Brand new, still filling out the paper work

[Laura B.]

hello everyone, I am looking forward to my journey to come. I am preparing for gastric sleeve surgery haven't set a date yet still gathering all my paperwork and started a 1200 cal. Diet to get the ball rolling. I do have a few questions

1. Did you have to contact your insurance to get approval ?
2. How many times did you have to go for the phsyc evaluation ?
3. If it is deemed medically nessasary and you get a referral do you sill have to do the phsyc evaluation ?

 

[3momchaos]

Hello and welcome! I knew my insurance covered the surgery and that my surgeons office would outline the insurance requirements for me. My insurance required one psych consult then 3 more follow ups. This was mainly to make sure the psychological preparations were being done as well as the physical one with the dietician visits. If the dietician and counselor did not think I was committed enough, I wouldn’t have been able to see the surgeon, but that’s what their office requires. Most surgeons require the psychological evaluation regardless of how you pay or if it’s deemed medically necessary. My father in law is deemed medically necessary, but he can’t pass the psychological steps to qualify because he isn’t mentally committed to change his lifestyle. Hope this helps!

 

[WazzuCoug]

hello everyone, I am looking forward to my journey to come. I am preparing for gastric sleeve surgery haven't set a date yet still gathering all my paperwork and started a 1200 cal. Diet to get the ball rolling. I do have a few questions

1. Did you have to contact your insurance to get approval ?
2. How many times did you have to go for the phsyc evaluation ?
3. If it is deemed medically nessasary and you get a referral do you sill have to do the phsyc evaluation ?

1. Usually, the bariatric clinic you use will do that after you've met the requirements of your insurance as they understand them. I would recommend calling your insurance and getting the details, as well as having them send you the information in an official document, not just an e-mail or verbal conversation. Sometimes the customer service people get it wrong, so make sure you have the details. Then you can be sure the bariatric clinic is also doing what they are supposed to do to help you meet the requirements of insurance.
   
   
2. Once, but it can vary depending on the requirements of your insurance and the bariatric clinic. It can also depend on if you have any existing issues that they may want you to work through before you have the surgery. This isn't a bad thing. It's important to have a positive relationship with food prior to surgery, if possible.
   
   
3. Yes, most often it is required regardless. I had several medical co-morbidities, which don't make the psych any less important for long term success. You generally don't need to worry too much about the evaluation. We have have baggage and stuff, and most of us have made pretty poor choices with food in our life, such as depression, addiction, emotional eating, etc. So, it's not like your issues will be unique or something the psychologist has never seen. Just be yourself and honest. It's the best way to get off to a good start.

You've started an exciting and daunting process, but if you stick to it and follow the program, you will have success!