Differences based on country

I cannot believe the differences in procedure from country to country!

I am originally from the U.S. but I have been a contractor in Kuwait for the past 3 1/2 years. In April, one of my coworkers got her sleeve and I have been watching her progress from the past few months. In between, I have done massive amounts of research and read through this website and I am astounded.

I had my first appointment on November 15th, got my insurance paperwork on the 24th and submitted it to the hospital, got my approval on the 30th, and scheduled the surgery for December 6th.

I see some people waiting months and going through all sorts of tests and evaluations and I am in awe. I cannot believe that Kuwait does not have the same policies and procedures.

What has your experience been like?

Hey there Sleeve Sister (I'm also scheduled for 12/6),

I started this process in May 2011, by attending my first seminar held by the surgeon.  Shortly thereafter, I learned that my particular insurance company (PHCS) requires six monthly nutritionist visits before you can submit your request for surgery to them. So I spent the summer  seeing the nutritionist (who did NOT put me on a diet, btw) as well as the various other doctors/professionals required by my surgeon (cardiologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, psychologist, primary care doc, etc.). Finally, my surgeon's office submitted to my insurance company in early October, and I was approved in mid-October.  I could have had the surgery in November, but due to family and work schedules, I chose early December.

I'm envious of your short process!

Good luck next Tuesday!!

Hey hey there!

My short process definitely has its downfalls. I have not had any, and I mean ZERO, contact with my surgeon since my very first consultation. The next time I'll see him is for my endoscopy on the 4th. Had I not researched my butt off, I would have been so lost when it came to the diet and exercise requirements. All doctors here have a sort of laissez faire attitude towards everything. It's all "inshallah", meaning that if god wills it, it will happen. It tends to make them more reckless with their own and other people's life.

However, I am getting the surgery I so desperately want and need and I am getting my insurance to cover everything 100%. We'll just have to wait and see if they cover the plastics that I'll need in a year or 2! lol

Good luck to you on Tuesday, as well! I can't believe it is almost here. I'll be packing my bags this weekend as I have to work right up until I check into the hospital (weekends here are Friday/Saturday).  I wish you all the best and can't wait to join everyone else on the loser's bench!

We had 6 months of preparation, and although I would have liked to have had my surgery right away, I think that waiting period is an important time to reevaluate the situation, digest important information and demonstrate your commitment to yourself. I hated it, but I learned a lot about myself through the process... and that's what the WLS journey is about. In addition, the reason the process was put into place was because the insurance companies saw that people were failing in great numbers when they were not provided a structured system and courses over an extended period of time so that is why they started implementing it now.

I agree with shwag5150 - the 6 months that I had to wait (for nutrition counseling) has been used to educate myself to the hilt regarding this procedure, the impact on my health, etc.  My sureon's group and their affiliated hospital are a Baraitric Center of Excellence, so I trust them whole-heartedly with my care. 

My insurance was also approved quickly - AFTER I completed the 6 months of nutrition counseling, a psych eval and a 4 hours nutrition class.


Did you receive ANY kind of nutrition guidence for post surgery?