Getting started

[DVontesmommy1 15]

I have a doctor's appointment next Wednesday and I plan on talking to my doctor about getting a sleeve done. What usually happens after the first time talking about it? What's the process to approval like?how long does it take to get a surgery date?

[Briswife15 889]

A lot depends on your insurance requirements and if you are self pay.

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

[DVontesmommy1 15]

My insurance said they cover it if it's medically necessary I'm24, 308 lb and have bad back pain as well as issues with my knees giving out on me

[KimTriesRNY 1,853]

If you do not already have a surgeon picked out, your doctor may refer you to one. You will need to consult with a bariatric surgeon about moving forward.

It never hurts to call your insurance company yourself, they can give you the exact requirements you would need to qualify for the surgery. For instance many of us needed to have monthly visits regarding a supervised diet program, psych consult, EGD, sleep study, etc.

[DVontesmommy1 15]

When I called they just told me if my weight is causing me pain and I get a referral the doc will submit it them and I'd get the go ahead. I have United health care

[Briswife15 889]

Many insurance companies list their bariatric surgery policies on the internet or you can call and have them send it to you. I have Anthem BCBS and they require 6 months of continuous nutrition counseling prior to approval. My surgeon says the whole process from start to surgery for me would be approximately 8 months, but your time could vary.

[DVontesmommy1 15]

Okay I will check online thank you 😀😀

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

In my case, i had to get a referral from PCP, attend a seminar on the surgeries, my surgeon was not in-network but I got approval for in-network billing because the nearest in-network surgeon was 2 hours away. Insurance covered bariatrics, but required 6 months supervised nutrition, 6 months food diary, 6 months exercise diary, plus surgeon's tests and psych eval, I could not GAIN during that 6 months supervision. After last NUT appt it was submitted and approved by insurance in two days, then the EDG exam and two week dreaded liquid diet. It took from April until October for all this. Good luck.