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[msholly1228 2]

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 (:

[MrsB2007 90]

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.

[likelike 63]

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

[wantingabetterlife 364]

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!!

[msholly1228 2]

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

[msholly1228 2]

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

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

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.

[MrsB2007 90]

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.

[msholly1228 2]

Mrsb2007 did u loose any?

[MrsB2007 90]

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

[msholly1228 2]

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

[MrsB2007 90]

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.

[msholly1228 2]

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

[Stephanie Stroup McIntosh 157]

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

[mclorrie 219]

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!