I’ve decided I want to go for the gastric sleeve, after trying to diet for years and failing at losing much weight. I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t know where to start the process!

do I go to my primary care doctor? Do I call the Bariatric surgery center directly? How do I find out if then insurance I have will cover some of it? It was a hard decision for me to even decide it’s what I want to do, but I know it’s the right choice. I just need a push in the right direction to get started.

thanks in advance❤️

Make an appt with your primary physician, and then have them give you a referral to a bariatric surgeon. I gave myself the out when I first went, told myself I wasn't 100% sure if I wanted to go through with it, i didn't have too. But i made myself commit to the process, knowing it would take 6 to 8 months (depending on what your insurance requires. Money required 6 months of appts with a dietitian, and after those were finished then a few other appts with my 0rimary to have an ekg and a physical). It isn't a fast process. I started last July, and finally am starting my pre-OP diet monday, surgery scheduled for march 3. So this is my long way of saying call and make an appt and get the ball rolling! Good luck!

yes. Start with your primary care physician. As the above person said, he or she will have to do a referral to a bariatric surgeon. As far as insurance coverage, call your insurance company and ask if they cover it (actually, I'd probably do that first...)

I was able to jump that step and go right to a consult with a bariatric surgeon, they checked all my coverages for me and handled Everything.

Yes I went right to the surgeon and they checked into everything for me. I only went to them first because I have PPO insurance so I don’t need referrals. I started Oct 14th my first app and I’m getting surgery March 5th.


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See what kind of insurance you have. If you have PPO go directly to to the Bariatric surgeon. That will start your first weight check in and they know the exact process. I skipped my primary.

Yeah I researched local surgeons and thank God my surgeon had his own Dr that does the referrals hahaha very easy and not having to worry about dealing with a Dr that is against surgery...

I would check your health insurance coverage FIRST and what specific requirements are BEFORE any other step.

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