How do I get started?

I have talked over the options of lap band/gastic bypass with my primary physician, and I have decided on the bypass procedure.  My doctor has had patients go through Mercy's program, and after reading information about their program and the history of it's doctors, that is where I would like to have it done.  I will be contacting my insurance company to see if the surgery is covered, but where do I go from here?  My doctor said she would write a letter to the insurance company advising the reasons why surgery is recommended, but how do I go about this?  If I obtain approval from the insurance co, do I contact Mercy for a consultation?  These are things I probably should have asked my doc, but there were too many questions for me to remember them all. =?  I have been obese since I was 6 or 7, and will be 36 in a few weeks.  I've tried weigh****chers, e-diets, atkins, south beach and who knows what else.  The worst thing was phentermine.  I had lost 85 pounds and felt so good.  I wasn't near my goal but it felt so good to walk and walk and not have my knees and back hurt.  Within a few months of going off, it all came back and then some.  Not to mention it wiped out my short term memory.  But my kitchen cupboards were always clean and arranged perfectly!! :)  I'm worried about insurance, though.  I have Coventry and I haven't heard good things about them covering the surgery.  I will have the option of changing providers for 2008, if I need to.  As soon as I post this, I'm sure I'll have another question or two, but I think this will do for now!

First, call the Mercy program and tell them that you are interested in becoming a patient and they will give you times and dates for their informational meeting as you will need to attend this to begin your process. Then they will explain to you what you need to do from there. Secondly, you can always appeal your insurance's decision if you have to. So don't ever think that you will be at a dead end with insurance companies. Good Luck with your journey. Stephanie