Hello my name is holly i currently have made the decision to try to get approved for the gastric sleeve. I was told that this is a 6 month process but i am hoping sooner because i am to the point where i cant take the weight anymore i cant even get down on the ground and play with my 5 year old son because the weight has taken a toll on my life. What should i expect during the next 6 months? Whats the process? Any advice is great advice (:

Depends on your insurance. Many require 6 month supervised diet, psych eval, nutritionist visits, sleep study, cardio clearance or other testing / classes. The 6 months really do go by fast though.

It depends on your insurance company. I'm with Kaiser N. Cal. and on average it takes about three months.

Can't help there, I was self pay. I can tell you that no matter how long it takes, stay strong and be optimistic. It will happen and you won't regret it! Best of luck to you on your journey and welcome!!

Well i went to a surgeon today and got a packet. I have medicaid united health care and they said that we will be having surgery in august if everything goes well

Because i have to go thru six months of weight loss and some testing but im scared i wont loose enough because my thyroid doesnt work at all to help everything else work in conjunction to move things along

Just stick with it. Most places aren't looking for grand losses although they do indeed like them. They are however looking for consistency. Keep your eye on the prize. it will be worth it in the end.

Many are okay as long as you don't gain. If you do for medical reasons just make sure the doctor supervising the diet notes it. I gained about 6 lbs due to medical issues / medicine and I was approved.

Mrsb2007 did u loose any?

Nope. Not at all. Super frustrating too. But a dr had put me on depo then I ended up having a hysterectomy. . So I couldn't exercise as much for awhile either. my dr made sure to document it all and I believe that's what saved me

I cant loose any at all myself. How long did it take for u to get ur surgery after u seen ur doc

I started diet in July. I first met with the surgeon in Aug. My diet and all requirements were met in Dec. Ins approved me in Jan, but I found out the surgeon is no longer working at the hospital. After finding a new surgeon and getting everything resubmitted to ins my surgery will be done next Monday.

My regular dr said that he recommends i have the surgery because he doubts ill be able to loose any weight without kt because i have dieted so much the last 5 years. Im hoping i can get everything done within the next few months

The process does take 6 months for most insurance companies, but it goes surprisingly quick and you can start losing weight today. You have 6 months of documented dieting with a doctor. This helps you to make a change now and start selecting healthier foods. It gives you the opportunity to ween down from all the sugar and fat and crap in your system.

I had to do the following...

Psych exam to make sure I was mentally ok to have surgery. I only had 1 visit, but this is something that a lot of people get hung up on so do it early.

3 appointments with a nutritionist.

6 visits at my docs office to weigh in and discuss my diet

chest xray, ekg, upper endoscopy

sleep study

blood work

3 support group meetings

I have UHC and am in the process of getting through my six month doctor supervised visits. I started in January, and next month will be my sixth appointment. I can't believe it!!

Every surgeon requirements are different. But I had to be cleared by a cardiologist - (three tests), two psych appointments, sleep study, as well as my six month NP/NUT appointments. I was so busy with all of these appointments - time just flew by!

Since I began this journey, these six months have been a blessing! It's given me time to research everything from surgery to Protein drinks and what Vitamins to take! Plus I can't begin to tell you what wealth of information you'll receive from the great bunch of people on this site! Everyone has been so welcoming, and have shared their experiences so that us newbies can learn from!

It depends on your insurance and health overall. Through tests within the next 6 months you can uncover some additional health issues like I did (hopefully not). Below was my process:

Jan- WLS seminar

Jan-PCP blood work (diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Jan-called insurance to confirm WLS details. I need 3 mth surprised, 40+ BMI or less than 40 BMI with 2 comorbidities.

Feb-initial meeting with WLS center. Same day did additional blood work to check out my Vitamin levels.

Feb-endoscopy

Feb-sleep test(found out I had mild sleep apnea, needed 2nd sleep test, and need CPAP for the months before surgery then not after)

March-Psych evaluation and clearance letter. He gave me the little right then and there. Depends on your doc they might ask for longer time visiting psych.

March-PCP clearance letter

March-1st weight loss maintenance meeting with center.

March-2nd sleep test

April-2nd weight management meeting

April-meet with endoscopy doctor for antibiotics. Endoscopy found I had a bacteria.

April-meet with sleep doctor for cpap machine. Need to use cpap for 1 mth before pulmonary clearance letter. After letter, still need to use machine until surgery.

Coming up:

May- last weight loss management

meeting and NUT meeting on same day. Center will send paperwork into insurance.

After insurance approval. I will meet with doctor and schedule surgery. I am looking to have surgery mid July because it works with my work schedule. I'm planning to take 2 weeks off and possibly work from an office near by either the second week and not take 2 week vacation. Or the third week and take two week vacation.

So overall it will take me 6 mths! Oh and from what I know I will have to do a preop diet. It will consist of 1 low carb meal a day then liquids-Protein shakes I believe.

This is my journey so far but everyone is different depending on doc. My friends doc didn't require sleep test for her not sure why!

Good luck!

Edited April 10, 201511 yr by Nyelaah