Before surgery: The screening process

Surgical candidates must go through an extensive screening process. Not everyone who meets the criteria for gastric bypass surgery is psychologically or medically ready for the surgical procedure. A team of professionals, including a physician, dietitian, psychologist and surgeon, evaluates whether weight-loss surgery is appropriate for you. This involves identifying which aspects of your health might improve after surgery and which aspects of your health may increase the risks of surgery. Surgery is recommended when the perceived benefits of surgery outweigh the recognized risks.

Your willingness and ability to follow through with the recommendations made by your health care team and to carry out prescribed changes in your diet and exercise routine help determine your readiness for surgery. The surgery may not be recommended or may be postponed if there's concern that you aren't psychologically or medically ready for such surgery.

It's important to follow your doctor's directions in preparing for gastric bypass surgery. These may include restrictions on eating and drinking, limiting or stopping the use of nicotine products, and starting a physical activity program.

Surgery may be delayed or canceled if:

• There is concern that you're not psychologically or medically ready for surgery
• You haven't made appropriate changes in your lifestyle
• You've gained weight during the evaluation process

Financial concerns

Once you've completed the screening process and your surgeon determines you're a candidate for gastric bypass surgery, you need to secure financial preapproval from your medical insurance company, Medicare or state assistance. The preapproval process requires documentation from your team of doctors that demonstrates a medical need for the procedure. It usually takes several weeks to receive approval.

Requirements for proving medical necessity for weight-loss surgery vary among insurers. Check to see what related services are covered, for example, pre-evaluation appointments and follow-up appointments after surgery. You may have to pay some of the costs yourself.

The process of securing financial resources and then being scheduled for surgery can take several months. The long approval process allows you time to make a final decision about the surgery. Surgery usually isn't scheduled until insurance or other financial coverage is established.

Looking ahead

Surgery for weight reduction isn't a miracle procedure. It doesn't guarantee that you'll lose all of your excess weight or that you'll keep it off long term. Weight-loss success after gastric bypass surgery depends on your commitment to making lifelong changes in your eating and exercise habits. But the feeling of accomplishment as you lose weight and your improved health are significant benefits and are well worth your efforts.