I went today to have my free initial consultation with 1 of 2 groups I intend to go to their seminars before deciding on a surgeon. (Baptist & Vanderbilt if any of you are from Nashville)

The initial consult just basically gives you info before the seminar and what you must do to get approved.

I have Aetna insurance that requires either a 6 month weight loss program or a 90 day prep for surgery program. After reading some of the literature, I have some questions that I need to resolve and hoping this group can help guide me.

I have been over 40 BMI for at least 5 years. 19 months ago I had a baby. I don't go to a PCP regularly as I don't get sick often. I do go for my annual gyno visits. (and they check weight, tell me to lose weight etc. ) If I am sick I typically go to the minute clinic. Amazingly for a 45.3 BMI, I am healthy but my concern is in the long run, I know I am at high risk for diabetes, heart disease, etc. as it is in my family and during my pregnancy I developed gestational diabetes and hypertension. (Luckily the diabetes went away postpartum)

My biggest question, do I need to go get a PCP just to have them refer to me a surgeon and give their blessing for this surgery? Or do most centers have staff who will follow you for the 90 day surgery prep?

Do you think there will be a problem with my weight history if two of the last years included a time when I was pregnant?

Thanks in advance for your help. I intend to call and ask more questions tomorrow so I can decide what next...

jenn

I was required to go through 6 months insurance before having the surgery. My insurance company required that I get a PCP referral. Basically I meet with my PCP (I had only seen for about 5 months at this part) and discussed my history and was there for about an hour. After that, she felt comfortable writing my referral letter.