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Beginning my journey

LauraC

LauraC

Member
Hi everyone. My first consult is in two days. Have no idea what to expect. I keep hearing about all these pre-surgery tests that are required. Sleep apnea test, mammograms, pap test, blood work, colonoscopy and EGD. Does insurance pay for all this? Is this required to be cleared by your insurance? I am 56, BMI of 42 and no co morbids at all, take no meds, all normal blood work and do not snore. I’m scared!
 
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Welcome!! It’s totally normal to be anxious and a little overwhelmed. A lot of doctors play it on ear with some tests. My dr had a friend of mine do a sleep study because she snores, but he’s not having me do one because I don’t. I had an abdominal ultrasound and upper GI. Both super easy. I’ll have an EDG closer to my surgery date. That’s just so he can make sure everything is structured the way it’s supposed to be. He hasn’t said anything about bloodwork because I had a full panel done in March, and I have an endocrinologist treating me for my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, so he’s going off that blood work. I don’t need a colonoscopy or mammogram, but don’t rule it out. Write down all your questions and bring them for your appointment. As far as insurance goes, that depends on your coverage. My insurance covers bariatric surgery, but the ultrasound, upper GI, and EDG are billed separately after going through insurance, so it’s not all wrapped into one big statement with the surgery if for any reason I cannot have it.
So now that the business part is done tell us why you are beginning this journey? We all have mostly the same reasons, lose weight, right? LOL But different motivators and goals. So happy you’ve joined this great group.
 
LauraC said:
Hi and thanks for the welcome. I am 10 years from retirement, I’m a nurse, I work two jobs and being overweight is exhausting. Plus riding my motorcycle Makes my knees hurt. I’ve tried everything to lose weight and nothing has worked. It’s time.
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Being overweight is exhausting, and it sounds like you’re ready. Plus, only 10 years from retirement means a lot of motorcycle adventures in your future!
 
LauraC said:
Hi everyone. My first consult is in two days. Have no idea what to expect. I keep hearing about all these pre-surgery tests that are required. Sleep apnea test, mammograms, pap test, blood work, colonoscopy and EGD. Does insurance pay for all this? Is this required to be cleared by your insurance? I am 56, BMI of 42 and no co morbids at all, take no meds, all normal blood work and do not snore. I’m scared!
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Hi,
I'm scheduled for surgery this week and my first consult was in October. I was told by my surgeon that I needed to have a psychological eval, sleep study, blood work, UGI, nutritional consults, and a stress electrocardiogram. I was told these were all required by my insurance, so it might vary case by case.
 
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