I was referred to Dr. Ren in NYC and, to see her, I need to get a referral from my GP, then see a psychiatrist, when approved by the psychiatrist, I will see a nutritionist. After the nutritionist approved me, I will get to see the surgeon. What is the nutritionist looking for?

My nutritionist asked questions about my eating habits like, Do I eat Breakfast, Do I eat out often, What kinds of foods I eat and what kind of Snacks and gave suggestions on my problem areas. But mostly what she did was educate me on what I would need to eat pre-op and post-op. How to eat (small bites and chewing thoroughly etc.)

She determined that I am a grazer and a carb addict and told me to try and eat only 3 meals a day and watch my carbs.

I actually had two visits with her...first visit was a one-on-one where she discussed my eating habits and my second was a classroom type meeting where she taught us what and how to eat, what products to buy to prepare for pre-op and post op diets etc.

I had to keep a food diary for 3 days and the nutritionist went over that and then told me all about the post-op diet.

I am being banded by Dr Fielding next week. I saw the same nutritionist that you will see and she basically she just explained the foods you will have to eat for pre and post op. It was a brief visit.

where do they submit to insurance? Im making my appointment to see the nutritionist today. Do they take all your info and then submitt to the insurance? Just wondering?

I submitted my insurance papers after I met with Dr. Fielding...He will bring you to Aja Washington after your meeting to schedule your surgery and she will submit your insurance papers then.

hmmm that is weird ....ive been hearing that they submitt to insurance to be approved before they schedule surgery. Im in california...im having my band put on in santa barbara. hmm ok. every doc is probably different. Thank you for the imput.

I met with the surgeon 2 months before my surgery....Thats when my insurance papers were submitted

I saw the nutritionist today and was asked NOTHING. I sat through a 4 hour info session where a dietition told us how our eating habits would change, what the diet will be like after surgery, and to chew our food forever.

Then a nurse told us about the surgery and what to expect. The dietition was already writing our letters by the time the nurse started speaking.

And as far as I know, it was free. WORKS FOR ME!

hmm...funny...with ours we have to pay $65 out of pocket. so i found out that i see the nutritionist, have all my tests done, see the surgeon THEN they submitt to the insurance. Wait for insurance approval then make appointment for surgey. What a process. lol oh well it will be worth it im hoping.

hmmm. This is something I *have* to do to see the dr AND she (the nutritionist) has to "approve" me. My ins will probably pay. They have been almost chipper about paying for the psychiatrist and dr ren's appointment and answering all my questions about coverage.