I called today to set up a appointment but the nurse told me she was sending me a packet with a checklist I have to complete. Can anyone tell me what this checklist may consist of? She did say it would be a 6 month process before surgery. Why so long?

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Most insurance companies and Bariatric centers of excellence require a 3,6 or 12 month program. They want to make sure you are truly ready for all the changes required to be successful.

This time requires that you go to monthly appts with a nutritionist that monitors and coaches your progress, a physcologist to ensure you really are ready, a fitness specialist who helps you build a plan to get moving, a Bariatric surgeon who examines you and works with you to determine the best WLS surgery given your health issues. Some programs even require you to go to classes and support group meetings. It is because this is not easy, and they want to ensure if you have the surgery you will put the time in.

I will tell you, it is so worth it and today I am thankful for the 9 months my program took because it really did help me get ready in my head and take the right actions ahead of time. If you smoke, you will have to quit. If you drink caffeine or soda, you will have to quit, you will also learn mindful eating habits and the rules of WLS. There are a few that will ensure you are successful.

In terms of the checklist it is mostly checking off if you qualify under the program. Some checklists require you have met with your PCP, they look for information if you have sleep apnea, if you have not been tested they will likely request that you have a sleep study which by the way helps get insurance to approve you. You will likely need to have a BMI over 40 or have a BMI over 35 with comorbitities like sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, reflux to get approved through insurance.

All this stuff is on the checklist. Also on mine I had to write a diary of my weight gain and loss and all the diets I ever tried. I also had to write a paragraph on why I thought WLS was the solution for me.....

I know it sounds like a lot but again it is worth it.

Wow! Thanks for the info. I have had a home sleep apnea test because I hold a CDL license. I did pass it even with a BMI of 62.

I quit smoking February 15, 2015. I've been off the sodas for a good lil while. I've tried everything under the sun & I cannot lose weight. My knees kill me everyday now.

I'm ready so so ready. I've been ready for years. I've recently started seeing a nutritionist. I eat pretty healthy for the most part. My issue is portion control I believe.

Thanks for the info. I know it was a lot & I know it will be totally & completely worth it just be pain free.

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@@evy17 The 6 months will help you prepare yourself emotionally. This is the time to get a handle on any issues such as emotional eating, learn how to eat properly, change some of your eating habits, etc. Good luck on your journey!

@@evy17

Well the good news if it is portion control issue for you and not what you are eating the surgery will definately help you! It will be a great tool.

I had the opposite, I ate very little but I ate too much crap. I had a sweet tooth so I was literally malnourished at 310lbs.

It is crazy what that does to a persons body. I was anemic, high BP, high cholesterol, severe gerd, diabetes, sleep apnea and stage 3 chronic kidney disease all from being morbidly obese.

Now all that stuff is in remission and I am dealing with the damage that being overweight for all those years caused on my spine. I am glad however that I don't have all the other crap above to deal with too because I really think I was not long for this world in the condition i was in.

Best of luck to you. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions.

Have you thought about which surgery you are considering or will you use the surgeon to help you determine?

I am diabetic & have high blood pressure. Oddly enough that is my only health issues except what the weight has done to my knees, hips & back. I do admit I do eat emotionally.

I think I will listen to the surgeons advice on which surgery to do. I don't think I will skip the lap band though.

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I got my check list today! I have no idea how I'm going to complete it. My primary Doctor is on maternity leave.

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I got my check list today! I have no idea how I'm going to complete it. My primary Doctor is on maternity leave.

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Your PCP must have someone covering.

I surely hope so! I plan on calling Monday to find out.

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my insurance requires a 6 month supervised diet before you can even submit for approval. i have to go see either my surgeon or my PCP once a month for 6 months. i think its mainly about the waiting game and insurance trying to dissuade people from having the surgery so they don't have to pay. also if you gain weight during the 6 months then they can say "well obviously you are not trying hard enough and will never be able to do it post op"

I have to do the 6 month supervised diet as well. Since May 25th I'm down 30lbs

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