Where To Start In The Surgery Process?

[Mini Me Wanna~Be 56]

Hello everyone, I am just starting with the process of Weight Loss Surgery and am in need of some info from those who have had surgery so that I know I am on the right track and not doing things backwards (which I've been known to do) I have spoke to my insurance and found out that they do cover WLS. Two weeks ago I called and registered with the department that manages Bariatric surgery and was told that I would be contacted by a Nurse who will be my case manager thru my procedure. I have done a lot of researching and reading about the different surgeries and have decided that the sleeve is what I want. My husband had the Gastric Bypass done 10 years ago and had some issues they had to cut him open and now he has double hernia, he's now lactose intolerant and experiences dumping syndrome quite often. However my best friend also had the bypass almost 3 years ago and has had no problems except not absorbing the Vitamins properly. She now says if she would have known more about the Sleeve she probably would have done it instead of the Bypass. My questions for all of you who have been thru this how did the process go for you? I have United Health Care Insurance and I have not been contacted by my Nurse case manager yet. How long is too long of a wait? Also I am only seeing a primary doctor & my Rhuematoligist at this point, is my primary doctor the one who starts this process with me or will I have to go to a Bariatric type Dr.? I know I have to do 6 months of weight loss dieting and keeping track of what I've done and have a Dr. sign off on it. But I'm unclear if the Dr. I see now is the one who does it. Also what is the Psych Evaluation all about? I have not been able to find out very much info on that. Sorry this is long winded but I'm excited to get the process started and want to do everything right the 1st time so it doesn't take FOREVER to happen. I'm hoping that you guys can help me out and keep me on the right track. Thank you in advance for all your help.

[beba238 123]

Every place is different. It all depends on the doctor, your insurance, and medical history. I know a couple of people that have gone to several offices at a time to see which place gives them less exams or has less office time meaning they won't be waiting 3 weeks for an appointment.

[RareGold3000 185]

I did everything thru my bariatric doctor's office. They set up everything, all appts, the psych eval, nutrionist appts, gym appts, group appts etc. I only had to do their 3 month program, that my insurance required. But, I know other patients who went thru their office as well for the 6 month diet that was required by their insurance company, plus all the other appts that I had.

I'd give the bariatric office a call that you want to go to and discuss it with them and I am sure they'll be able to steer you in the right direction. And, I am sure they'll know exactly what your insurance requires.