I have finally decided I need surgery. I am 5'7" and weigh 225. I have BCBS IL insurance. Where should I start? I have not discussed this with my Dr. Yet. She has treated me for a back injury since 2007 and even though weight loss surgery has not been discussed I believe she would not discourage it. Should I go to a Hospital/Clinic/Surgeon first? Or start with my regular Dr.? Has anyone had experience with BCBS IL?

I have not had experience with that insurance but definitely start with your physician. It doesn't hurt to look up local bariatric clinics, find out if they have informational seminars etc... But more than likely you'll need that referral from your PCP and by going to them first you are setting up a good start to the relationship and journey that they are going to be a huge part of. My physician was new to me, I actually was set up with her the first appt after referral. I saw her 6 times in 5 months and you know when I hit my surgeons weight loss goal, she hugged me, when I told her I was approved she told me how proud of me she was. It created a part of our physician-patient relationship that I've never had with another doctor.

I have Anthem Blue Cross and did not need a physicians referral for the seminar. It was very educational for me and I am continuing with the pre-op stuff now. You can always call your insurance, which I recommend for any major medical issue. Knowledge is Power!

I would start with your physician also. My doctor and I discussed WLS and referred me to a bariatric surgeon in my area. Even after I had my referral I researched the surgeon and read a lot of reviews to make sure he was a good one. This isn't something I would trust to just anyone.

I also have bcbs il the process is really simple start with your primary care doc it took me about 2mo to get my surgery date you will have to have 2 visits with a dietitian which has to be schdule 6 weeks apart everything else is pretty simple good luck I'm a week away from my surgery

Your MD and simultaneously a bariatric info session...

I went to that first informational session and then discussed with it my physician before meeting with the surgeon. (the info session coincided just days before my physical)

Thank you all! I just scheduled with my Dr. office and sent my contact info to a couple clinics. I registered for the first available seminar..disappointed it isn't until Sept. 12th though.