Howdy everyone. I just wanted to say hi and see if people can help me out with a basic question.

I am contemplating this procedure and am wondering what to expect. Like info on timelines - how does the process go and what has been your experience?

I am 34 yo, 5'7 and weigh 260. That equates to a BMI of 41. I don't have any other underlying health concerns at the moment, but I want to keep it that way! My father died from Type II Diabetes and hypertension and my mother died from colon cancer. My mother never struggled with her weight but my father did with his. I have enough to be concerned with there that I don't need to be carrying this extra weight like I am. I can generally lose weight easily but I can never keep it off. And when I gain it back, it comes back with some extra.

So how does this process play out? Does it take months to get in for the surgery? Or can it be quick-ish? I have a consult with a surgeon on Oct 22 and go into see my PCP on Oct 6. I will get from her the medical necessity letter next week - I'm pretty sure she will provide that as I meet the criteria AND she's mentioned this in the past. What will the surgeon want from me? Has anyone been required to attend the seminar? Do you recommend it?

Anything you can share with me would be much appreciated, that's for sure. I'm so very full of questions right now and I want to read some REAL experiences, not some sales literature.

Thank you!

Lori

Each office and insurance company are different. My office required you to attend one of their seminars or view it online before a consult. Once you have your consult, you may or may not require clearance for surgery from a cardiologist and/or pulmonologist, just depends on your current health and age. My office also required a class with the nutritionist and exercise physiologist, as well as attending a support group. Some insurance companies require a 3 or 6 month medically managed weight loss program. This means that you meet with tht nutritionist monthly and work on achieving goals to improve your health, lose weight, and prepare for surgery. Then, all of your info would be submitted to insurance. From what my office said, it usually takes 1-4 weeks to hear back. Once you are approved, you will most likely start a pre-op diet of some sort before surgery. I had my first Dr appt at the end of May, had a 6 month medically manged weight loss program (that got reduced to 3 after 4 months--my insurance company changed thier policy) and I'm having surgery October 9th. Hope this helps!