I have an information session scheduled for tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect hence I know no one who's gone through bariatric surgery. I've done a lot of google searching & I'm still confused. I've read everything from the process taking up to a year+, all the required screenings prior to even getting surgery booked, & certain diets/weight loss prior to it. Please help! I could use all the info you could offer and experiences. Thank you in advanced!!!

I'm a 21y/o F weighing 249lbs (heaviest I've ever been) diagnosed with mini strokes, arthritis and visual problems due to significant weight gain. Also suffer from chronic migraines.

I just went to a info session on 2/14/17 and it was very informative. I was able to schedule an appointment with the surgeon while there. It takes approximately 7 1/2 months to get scheduled for surgery after all the tests. You have to attend nutritional classes which are only once a month (which sucks in my opinion), then 2 week diet of their required foods pre-op. They talked about post op do's and don'ts. I was very RELUCTANT but I feel now at ease. I'm 5'4", 248. Hope this helps! [emoji3]

Also I suffer from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, migraines and my weight fluctuates

It seems like everyone's Dr. and insurance has different requirements but here were mine.

6 months consistent weight loss
Cardiologist appt
Pulmonologist appt
Psychiatrist appt

Mostly liquid diet 2 weeks preop
Shake for breakfast and lunch
4 oz of protein and 1/2 a cup of veggies for dinner.



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Also, I just had the sleep apnea.

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This board is a good place to start, everyone's experiences are different and it is nice to read the experiences of others and make the best decision for you. What types of things are confusing you based on your research so far?

My info session is today too.I was told that it is very informative. Good luck

@nwjill, I'm completely confused about all the tests that are performed some people have a bunch done And others only have 2 or 3. My husbands uncle had a bypass and his process was only 2-3 months. He had the info session then an appointment for blood work, ekg, cardiogram and [emoji95] was scheduled for the following month. He didn't have to lose any weight as a requirement. Etc.


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Hi!@TonyaB thank you for the response!!! I'm a very anxious person with no patience at all so 71/2 months seems lengthy!!! [emoji30][emoji30][emoji30] Im scared about having to lose weight as a requirement to get surgery. I have no access to a gym so all I can do is eat healthy and go on walks/jogs WHICH i hate doing unless I'm at the gym, simply cause of all the cars passing by.... judging


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Unfortunately it really is all dependent on your doctor's preferences and insurance requirements. For instance my insurance required you enter a 6 month program of food tracking, weigh-ins, etc. I had all of the normal tests required - sleep apnea test, stress test, pysch eval, upper GI study, and so on. Most doc offices will probably know the insurance requirements if you're with a larger provider. My nurse told me straight up that my insurance would require the 6 month program.

The classes are very informative and will help answer a lot of your questions. Good luck on your journey!

Edited February 17, 20179 yr by orionburn

@hb76356 My PCP ran blood work, he suggested it just to get a head start so I'm hoping none has to be done?? have a referral to the sleep clinic from my neuro. Also hoping that counts for something. Neuro believes I have Sleep Apnea... I'm praying I can get quick appointments for these tests!!! & thank you for the response it was very helpful


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@Orionburn Thank you!!!

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2 minutes ago, Nmelo723 said:

@Orionburn Thank you!!!

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Happy to help! I will say this - don't fret too much about rushing through the process. Looking back I'm glad that it did take longer than I wanted it to. There is a lot of mental preparation to it. I went in thinking I've tried everything else, let's just do this surgery and things will be great. It is a massive lifestyle change and something you really need to prep for. If I would have had the surgery in say 2-3 months time of my initial visit I don't think I would have been as prepared, and on the other side of surgery it probably would have been a bigger struggle.

That being said we're all wired differently and many people have gone through the process in a short amount of time and had a lot of success. For me I continually reminded myself this is only a tool to help in weight loss, and if I abuse it isn't going to work.

It's super interesting to me how different insurance company requirements are, and how different all bariatric practices are from each other.

I went to one surgeon five years ago with Empire BCBS. Requirements were an info seminar, blood work, PCP clearance, cardio clearance, psych clearance, and and UGI X-ray OR endoscopy. No six month diet required by my insurance company. (A friend is going to this surgeon now and the requirements are the same but her insurance requires a six month supervised diet.)

Now, at the practice I'm have surgery at this week, with CDPHP insurance, their requirements are much more comprehensive and to be honest, I feel much more prepared. I had to do an info seminar, two support groups, blood work, cardio clearance, psych clearance, PCP clearance, pulmonary clearance if I had any past lung/sleep apnea issues, a UGI AND and endoscopy, two meet and greets with the surgeon (one at the beginning and one after all other requirements were met), and monthly check ins with the office NUT until surgery was scheduled. No six month insurance supervisors diet thingy. It took about five months to get everything done, and that was with me taking my time.

Neither of the surgeons I've seen have required a pre-op diet, other then clear liquids 24 hours prior to surgery.

My friend who I talked about above with the required six month diet? She was told to go to her PCP and ask her to sign the monthly paperwork because my friend did a work sponsored program for four months to lose weight and that counted towards four months. The doc signed off on an extra month before and after to bring it to six. So, there are ways to get things done that the insurance company asks you to do!

The bottom line is - check with your insurance company. If you call them, they will tell you what they require based on your insurance. Write everything down, and stay organized! This will help you!

And lastly, stay positive! It WILL happen when it is supposed to happen, as do most things. Lean on the people you trust, and find your supports in life! You will do just fine.

Good luck, and welcome to the journey! [emoji258][emoji169]

@recreatingcate omg, thank you so muchhh! I had the info session yesterday and my insurance doesn't require a 6 month diet supervision! I'm so happy although be it, i will definitely take the time neccesary just as long as I'm fully prepared for the sudden lifestyle change. The surgeon requires, blood work, attendance at their support group twice, meet with the Nutritionist, dietician, Psych evaluation as well as other required tests depending on my medical history. My PCP was the one who referred me, he also conducted lab work, just to speed up the process of the program. I'm now wondering if I can see my own nutritionist and psychologist or if i have to do it through their specialists!


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Nmelo723 I know it seems long to me as well. My insurance requires the 6 months of changing the eating habits for approval despite the other medical conditions and numerous medications I am currently taking. Patiently waiting.