lose a little weight prior to surgery. I was almost 50, and even though I was in good health, he required that I have a stress test. After that, just blood work the day before and the liquid diet the day before surgery!!! where are you located?

[jaxmommy2012 21]

do you have a doctor? that is the first step' date=' and then register and attend their seminar, I know the three doctors I considered here in Dallas, require you attend. It was great, informative and I left feeling really good about my decision. I was self pay, so I didn't have to jump through hoops to get approved, I really don't know what will be next for you. The pre-op diet, if your doctor does this, most do want you to lose a little weight prior to surgery. I was almost 50, and even though I was in good health, he required that I have a stress test. After that, just blood work the day before and the liquid diet the day before surgery!!! where are you located?[/quote']

im in arkansas. russellville. the closest big town is little rock abt an hour away. im hearing mixed thinngs as far as testing and approval so ill have to find a pcp and go from there i guess. i signed up for an online seminar just to learn a bit more. id like.to get a feel for the price of things if i am denied. my husband said hed pay if insurance wont cover me. if u dont mnd me asking, could u possibly private message me and give me a round about what u had to pay out of pocket? if not its fine, im just wondering