Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Can I specifically request Gastric Sleeve?



Recommended Posts

Hi everyone!

I am approaching my PCP tomorrow about getting a referral to a bariatric surgeon. I have spoken with my insurance provider and have confirmed they will pay as long as my BMI is over a certain amount (mine is 56.5) and they said my particular insurance program doesn't require the proof of a medically supervised nutrition program, or the other hoops some insurance companies require you to jump through first. When I go to my consultation with the surgeon, can I specifically request the gastric sleeve? Based on research I have done over the past months, it seems to be the best option since I have Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

I have been preparing myself mentally for the last year, and building the courage to ask for more help. Over the last 9 years, I have tried Weight Watchers, L.A. Weight Loss, counted calories, taken Phetermine, Belviq and Contrave. I lost anywhere from 30-50 lbs with each program/medication only to gain it back. I have spoken with my supervisor at work and she is behind me 100% and has already approved any time off I need. I am hoping to go through with the surgery before July since I have already met my deductible and out of pocket for this year (my insurance runs July 1 - June 30).

Thanks in advance for any information you can give me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I guess it depends on the surgeon, but yes you can. I went in asking for the sleeve and he said that it was what he would have chosen for me anyway. He was pleased that I had already done my research and didn't have much explaining to do.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi ShrinkingKimber,

I requested Gastric Sleeve and had no issue with my surgeon. I have a high BMI and for me I also believed this was my best option.

Best of luck on your journey!

OnTurf

Edited by onturf

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, you can ask for a specific procedure. If your surgeon recommends a different procedure for you it wouldn't hurt to find out why he or she recommends it, though.

As far as I am concerned, the sleeve was right for me and my surgeon agreed.

Best of luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would definitely hear your surgeon out about all of your options, but it will ultimately be your choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@shrinkingkimber of course you can! It's your body, your decision, your surgery ...

I chose sleeve because I knew that lapband wasn't something that I was even interested in ... and bypass just looked too invasive for me ... just unnatural ...

I love my sleeve and I wouldn't have done a single thing different ...

Best of Luck !! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went in thinking that I wanted the lapband. But the surgeon explained each of the procedures and why he thought I should go with the sleeve. I'm so glad that he did. I didn't know much about the lapband then. I definitely would have regretted it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Of course you can! BUT... If the surgeon has a strong recommendation for a different WLS option based on your medical condition, be open to what they have to say. Get another opinion if you like, but don't let your online research and\or friends experiences with sleeve vs bypass outweigh the expert's opinions on which procedure is safest for you. Best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can do whichever procedure you think would be best for you. However, I went in thinking that the lap band was what I wanted and was set on it. After talking to the surgeon, he said that he really doesn't do the band anymore and recommended the sleeve. After him explaining that a lot of lap bands end up having a revision, I ended up going with the sleeve and Im glad I did. So basically really take what your surgeon says into consideration, but ultimately its up to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I originally went in asking for the LapBand and my doctor said he didn't recommend it and gave me a ton of reasons why. I left there in tears cause for me, it was the only option I was considering. After having time to process what he said, doing research, reading posts on here, I am so glad he suggested the sleeve cause now I wouldn't even consider LapBand. I'm still in my 6 month waiting period so haven't had it done but thought I would share cause as others said, you can do whatever you want but I would definitely listen to your surgeons suggestions.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In my program the medical team will assess you with a million tests and then determine which procedures you're a candidate for. They're not going to do a procedure on someone that has a medical condition that precludes them from that procedure. When that's done, a person may be a candidate for all of the procedures (choice is yours) or only a candidate for one (you have bad GERD therefore gastric sleeve and lap band are not an option).

So, for me and those in my program, the choice is ours assuming we are healthy enough for any of them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Honestly it comes down to what your surgeon thinks is best for you if your bmi is over 50 and you have gerd go with bypass because it can get way worse with sleeve

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can certainly request the sleeve. But I concur with the others that say be open to listening to your surgeon if he recommends a DS or bypass. Make sure he provides sound medical reasons for that recommendation and if you still aren't comfortable get a second opinion.

