Does your doctor require multiple psych appts, nutrition appts, an Upper GO and

[UIHCPNA]

Although my insurance doesn't require a supervised diet, my surgeon refuses to say how many nutrition appts I'll have to attend. She also requires 2-3 psych appointments, lab work, and an Upper GI for ALL her patients, even though I don't have acid reflux, etc. I'm starting to feel like it's just a way for them to profit..

[Pheeel21]

I had my sleeve at the Cleveland Clinic. They require 2-3 nutrition and psych appointments. They were great. The nutritionist gave me suggestions on protein supplements, vitamins, meal ideas, and general food choices. My Psychologist was awesome, she identified my food triggers, why I ate what I ate, and she gave me some great alcohol awareness tips. I also had extensive blood work, an upper GI check and other tests. I was pleased with the pre testing and evaluation process. More is better.

[FL_Sunshyne]

I just had my first appointment. They require an upper GI to get an idea of your anatomy as well as take a biopsy, check for bile, hiatial hernia's etc.. All of these can affect the type of surgery you have. For example, I was told if I had bile in my stomach, I would have to switch from a sleeve to a full bypass. Also, a biopsy is crucial because if they go in to do surgery without knowing if you have any type of cancer, it can spread to other organs. Mine only requires one psych appointment but I think it's important because some of us have addictions with food that surgery won't cure. I don't think anything my doctor is requiring is unnecessary, rather precautionary to make sure you are physically and mentally ready for such a major change. Good luck, I have 90 days to go!

[sraebaer]

You need to get in writing everything required and the cost. I was self-pay and paid one fee, and they told me everything it included. Basically all nutritionist classes, doctor visits (surgeon and psychologist) pre/post op, surgery, blood work, everything. No surprises.

[Christie13]

I went through insurance and had to have supervised weight management/nutrition visits (6), a psych eval, an endoscopy, an ekg, and lab work. Those are all pretty standard for a professional surgeon. I honestly would be more worried if the surgeon was willing to just cut and go. All of them are super important. The only thing is maybe the supervised nutrition appointments are a little less but I understand why they do that. They have to set you up to be successful. The ones who have the hardest time with the sleeve are the ones who did not have any kind of pre treatment. People who have gone through a legitimate program tend to be the long term success stories. Granted there are anomalies. You can find another surgeon if you choose but honestly it sounds to me like you have a good surgeon other than the fact that they are not giving you the exact number of nutrition appointments required. You also have to remember that if you are not successful it reflects on them.

[Sandra3]

Although my insurance doesn't require a supervised diet, my surgeon refuses to say how many nutrition appts I'll have to attend. She also requires 2-3 psych appointments, lab work, and an Upper GI for ALL her patients, even though I don't have acid reflux, etc. I'm starting to feel like it's just a way for them to profit..

All those requirements are international standards. I've been through several surgeons in different countries before picking the one I liked and they all have the same requirements (also with a +40 BMI minimum) and those who didn't have those requirements were actually the "money makers" who didn't care about the patients.

I didn't know I had reflux until I had the exams, because reflux could be sometimes silent.

Also, in my case, because I did study nutrition, and did a one year supervised diet before starting the sleeve process, I didn't have to follow all the imposed rules about the diet part, but that's up to the team or the surgeon to decide, if they think you are "ready".

Good luck!

[kenson]

My doctor required psych evaluation, nutrition appointments, as well as ekg, and endoscopy. The appointments are necessary to get yourself ready for this life change. I found all of them invaluable.