Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie and strongly considering getting the vertical sleeve. I have a few questions, but I'll start with the main one first. What are the doctors/exams you have to see/do for the surgery?? It seems like I have a good idea, but everytime I read a new post or watch a new video on youtube or go to a new forum, I get a different answer! I want to make sure I on the right path and don't want to go to doctors that I don't have to. I know I will get this information from my surgeon, but I would love to get a jump start on this if I can. I truly want to have this surgery this year.

This is what I have so far, as to who you have to see:

1. Psychologist

2. Pulmonary

3. Nutritionist

4. PCP

5. Labs

6. Upper GI

7. Stress test

8. Chest exam (is this the same as the upper GI?)

9. And of course, your surgeon

Am I in the ball park or way out in left field? I appreciate any and all help. TIA!!

Every person on here will tell you something different because each surgeon and insurance company is different. It's possible you may need any number of the items on your list or maybe only one or two. Each insurance company and surgeon has different requirements. All my inusrance required was a three month diet, which could be doctor supervised or a diet plan such as Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. My surgeon required two visits with a therapist, a meeting with his dietitian and attendance at a support group meeting. Your best bet would be to check with both insurance and the surgeon prior to making any appointments. It would be a waste of your time and money to go to all kinds of appointments that are not required.

Thanks so much dlpfiff!! I will definetly do that. I am trying to save my vacation time just in case everything goes well and I will have the sleeve within 3 to 6 months. I have Cigna and I will call them asap to find out....

Like the other poster said... Make sure you contact your insurance company FIRST! Find out what THEY require in order for you to be approved. Some require a 3 or 6 month supervised diet with the surgeon's nutritionist, other insurances only require documentation that you've attempted to lose weight unsuccessfully (WW or Jenny). Honestly, all the other appts will be guided through your surgeon's office... ie: Psych Eval, Nutritionist, Upper GI, etc. There is no reason to make those appts w/out knowing if you're going to actually need them or not. So, please make sure you contact your insurance FIRST and then go from there!!

Thanks so much StacyS! I will make sure to call my insurance company as soon as possible.

Like the other poster said... Make sure you contact your insurance company FIRST! Find out what THEY require in order for you to be approved. Some require a 3 or 6 month supervised diet with the surgeon's nutritionist, other insurances only require documentation that you've attempted to lose weight unsuccessfully (WW or Jenny). Honestly, all the other appts will be guided through your surgeon's office... ie: Psych Eval, Nutritionist, Upper GI, etc. There is no reason to make those appts w/out knowing if you're going to actually need them or not. So, please make sure you contact your insurance FIRST and then go from there!!

Your pre-op tests (nearly all of those you listed) should be done no earlier than 30 days of your surgery or you will have to do them all over again. It is best to wait until you see your surgeon and schedule your surgery so you don't have to repeat. I don't know who in their right mind would want to do an Upper GI more than once... LOL.

Good luck with your process.