I was just wondering if anyone had experience with HIP Prime or better insurance coverage in the NYC area. I know for a fact that they will cover it but I'd like to know the following: What's the process like? Any surgeons people would like to recommend who take this insurance? How much time between the first step until surgery? Do you have to do the six month diet before the procedure with HIP and certain surgeons (NYU specifically)? What kind of referrals do I need?

If anyone could answer some of these questions I'd be very grateful for some if not all of this information. Thank you

Hi Malka,

I was banded at NYU and I HIGHLY recommend them. Not only are their surgeons great, but their whole bariatric team is. They have an excellent follow-up program as well. If you haven't already done so, I recommend you attend one of their information seminars.

You can find the schedule & more info on www.nyuweightloss.com

You should contact them to see if they accept HIP. It is usually the insurance, not the surgeon, that sets most of the surgery requirements (e.g, BMI, 6 month pre-op supervised diet, etc), although a surgeon may have some of their own as well. I have heard of some surgeons requirening some patients to loose a certain amount of weight before surgery, however I understand Dr Fielding specializes in extremely obese patients.

Good luck!