Starting Bariatric Surgery consult. Timeline questions?

Posted by hkramer @hkramer, Jul 3, 2025

Hello!

I am just now starting my journey in the Bariatric program. I am going to be asking my primary to initiate the Start Point programs. I am an employee here within Mayo (La Crosse, WI) and I plan to have my surgery in Rochester, MN.

Has anyone, being a mayo employee, had any experience with this journey and what did the timeline look for them?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

jlair | @jlair | Jul 16, 2025

It seemed to go really quickly in getting Mayo employee insurance to cover. I remember meeting with the therapist, nutritionist, and my surgeon…by the time I met with her, insurance had approved coverage for the surgery as long as I went through the program which took me about 9 months. Approval took about a month or less.

hkramer | @hkramer | Jul 14, 2025

In reply to @jlair "I am a Mayo employee in Eau Claire. I had my bypass surgery April 1, 2025...." + (show)

what were your "steps" to getting insurance on board with covering it, if i may ask? (Assuming you have Mayo insurance) I have my phone call tomorrow with Rochester but wanted to know what your requirements were?

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jul 4, 2025

@hkramer
My surgery was over 10 years ago, so the program has changed over time. Seeing there are lifestyle changes necessary to be succcessful, the pre-surgery classes are very important.

Mayo Health Systems locations that do Bariatric Surgery program each have information on their web site. I believe their programs are very similar. The Bariatric team will arrange all the necessary appointments and may differ for each patient depending on their medical situation.

Mayo Health System Bariatric Weight-loss Information Session,
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/topics/weight-loss-and-bariatric-surgery
Mankato has video about their program and process that can be helpful for anyone looking at surgery at any location.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/mankato/services-and-treatments/bariatric-surgery
The Eau Claire site has good description of their program and classes required. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/eau-claire/services-and-treatments/weight-management

Hope this helps,

hkramer | @hkramer | Jul 3, 2025

How exciting! I hope your recovery time is going well!!

I understand that the Start Point classes (the group session, endo, and nutrition) all need to be completed first. Then I can schedule the Bariatric consult. Where there any other appts that needed to be met? (I have mayo insurance, so I am eager to know ALLL)

jlair | @jlair | Jul 3, 2025

I am a Mayo employee in Eau Claire. I had my bypass surgery April 1, 2025. My time line was about 9 months. I could have had my surgery in February but work wasn’t able to allow me to take off at that time due to many changes going on. The next available was April 1. As soon as my primary out in my referral I was getting calls to set up appointments.
I will write more, my break is up and I have to go back to work. ☺️