How to start?

Hi, I am 41 years old and have a BMI of 47.5. I have no known issues with my health. I have researched and read many posts, looked at 100's of before/after pictures, out weighed gastric bypass vs lapband and complications, etc. I've decided that I want to have the bypass. I am fortunate enough to have insurance as well as my husbands insurance. And both of them cover this surgery. Now that I am determined on this surgery, where do I start? Do I contact a regular doctor first? How do I start ?

I had my primary doctor refer me to my surgeon.

Yes you usally have to have your primary doctor refer you to a surgeon. The next thing you will have to do is follow up with a psychological evaluation. Then you will have to have a blood test and if everything is a go you will be making one of the best decisions of you life. I am so happy with my surgery. I had mine in june and I have already lost 132 pounds. Good luck with your surgery

It is great you have done the research. Yes I would contact your primary care physician first. She/he will help lead the way. There are several things you must do before the surgery. Good Luck!!

Hi Catherine, If you don't have a primary care doc. you can also call around to hospitals in your area. Most have information sessions for people who are interested in wls. That way you could research and find a surgeon you like and are comfortable with. Even if you do need a referal I would shop around and find the surgeon and tell my PCP who to refer me to. The information sessions will also give you an opportunity to make sure that bypass is the surgery you really want. Good luck to you!! Kim

Thank you all for your responses. I will be contacting my doctor wednesday as I'm in need of a physical anyway. I'm a bit nervous as probably you all have been. I know in my heart this is the right thing to do. Thanks again for your input.

My insurance company only covered specific doctors and Centers of Excellence, so I had their list to start with of who they'd cover me for. I took that list to my primary care physician and he went over it with me. Plus, my sister and I both researched all the doctors and chose mine. My insurance had an application process, which I did and my PCP wrote a letter of recommendation and need to them. Then I had to go through a 6-month insurance pre-op thing where they assigned me a case manager to work with throughout the process.

Hey Catherine, Yes, I had to get a referral from my primary care doctor first, but he process was very fast! My first appointment with my surgeon was on July 24th, and I was approved for surgery on Aug 8th! I had to get a few tests done prior to my paperwork being submitted to the insurance company, but it was still lightening fast! I have Tri-Care Prime. I did over a year of research as well, in my opinion the RNY is the best most effective LONG term surgery. Let me know if you have other questions. My surgery was on October 22nd, the last time I weighed, it was at 11 days post-op and I have lost 14.6 pounds. I have not started my excercise or walking yet, my surgeon requested I wait until two weeks post op. Blessings, Angel