I'm looking into the lap band and love this forum! So my question is: Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a surgeon about the lap band or can I find one myself directly?

Thanks in advance for ANY advice!!

Welcome! I'm going to apologize in advance for my long winded answer. haha

Every hospital is different. I'd recommend starting by going to an info session. At my info session they gave me a big packet where I filled in probably 10 forms about my medical history and mailed it back to the bariatric dept at the hospital. After review they set you up with an appointment to see a bariatrician, nutritionist, psychologist, get some basic labs and sleep study (this is all done within a couple hours).

After all that I had to set up an appointment with my normal doctor because they require your doctor to sign off on you pursuing the surgery, and they wanted my doctor to do a physical.

Next, I met with a nutritionist once a month for 6 months. My insurance required me to do that. Once completed they submitted my information to the insurance company for approval.

Meeting with the actual surgeon is the very last step of the process, after you are approved.

Sorry... I hope that makes sense. Start with an info session and they will get you started! Often the sessions are run by actual lapband surgeons at the hospital so you will get a chance to talk to them there.

I'm looking into the lap band and love this forum! So my question is: Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a surgeon about the lap band or can I find one myself directly?

Thanks in advance for ANY advice!!

If you call your insurance policy, you should be able to ask if they require a referral + letter of medical necessity from your primary care doctor. Also, if you have an ***, those usually require referrals to see anyone other than your primary.

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Depends where you are. In Australia you will need a referral from your GP.

Thanks so much guys!

Good Morning,

I agree with the others. It depends on your insurance and what their requirements are. I had to have a distinction center and I could choose from those listed in the state in which I reside in.

Good luck to you.

sparkle69

Hi!

Most insurance companys will require you to be reffered to Bariatric Surgeon by your Primary Doctor. Next step go to a Learning Seminar with the Doctor/Doctors your Insurance will allow you to go to.

Gina

My Insurance is through the Military(Tri-care South Region)

My Co-pay was $25 for required Endoscopy, $400 Program fee with Surgeons office, $12 for first consult appt with Surgeon, $98 required Nutrimed liquid diet required by my Surgeon, lastly I paid a whopping $25 to the Hospital where my Surgery was done.

Hope this helps Gina

I am on Facebook GinaCher1365@aol.com cell 318-990-1416 you can call, text if you want.

I looked up a surgery center on my own its called, BeLite they scheduled my surgery within 2 weeks. Emailed and faxed all my paperwork. No referrals, they walk me through every step if the way. I currently have MediCare which covers 80% of the surgery and the hospital makes payment arrangements for the 20%. All that I am required to pay is a small fee to the physician and nutrtitionist at the time of surgery. And my flight roundtrip. It's located in Las Vegas, NV. I live in Ca. Depending on the state you live in and your insurance, can determine what " hoops" you are required to jump through. I am spared the hoops because Nevada doesn't have the hoops. I'd google them and call to speak to a consultant. They were very encouraging and got the ball rolling and I am preparing to go on the 4th, surgery the 5th AMD home the 7th, they provide transportation for me to and from airport, to my hotel, to the hospital and back afterwards to my appointments and airport. Provide the meals and I can have my support person stay with me in the hotel as well. Pretty sweet deal and I am so excited. Hope this helps! The surgeon is Dr. Thomas Umbach you can Google him.

Wow! That's amazing! Congrats on that one! And thanks to all for the info!

You are welcome! Thank You

God Bless You! Julie