Is it typical to have to go a gastroscopy during your evaluation phase? I have to have one done and I'm getting very concerned--i'm paying for all of these visits and tests to be done and still have no idea if my insurance is going to approve my surgery!

Hello, I hear you. In my case I needed an endoscopy but not a full gastroscopy. I think it depends on your specific medical history which one they require.

I agree going through all of these pre-op/pre-insurance tests are a real grind and are no guarantee. I have completed all of my pre-approval testing (endoscopy, Cardiac clearance, pysch eval, nutrition individual and group sessions) and since changing my diet in a major way I've dropped 25 lbs. Unfortunately my surgeons office will not submit it to insurance until a full 90 days since my first nutritionist appointment which means they won't be submitting it for approval until June 8th. Then if approved there will be another round of pre-op hoops to jump through

I do think its a good thing to go through the process, I think it weeds out the candidates that aren't really prepared for the life change but it certainly is stressful!

The expenses are also significant even if you have good insurance. In my case there are allot of charges for things not under insurance. I think I've had to pay about $700 out of pocket to get this far.

Best of luck, the strong will survive!

A gastroscopy is standard procedure for my insurance's approval. I was given a list of eight tests, actually. Gastroscopy is one of them and probably the most involved. Everyone who wants their bariatric surgery approved by Clalit (my insurance) has to do all eight steps, plus three nutritionist consultations. Thankfully, I think every step is covered in full by them, since my primary care provider gave me an official referral for it.