I know that I will need to self-pay to be banded. I have gone to the introductory seminar and have my initial consultation set up for April 20th.

What typically happens at your consultation? As a self-pay what will I have to do/not have to do that someone with insurance would? What information is covered during that meeting? Actually any info that can be passed on will be greatly appreciated.

For mine:

I was weighed-in and the surgeon discussed the surgery in more detail.

He asked questions about my medical history.

He wrote out all the necessary orders for pre-op tests (bloodwork, EKG, surgery release letter, upper GI).

He explained pre-op and post-op diet and care.

He explained the required visits with the psych and with the nutritionist.

I scheduled my visit with the psych.

He answered all my questions.

At the time I did not know if my insurance would cover it, so while I was with the surgeon the insurance coordinator was on the phone with the insurance company.

Edited April 7, 200917 yr by Jodi_620

I too knew I was self-pay. At my first visit, I was weighed, BP taken, some measurements. I was told the pre-requisites for surgery. My doctor would make the referrals for all the tests but I chose to use my PCP for all referrals and my insurance covered all that testing. I had also already gotten my financing in place for the part I could not pay in cash before I went for that visit (yeah, I knew what I wanted!).