How did you get started?

[tel80 9]

I have finally decided that this is what I want for myself. The only problem is...I have no idea where to begin. I have an appointment with my primary care doctor on Tuesday to tell her I intend to undergo WLS. I guess I was wondering if that is where you started? Or...did you find a surgeon in your insurance network and contact them yourself first? I have no idea what I am doing. How do I start the process of getting my insurance approval? Does the surgeon or family doctor help with that?

Thanks in advance.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Yes, I started with my Primary Care doctor who referred me to a surgeon. Whether or not you have a referral you can attend a seminar. Most surgeons have frequent free information seminars. Look for a Center of Excellence.

[Debbieduck4 399]

I went to a seminar put on by one of the hospitals near me. You might look up your hospital's website to see if their hosting Bariatric surgery seminars. That's where I heard about the different types of surgeries and the risks to each one. Afterwards, I talked to my doctor about it and it turned out that his long time nurse who I love and trust had previously worked at a Bariatric surgery clinic. She was a great resource for me and offered the name of a couple of surgeons to research. I did and settled on one I liked. Before I could go any further though I had to get insurance approval so at the same time I called my insurance and got that process started. It took me 8 months total to jump through all the hoops but so worth it! Good luck on your journey!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I knew my insurance was accepted at the major hospitals. I investigated 2 in my area. I went to one and talked to the surgeon. I wasn't impressed. I then happen to run into a friend who had gotten bypass and asked who her surgeon was. I had to attend a seminar before I was allowed to even schedule an appointment but once I did I knew he was the one. I don't think I even told my primary until after they received a copy of my insurance approval letter about three quarters of the way through my pre-op testing.I wasn't worried as I knew she would be supportive and she has been.

The seminars are a great way to see if this is an option for you. It will also help you to decide which type of WLS is best for you.

I attended the seminar at the end of April, had my first surgical appointment in May and had surgery in September. It would have been August, but I had to take a month off for family vacation. The process can take anywhere from 3months to 12months depending on the program requirements and protocols for pre-op testing.

Edited January 12, 2015 by BLERDgirl

[tel80 9]

Thank you everyone for your answers! I found a seminar being offered on Thursday.

[Babbs 14,680]

Thank you everyone for your answers! I found a seminar being offered on Thursday.

Awesome! They should have someone there (some kind of patient or insurance coordinator) to answer any other questions you may have and help steer you in the right direction. Keep us posted!

[tel80 9]

Went to my seminar and sent in all the pre consult forms. Now I am just waiting to hear back from the center and move on to the next step

[CountryGirl5584 115]

I started with a seminar that was being given by a doctor that did my mom's co-workers surgery. I liked him set up consult and everything went from there

[alwaysvegas 702]

I started by checking in my insurance to make sure I was eligible. Then I checked the insurance network and located several doctors near me. One doctor worked with the same group who had performed my hernia surgery the prior year. So I attended her seminar where I also met the clinical psychologist and nutritionist. I was leaning toward the bypass, but when I met 1:1 with my surgeon, she though the sleeve was best for my situation.

I also called my insurance company to obtain their specific approval requirements. Your insurance requirements are very important and you need to make sure you follow them to the letter. Many surgeon's offices keep very good track of all the information they'll need to provide to the insurance, but I recommend you double-check that they're putting together all that your insurance company requires. With so many patients, information can be misplaced or forgotten.

My PCP also vouched for my surgeon and I was very impressed with all the information her staff provided, so I actually went with my first choice.

Best of luck on your journey!

Edited January 22, 2015 by AlwaysVegas

[ashsleeved 41]

I called the bariatric center and they ran my insurance for benefits, and I was seen 2 weeks later! Super easy process for me! Good luck!