Hello everyone,

I am so glad I found this forum. I been trying to search for specific questions but couldn't find any. I guess I am in pre consultation phase. I know I need surgery and I am sure my doctor would guide me through the right options. It would be nice if someone would answer few administrative questions for me

1) How and where do I start? I don't know how to select the right surgeon. Should I pick up the phone and start calling the surgeons and see who gives me an appointment first? Or should I go with referrals from my primary Dr. The problem is that my Dr. is not that excited about me going for this option and is not assisting much. So can I call anyone who accepts my insurance or what should I do?? Will they accept ppl who don't have their primary Dr. referral or it is mandatory.

2) I am thinking about end of year timeline since thats when I can get time off from work but I need to plan now so that I am ready by that time.

I would really appreciate if someone can guide me where I should start from if my primary care Dr. is like giving me a follow up appointment in 2 months. I think I can start a parallel process of consulting with the bariatric folks and go through all the diets and other admin formalities in advance?. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I guess the main question here is "What made you select your surgeon and how did you go about finding them? Through referrals or just insurance providers etc"

Thanks

Tony

THE Best way to get started is to contact your insurance.. find out how you are covered and what hospitals/surgeons they cover!

My insurance needs some sort of justification from my physician selling my case to them. I reckon that should not be difficult based on my medical reports and history for last 2 yrs. However, my physician is one of those guys who likes surgery to be the absolute last option unless required so lets see what he has to say at the end of this month when I see him.. Thanks for your feedback everyone

Just call and make an appointment with a surgeon you are interested in for a consultation. They will take it from there.

They have primary care docs that will give you the recommendation that you need for your insurance.

Tony I'm in Houston as well and I just had my first consult today. Three people I work with have use the same group of doctors so that's how I made my decision on where to go. The name of the clinic is the Davis clinic and it's located at I 10 and Gessner. There's the old Mr. Davis who from what I understand is a little arrogant but it's been doing this for years and he's very good. There's the young Mr. Davis which I don't know much about. Then there is Dr Primomo and he is the one I went with. I'd like him very much. I was comfortable with them and I felt like he was honest and sincere. They do have a website which you can check out. Just search for the Davis clinic and the number is 713–4 86–1755. I hope this helps you. I'm not sure what part of town you live in but if this location does not work out well for you, go over to the sleeve forums and do a search for Houston , you can find additional doctors.

Tony I'm in Houston as well and I just had my first consult today. Three people I work with have use the same group of doctors so that's how I made my decision on where to go. The name of the clinic is the Davis clinic and it's located at I 10 and Gessner. There's the old Mr. Davis who from what I understand is a little arrogant but it's been doing this for years and he's very good. There's the young Mr. Davis which I don't know much about. Then there is Dr Primomo and he is the one I went with. I'd like him very much. I was comfortable with them and I felt like he was honest and sincere. They do have a website which you can check out. Just search for the Davis clinic and the number is 713–4 86–1755. I hope this helps you. I'm not sure what part of town you live in but if this location does not work out well for you, go over to the sleeve forums and do a search for Houston , you can find additional doctors.

Thanks for your reply. I was looking for someone local and yes I have heard good things about Davis clinic. Do you know about Texas laparoscopic consultants? I was told they are good as well. I am looking for someone close to home in Katy but I don't mind going to medical district if I have to.

I am not familiar with the group you are speaking off. I do know about 5-6 people used The Davis Clinic from work. I work past Katy and was there in less than 30 minutes. It is right last beltway 8' exit Gessner and on the right. I just had traffic on my way home

You are smart to start now. All doctors are different, u could ask your doctor for a referral or call your insurance ask for their policy and requirements for bariatric surgery and a list of approved physicians. Most insurance companies have a set of requirements That can vary from 3 months of consecutive visits diet based appointments with a doctor or nutritionist and some like my BCBS of BT require 6 months. In addition some bariatric clinic have all of their own doctors, nutritionist...

After you get that info begin researching the type of surgery you feel would be best for you.

Call your insurance first. I found out the hard way that my insurance would only cover the surgery if I went to a center of excellence. I had already been referred from my primary care and started the process before I found out.