I called my insurance company today to see what requirements they have to approve patients for bariatric surgery. I was told that I have no psychologist requirements or weight loss program requirements from them but my surgeon may have them. They referred me to their Bariatric Resources Services and scheduled an appointment with a case manager for this Friday. I have been aiming at surgery for next summer due to the fact that most of our office gets six weeks off during the summer. Now I don't know if I should be thinking about doing it sooner.

Any advice on what questions I should ask the case manager?

Assuming I read you correctly that case manager works for the insurance company? If so, I would ask for everything in writing first and foremost. Secondly, ask if you have to use a Bariatric Center of Excellence and/or do they have someone in your area they would refer you to.

Regarding the timing, not sure when your insurance renews, but if it is on a calendar year (i.e. renews 12/31), then you might consider trying to get it done this year. If the policy changes when it renews at 1/1 (and there are no guarantees it won't), then anything they tell you now could be completely different.

Thanks so much!

Totally agree with the post reason to believe made! Good luck!