Hi all,

Hope this is posted in the right spot. I'm really interested in the sleeve surgery but don't know where to start? How do I get this ball rolling? I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Jersey for insurance, can anyone with the same tell me what all you had to do to get to your surgery date? I would really like to get out of this research phase and get started with the "real deal!" Thanks in advance!

1. - Check the internet in your area for Bariatric Surgeons that have seminars.

2.-- Go to one !

I called up the surgeons office and scheduled an appointment. My insurance bcbs mi required a six month supervised diet/exercise plan. My surgeon also required a sleep study, upper gi, nutritionist visit, and a psychological clearance. After all that got done, we set a date. But to get the ball rolling, I'd just call up the surgeon or center that you are looking to have do your surgery (and feel free to shop around) and go from there. A lot of times they'll have things so streamlined you just have to show up. Best of luck to you, enjoy the journey and do your best to start making changes preop because it really does make things easier in the long run

@@lilyrose245 I had to see my primary Dr first and be referred to the bariatric surgeon.

Yes, what everyone is saying is true. Primary Care Doctor, Seminar, and they told me at the what I needed to do.

Are you North or South Jersey? I started by checking for bariatric programs in my areas at hospitals I knew had good reputations. For me it was between Temple and UPenn. After googling info, and speaking with people who have had surgery, I attended the seminar at UPenn. I really liked how detailed they were with their program.

I'm in south Jersey and chose Kennedy bariatrics in Stratford. Dr. Neff was amazing.. seminar...consult...I had surgery Dec 15

My hospital had a online form and they called me and I'm about to start my last month of supervised diet

Thank you everyone for your responses! Its much appreciated! ....I will take all your answers into consideration. I live in central NJ. I actually have been exercising religiously every day for about two months now as well as trying to watch what I eat, just out of sheer disgust.....I have lost around 10-15 lbs. Only wish I had contacted my PCP two months ago when I started so that it was documented and counted towards whatever my requirments are.......is there anyone who wouldn't mind giving me any insight on how much WITH insurance you had to pay out of pocket for the surgery? I don't think I actually need a recommendation from from my pcp, so that might be helpful. I believe insurance pays for 80% of surgeries after the deductable. In general what am I looking at roughly?

I paid $400 and I think that was for the IVC filter and not the surgery itself. Either way other than my regular deductibles that was it my follow ups have all been included in the surgery fee.

Oh wait, I also paid $200 for the nutrition class that was not covered.

BTW - I lived briefly in Monmouth Co. in Bel Mar.