Hi, NEW HERE

Do you go to your primary doctor first or do you go directly to a surgeon to start the process for weight loss surgery??

Confused!

TIA

Hi, I went to one of the seminars at my surgeons office. They gave me my packet and the info on what to do.

I went to my surgeon first;however, this was after years of discussion with my primary care physician.

Tia, I would think you would go to your primary care doctor first because insurance approval they will want a possible letter of reccomdation for the surgery. Also any other doctors you go to tell them you are considering lapband or the bypass surgery. You will see several doctors prior to your initial surgery, which is all for insurance purposes. I will tell you though it is well worth it!! Good Luck!

I went directly to my surgeon. They were very helpful and know the process.

Great Thanks for the replies..

I just call my PCP and made an apt, and looked up at seminar. So lets see what they tell me..

thanks all

Tia, Good deal It is an exciting process. Ifg you are in Louisville I will see youi at the meetings. I am trying to get back on track myself. Good Luck!

Hi' date=' NEW HERE

Do you go to your primary doctor first or do you go directly to a surgeon to start the process for weight loss surgery??

Confused!

TIA[/quote']

Hi in the uk we have to be sent to hospital by GP. I am waiting on my surgery date

I got a letter of recommendation from my pediatric doctor who I saw from birth to 20. I would have gone to a normal primary care Dr, but did not find a new one until I had scheduled my orientation at the surgeon's office. Check your insurance requirements, some do require a letter from the PC before you go to a surgeon.

I went to a WLS seminar first. At it, we were given packets telling us what needed to be done before our consultation with the surgeon.

The program I am in was you go to either PCP or seminar first. But I had to do both before I could even get anywhere near my surgeon. Then comes the satisfying your insurance...psych doc, health tests, blood tests. It took 10 months from 1st consult to surgery. It seemed like it took forever but it really was the best thing and it made me understand the big commitment I was making.

My free advice is make sure your medical professionals treat you like a partner. If you ever feel like you are not getting the support you need or seem like another number, look somewhere else. It IS all about you!

I just dumped my surgeon's nutritionist for a FABULOUS one that also works in the same group. It has made all the difference for me. And insurance is OK with that!