Choosing a WLS--When to choose a WLS

My insurance does not start until Jan 1st. I have already set up an appointment with my PCP for the supervised weight management program. Can my PCP give me the NUT evaluation? Can I attend bariatric support groups now with choosing a WLS or do I need to attend the support groups of the WLS I plan on using? I work second shift Sunday through Thursday which means I cannot attend the evening support groups, I am aware that there are groups in Atlanta that meet on Saturday I don't mind going but I am wary of going and INS says I needed to go to the WLS's meetings. Would any support group do or does it need to be with the WLS that I want to do my surgery with?  Is there any thing else I can be doing until INS takes effect? Sorry this is long but I had many questions and I figured that OH would be the best place to get knowledgeable answers.

I would hold off till the new insurance kicks in.  It may not even cover WLS or their requirements may be more stringent.  Going to support groups would be okay to learn what you can before you officially get started on your journey.

Hey Don, how is Texas treatin you?

Our insurance has been decided for 2010 and she is good to go. We are doing open enrollment now.   We both are state employees. 

 I doubt they will change any of the pre-op requirements last minute after the battle we had with them last year.

Hey Shell,

Getting little cooler compared to yesterday.  Least no "liquid sunshine" today.  The pasture below my mother's house once again is "water front" property from the Trinity River flooding.

Found out gall bladder has to come out and that happens Tuesday in Dallas.  Sassy is coming in for the weekend and I pick her up at DFW airport tomorrow.  Have to run to Dr's office and surgical center for paperwork and blood while I'm up there. 

Awww you're having a gall bladder party and didn't invite me??


Note to self "TAKE THAT DANG ACTIGALL"


I hope everything comes out ok pun intended

Note back to LaShell and everybody else who still has a gall bladder when they have their WLS:

Tell the doctor to take the #%$^&$ thing while he/she is in there the first time!!

You should definitely start EVERYTHING now.   Our insurance is set in stone for 2010 and they are not changing anything.

You can attend any support group w/ Cigna as long as it is a bariatric group.

Your surgeon is gonna require you to see a nutritionist.  You'll probably want to wait to see what surgery you will have and choose a surgeon before seeing a nut becasue some surgeons only allow you to see their nut.   I would see a bariatric nut and not a pcp. They are just not knowledgeable enough to advise you.


You can do everything on the list now except the online health evaluation. You will ned your cigna ID to do that.  Everything else go for it asap!  You can even go on and have the surgeon consult, and this year's insurance will cover it. It will just not cover the surgery itself.

Do you already know which surgeon and surgery type you want?  Have you attended a seminar. The surgeon is likely to rewuire you attend a seminar before you have a consult with him.  The seminar is likely to be on a week night, and some of the classes fill up, so you need to start contacting surgeons and get on the waiting list.

I posted a list of Cigna approved surgeons the ther day for you.

Just another point to consider... some surgeons may require you attend a certain number of their support groups. I believe Dr. Smith and Dr. Maynard do (they're not in network w/ Cigna, so you don't have to worry about them specefically). 

You wlll learn through this process cigna has a list of  pre-op requirements and your surgeon will have a seperate list of additional requirements.   It's a double whammy.

If you go on and narrrow down your choice of surgeons, you'll have a better idea of what you're against.

They will give you theur pre-op requirements in the seminar.

      Faith is taking the first

step, even when you can't

see the whole staircase.

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


 
                                          



I saw this and I thought of you.   I know this is a scary and confusing time for you. I was there this same time last year. You're starting the exact month I did. My 1st diet visit was November 11, 2008 I believe.  Now I've lost almost 70 pounds and I am living my new life.  I know how you feel and I want you to know that God will never give you more than you can handle, and he will never close a door without leaving a window open for you.  There will be times in the next year you'll feel like this is impossible. But be assured with God and your OH family behind you. Nothing is impossible.

If you need me call me. I will be there for you every step of the way!