What's the pre-surgery process?

[Sshelton0313 2]

Hi all. I just started researching bariatric surgery options and I was hoping to hear what your process has been from deciding to have surgery, pre-requisites to having surgery, why you chose your type of surgery, how long the pre-surgery process is... Any and all information is appreciated.

[Jerseygirl4523 44]

For specifics, you really need to contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies require a 6 month medically supervised diet. Some require specific tests. Usually the rule of thumb is BMI of 35 or higher with 2 comorbidities or a BMI over 40.

Once you pick your surgeon, they will also have requirements for what needs to be completed prior to surgery. My gyno referred me to a clinic and I met the surgeon there, I really liked him so I decided to continue the process there.

Most surgical clinics have seminars to attend where you can meet some of the staff and learn about their process.

My insurance requirements: 6 month medically supervised diet

Surgeon requirements: exercise clearance, psych clearance, nutrition clearance, 1 mandatory support group meeting, 1 mandatory class, EKG, Endoscopy, blood work, clearance from primary dr.

He’s also requiring a sleep study because both my parents have sleep apnea and he wants it controlled before surgery.

In all honesty, it will take about the full six months to get all of these requirements completed. I had my consult in November and so far it looks like surgery could be in May.

I have PCOS. And my research has pointed to wls. I asked my surgeon and said surgery was the only permanent solution to my problem. I was sold. So far the therapist, trainer and nutritionist I’ve met have been very familiar with pcos, more than most gyno I’ve been to!! I feel very taken care and understood at the clinic I chose.

Edited February 3, 2018 by Jerseygirl4523

[Sshelton0313 2]

That's awesome info, thank you. I just got my referral Monday so now the Bariatric office is doing a chart review of my medical records and will hopefully schedule my first visit which is the Psych eval. My bmi is 40.2 and my insurance, Tricare, doesn't require any comorbidities above 40 and only 1 for 35-40. I had a sleep study last year and all it showed was insomnia but I didn't sleep much. My dad and brother both have sleep apnea. I'm looking at the RNY Gastric bypass. I know it's a process but I'm excited. Good luck with your surgery. I wish you the best!

[Jerseygirl4523 44]

Thanks and good luck! I chose the sleeve because of my age and low side effects. I don’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. My surgeon explained both to me and asked which I preferred. Then he told me his opinion. Luckily we both agreed!

[Sshelton0313 2]

That's awesome Jersey girl. I still have plenty of time to consider the sleeve but from what I've read the RNY will be better for me. I hope you'll keep updating and sending you good luck!

[kakatlady612 1,053]

Hi sshelton let me give you my figures
BMI 45
GERD
Edema both lower legs
Severe arthritis since age25
Sleep apnea
2 knees replaced
I will have a RnY at age 72 early-mid March at mount carmel in Columbus Ohio. Also,i am the child of 2 diabetics although I don't have the disease. Things in my favor low cholesterol, low blood pressure, good heart and lungs for my age, never smoked or drank and am motivated to , ma ke a success of my surgery.


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[Sshelton0313 2]

Kakatlady- thank you for the info. It sounds like it's been a rough road for you. Did you have to go through the 6 months of weight loss prior to surgery? The thought of that is frustrating. I've been trying to lose weight for 5 years already! That should count! I wish you the best with your surgery and journey!

[kakatlady612 1,053]

Well it's my second time trying out got the rodeo. I had at first,United Healthcare and had 5 months under my belt,when my job terminated. Took a while to get my insurance coverage ducks in a row. I went from United,Primary and Medicare Secondary to Medicare Primary,Medicaid Secondary. Medicare,only counted,high BMI as a requirement although,i did have comorbities also. I got all my prerequirements done in 4 months and I'm,waiting for,the surgeon's staff to get their act,together and give,me a firm surgical date.

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