Hi guys, I have just been approved for insurance through Washington state, due to my husbands unemployment and our recent financial hardships. I'm hoping to take this opportunity to get gastric bypass. I've tried googling to find out as much as I can, and I've made an appt to see my pcp on 8/26 so she can give me a referral.

I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure in April, and I'm fairly certain I have sleep apnea as well. (I'm also going to ask about a sleep study!) my bmi is around 63, per the calculator I used. Any advice or tips? I'm anticipating that this will be a long journey, but I'm so excited to get started!

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@@stephanie_kayln

I would immediately call your insurance and ask what is required of you for Bariatric surgery. Many times they require you go to a Bariatric center of excellence as part of the criteria. They will also give you the list of requirements needed to get your surgery approved. In most cases, if you choose your Bariatric center of excellent they will handle everything.

It is good that you have your appointment with your PCP because you will need them to do a pre op physical but I will warn you that so many general doctors are not as educated as they should be and tend to talk patients out of taking this step. Just be aware of this as you begin to work with them.

Congratulations on taking the first steps at getting help. It is worth all of the hoops you have to jump through but just realize there will likely be many.

Most programs require a 3/6/ or 12 month supervised diet. A BMI of 40 or more or 35 with comorbitities (you will have no problem here), many require the use of a bariartric center of excellence, monthly sessions with a nutritionist, clearance my a physiatrist and I am sure I am missing a few.

If you go to a Bariatric center of excellence, they will handle getting that all done with you and make clear what needs to happen.

I am post op 22 months. I have lost almost half of me, in went from 310 to 159 and just had my first plastic surgery to remove loose fat and skin.

Having weight loss surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself.

Best of luck to you!