So I’m located in Austria, and it’s interesting to see how different the process to getting the surgery is here compared to the US.

I called the surgeon in November and got an appointment on January 5^th. A 5 week wait. I was there, we talked, and he approved me for the fast track. He didn't recomment the sleeve, but the bypass or the mini bypass. He said he could decide which once he looks inside if I can't decide which one I want.

He called the following Monday and told me my surgery date is April 18^th.

Now my process really starts.

I have 2 appointment days at the hospital, one day is to see a nutritionist, a physical therapist and a psychologist.

Before the next appointment day I need to have the following done.

Lung X-ray (cleared by my pulmonologist, I have asthma)

Blood work

Colonoscopy

And something I can’t remember at the top of my head.

The second day at the hospital is with the surgeon and the anaesthetist. That is about 6 weeks before the surgery.

Once I am cleared by all of them, I take my papers and go to the insurance company, which isn’t really like the US.* They will then look at the papers and weigh and measure me, and I should get an answer within 2 week.

I don’t have to lose 10% of my body weight, only 3-5kg. Also, I can’t lose more as I risk the insurance saying no because I’m borderline on the BMI. Insurance pay if BMI is over 40. Min was 40.04 when I saw the doctor on January 5^th.

Once I have gotten OK from everyone, I just have to wait and lose those 3-5kg. I can also ask to be on waitlist to get in sooner. Which I plan to do.

* Healthcare in Austria is universal for residents of Austria as well as those from other EU countries. Individuals become automatically insured when employed, receiving unemployment benefits, on pensions, or works for government. Family members who are dependent are also entitled to healthcare up until adulthood, or upon finishing education^. Care involving private insurance plans (sometimes referred to as "comfort class" care) can include more flexible visiting hours, occupying a private room, and receiving care from a private doctor.

Edited January 19, 20179 yr by Meryline

Scotland is very strict with our NHS and each area within Scotland is different too. I'm NHS Glasgow and it's taken me 10 years to get this far within the weight managment programme.

Our basic timeline is like this.

1: GP sends referral if classed as morbid obese - referral can take 6 months.

2. Interview with dietitian and papers signed for referral to classes. Another 6-8 weeks before placement.

3. 12 classes to start with, one each fortnight, and during this if you lose more than 11lbs you are discharged.

4. If weight not lost then 4 classes, one each month, again if you reach 11lbs your discharged.

If you gain more than 11lbs without obvious reason then you are discharged as proves your not trying

5. Repeat above with medication called Orlistat - 11Lb rule still applies .

6. If weight still not lost then you come back within 2 months to start a pre surgical class and get dates for the 4 mandatory classes that take place every 2 weeks.

During this time you need to have weight loss and go on a practice surgical diet.

7. By the time you have done 2 classes you should have seen the surgeon, THEY make the final decision and will put you on the waiting list.

If approved you normally will have surgery within 12 weeks.

During this time you must lose weight or maintain with no more than 2Lb weight gain either way.

Forgot to say, if you do leave by choice or discharged, you must wait 13 months before referral again and another 6 months potentially for going into all the classes again. No fast track happens and the rules have just changed in NHs so diabetics only get surgery unless special case.

Getting plastic surgery for a Panni etc is even more difficult as you MUST have a skin infection or irritation for over a year before weight loss began or surgery was completed

Hope this helps

Fridge Pickers Wear Bigger Knickers ????

Edited January 19, 20179 yr by gryffen

@@gryffen Thanks for the reply. That is a long process.

I'm Norwegian, and the process there is a very long one was well, similar to Scotland. You need referals and classes as well.

I was surprised that it went so quickly here in Austria.

It's a very long process but teaches you a lot.

Normally it's about 16 months if you go through to surgery but this is my fifth time doing this so successful getting surgery is dependant on tomorrow meeting with surgeon but I'm optimistic.

I'm at a disagreement with diabetics only getting the surgery option as its been proven before that unless habits change the disease comes back and it's proven by those who have had to come back from previous loss and surgery for more drastic help.

Everyone should be equal imho in this regard as I can see discrimination happen

Fridge Pickers Wear Bigger Knickers ????

I agree. I don't have diabetes. I have had back surgery, have high cholesterol and arteritis in both my knees.

I have jojo’ed all my life and my back can’t take me gaining more weight.

In in America and it really depends on who your insurance is with. My first appointment was December 9th and I'm scheduled for surgery 1/25. I did have to do 1 psych exam, nutritionist visit, endoscopy and a sleep study before it was submitted to insurance.

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I think it also depends on which procedure you are getting. Mine won't do lap-and, in fact he is doing a lot of conversions on those these day.

Here in New York the process takes about 6 months. ( really it depends on the insurance) Monthly weight management clases, 2 support groups required. I had to get clearance from the cardiologist, psychiatrist, and I had to get a Pulmonary ol function test. Then meet with my surgeon to sign consent, then a pre-op visit with my PCP. That's it. My surgery is scheduled for 2/7/2017.

Best of luck to you. Wish you well on your journey

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My process and requirements were so easy it only took 2 and a half months

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