As someone who’s “Been there, done that” when you go to the weight loss surgeon, believe me they hook you up. You are not on your own trying to figure out the system or what needs approval and where you get tests done.
The WLS (Weight loss surgeon) office refers you to a psychologist. Typically this psychologist is someone who works with them, knows what the insurance companies are looking for and gears the test results toward what is needed.
I had no comorbidity but I did have the BMI and I also talked to the WLS’s nutritionist about past diets I have been on that failed. There’s no proof required. Nobody says if you don’t have receipts showing participating in Weight Watchers you don’t qualify. They take your word on it.
Like I said, insurance companies know that you may not have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure NOW but you WILL in the future if you keep it up, and the insurance companies would rather pay 10 to 30 thousand for pre-surgery, surgery and post- surgery rather than a lifetime of treating you for diabetes or something with the amputations, medications, hospitalizations, sleep apnea treatments, etc. etc.
You don’t need to study for anything and you don’t need anything more than to go to a qualified weight loss surgeon and his office staff will guide you through your insurance (in this case, Medicaid/Medicare) requirements. That’s all you need to do. They want your business and they make things as easy as possible for you.