I think everyone should have evaluations by multiple programs if they have a few good programs that are a reasonable distance. I went to one just over an hour away since I was more comfortable with that surgeon and practice. You need to find the program that will best support you in the way that you need to be supported not the way I need to be supported.

Even if you insurance does not require a pre-approval diet or a psych visit I recommend that you have the psych visit. I also recommend going to a nutritionist that you can build a relationship with that can prepare you for the eating changes specific for a bariatric patient. That NUT may be part of the bariatric practice or it may be a different individual.

I think that starting to make the changes in eating prior to the actual surgery makes having the surgery and resulting changes less of a shock and less traumatic.

I weaned off of caffeine and soda 1 month before my surgery. This way I wasn't going through caffeine withdrawal during my 10 day pre-surgery liquid diet phase. I even started easing into that diet about a week early and going replaced a few of my meals with the Protein shake. This way when I did go to the all liquid diet for the 10 days it wasn't as hard.

I personally feel there is a correlation on this board between the people that don't know what to eat after surgery, are surprised about the 3 week stall, are surprised about what to expect after surgery for their restrictions for the rest of their lives are those that went to the evaluation and suddenly 1 month later have surgery.

I think that when you get the approval so quickly you don't have time to go to pre-op support groups, you don't have time to research realistic real-life expectations post op.

My insurance made me do the 6 month medically supervised diet. It was not the worst thing. It gave me time to really do my research. It gave me time to internalize the life-long changes I need to make to my diet and exercise to succeed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can certainly request the sleeve. But I concur with the others that say be open to listening to your surgeon if he recommends a DS or bypass. Make sure he provides sound medical reasons for that recommendation and if you still aren't comfortable get a second opinion.

I think everyone should have evaluations by multiple programs if they have a few good programs that are a reasonable distance. I went to one just over an hour away since I was more comfortable with that surgeon and practice. You need to find the program that will best support you in the way that you need to be supported not the way I need to be supported.

Even if you insurance does not require a pre-approval diet or a psych visit I recommend that you have the psych visit. I also recommend going to a nutritionist that you can build a relationship with that can prepare you for the eating changes specific for a bariatric patient. That NUT may be part of the bariatric practice or it may be a different individual.

I think that starting to make the changes in eating prior to the actual surgery makes having the surgery and resulting changes less of a shock and less traumatic.

I weaned off of caffeine and soda 1 month before my surgery. This way I wasn't going through caffeine withdrawal during my 10 day pre-surgery liquid diet phase. I even started easing into that diet about a week early and going replaced a few of my meals with the Protein shake. This way when I did go to the all liquid diet for the 10 days it wasn't as hard.

I personally feel there is a correlation on this board between the people that don't know what to eat after surgery, are surprised about the 3 week stall, are surprised about what to expect after surgery for their restrictions for the rest of their lives are those that went to the evaluation and suddenly 1 month later have surgery.

I think that when you get the approval so quickly you don't have time to go to pre-op support groups, you don't have time to research realistic real-life expectations post op.

My insurance made me do the 6 month medically supervised diet. It was not the worst thing. It gave me time to really do my research. It gave me time to internalize the life-long changes I need to make to my diet and exercise to succeed.

Thank you so much for all the information. The surgeon that I am seeing requires a psych consult and visit with the in-office NUT before surgery. He also requires attendance to a support group, then a class that goes over everything from pre-op diet, the actual procedure, to post-op diet. I have lurked here for months before actually signing up to ask questions. I have been researching WLS since Dec 2014 when I was saving money and planning to be a self pay patient, then I happened to get promoted in July of 2015 to full time (which includes awesome benefits), so the fact that I have insurance now that will cover and everything else in life just seems to be right, that is why I have chosen to move forward now.

Thanks again for the insight from everyone, I will keep an open mind and make sure to consider everything my surgeon suggests, but I will let him know that I am most interested in the VSG.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×