Frist step

[aggiebethie 0]

Ok, what does my first step need to be? Should I go directly to the surgeon or are there other doctors I need to go to first? Thanks.

[princess_n_thep 2]

Well that is a broad question. Are you starting research right now? Have you already done that and are choosing a surgeon? Where are you at in the decision process?

here is a link thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11424

here is a thread that deals with questions to ask a surgeon: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=12541&highlight=questions+surgeon

maybe these will help?

[Alexandra 55]

The very first step usually involves seeing a primary care doctor for a complete physical. Are you planning to go through insurance? You might want to give them a call and see what the prerequisites are for your plan. That will tell you where to start.

Good luck!

[JanetC 2]

Mikey & I sorta skipped the first steps. I would say that "normal" first steps are:

1. Call your insurance & see what they recommend as their first steps
   
2. Primary care physician agrees that surgery is an option (you may have to find a new doctor to get to this point!)
   
3. Attend 1 or more seminars (they're normally free) -- feel free to try multiple surgeons until you find one that you like. And be aware of their aftercare program... that's where you'll spend most of your time!
   
4. Surgical consultation / insurance definitely started by this time
   
5. Other consultations as required by surgeon (tests, physical therapy, psychologist, dietician, etc)
   
6. Final paperwork sent to insurance office... and the waiting begins.

Mikey & I were self-pay, so we just called the surgeon we chose & asked for a consultation. He even let us skip the seminar... we'd done our homework & knew we wanted him.

Good luck! Ask a lot of questions!