Is it best to go to your family Dr. and tell them you want the lap band surgery and things start from there. Or do you cut that step out and go right to the surgeon?

Melissia

I had to have a referral from my doctor before I saw the surgeon. I think most of us had to.

Lots of surgeons, like mine, hold seminars or open classes discussing the procedure. This is a great time to ask questions and find out what steps to take next.

It wouldn't hurt to ask you family doc. Sometimes though, they aren't up to date on this type of surgery. I ended up being the one that educate my PCP and brought all info in for him to learn about the Lapband. On the other hand, if your doc is familiar with it, and you trust and respect him/her, it might be nice to ask what surgeon they would recommend.

Good LUCK!

Went straight to the surgeon and had a consult!

I did my research online and read books. I went straight to the surgeon.

went straight to surgeon

I also went straight to the surgeon

Whether you start out with the surgeon or not, if you're hoping for insurance to cover it then at some point you're going to have to see your primary care doctor. I think it's a VERY good idea to start with your PCP and make sure you get the diagnosis of "morbid obesity" in your record. A history of discussing your weight with your primary care doc goes a long way with your insurance carrier.

If you're paying cash or have a very liberal insurer, then you can go right to the surgeon. Otherwise an initial visit to a PCP is likely to be the best way to start.

I talked it over with my regular doctor first to see what options I had that would be covered under insurance. Also to see if she had any big issues or concerns. She didn't know much about the Lap Band so I did a ton of research, then found a local surgeon and went there next.

I went straight to the surgen also and attended his siminar, than recieved medical clearence from my primary physician.

I was self pay and went to Mexico. I found the doctor I wanted, but before I went, I saw my PCP just to make sure she didn't have any major objections (in which case I would have known I'd need to find a WLS friendly PCP).

Thanks everyone for your help. From what I have checked into so far with my insurance company, it looks like I am going to have a bit of a battle on my hands. So I am going to play it safe and go right to my PCP first.

Is it best to go to your family Dr. and tell them you want the lap band surgery and things start from there. Or do you cut that step out and go right to the surgeon?

Melissia

DEPENDS ON ---if your self pay or insurance. If your insurance you must have a referral from your Doctor PCP To say your cleared for surgery. At least in most cases. IF YOUR SELF PAY - Go right to the surgeon & you'll be on your way.

Good Luck