Hi everyone. I had my first pre-op appointment today. I have a BMI of 36 with co-morbidities. My surgeon thinks we won't have an issue getting the approval from insurance. Can someone tell me the rough timeline of when the soonest I may get the surgery done if I had my first appointment today? The gastric sleeve definitely seems like the right choice for me. I'm only 23. Nervous about issues having children down the road but I don't seem to see any issues when I've done my research.

Welcome! Time frame will depend on your insurance requirements (many require 3-6 months of a doctor supervised diet) and the surgery schedule of your surgeon.

Cash payers are able to fast track the process and I have seen some done in 2-3 months. I am cash pay but with all the surgeon requirements (ie sleep study, stress test, EGD, etc.) it will take me almost three months.

Those with insurance seem to range between 3 months to a year. Of course these are just averages.

The insurance coordinator at your doctors office will find out what your insurance requirements are, but you can call them as well to find out!

Good luck with your journey!

Excellent! My insurance (tufts) just changed their requirements this year. You no longer have to do a diet first, they just require you to have proof it is medically necessary to have it done which I think I should be fine.