:mad: I had my consultation visit today. My insurance company is requiring me to "jump" thru a few hoops. I have to have a sleep study, psych evaluation, nutrition consult, and 6 months of weighing in once every 31 to 35 days. My last weigh in date is March 31, 2010. So my tenative surgery date is May 12, 2010.

Welcome to the club. :mad: My insurance required all those tests (except the sleep test) and a 6-month preop diet. I started in September 08 and finally had surgery in July 09. I was on the boards here and learned a lot before surgery, and I think that gave me an easier time. I also was able to drop a lot of weight before surgery and I think that was another big help. The tests were annoying, but I was able to get them all done in one month. Use this time to learn as much as you can and get ready.

Good luck to you!

The hoops are a major pain in the ass. I understand the reasoning for a few hoops just to make sure your really committed to weight loss, but I think a lot of insurance companies overdue it a bit, probably to dissuade people from actually making them pay for something.

If it makes you feel better, most of those hoops are common for everyone, just different variations. I didn't need a sleep study (but had one anyhow), and only needed a 3 month pre-op diet, but all the rest like the psych eval., and meeting with a nutritionist were mandatory.

One thing you'll want to find out is if the weight you lose during your six months can be counted against you. Meaning if they require the standard 40 BMI, will they deny you if you lose so much weight during the six month pre-diet that you drop below 40 BMI. Insurance companies are known for doing that. I've always felt that people who are against nationalized healthcare have likely never actually dealt with an insurance company.

Anyhow, good luck.