Let my journey begin!!!

Hello all! My name is Russ and I am new to the board. I am also new to researching the Lap Band procedure. I started with watching the video of the procedure. It was simply amazing! I have been reading endlessly. Just this morning, I called my insurance company(BC/BS) to see if my plan covered this surgery. I got an immediate yes! YES!!! I have to pay the $700 deductible, but then it is covered at 80%. That seemed like a good place to start, to rule out having to go to Mexico for instance. Anyway, now I am trying to research which doctors are BC/BS PPO providers. Then I want to schedule a seminar or appointment to get this rolling. I am just married for the 2nd time and my new wife is very supportive. Anyway, any suggestions on my next steps would be appreciated. I will add a "before" photo soon. Thanks in advance! Russ

Russ, Hello! Welcome to the Indiana board! The people on here are awesome and very helpful. Have you thought about St. Vincents in Carmel? I am scheduled for lap rny on May 12th! I am so excited but a little nervous. Good Luck with your journey!

Welcome From A Fellow Bander - Your next step should be contacting your PCP because more then likely your insurance is going to require you start there. Your PCP will contact a referring surgeon/program and get you started then. And if I may toot my own horn - St Francis (in particular Dr Clark) has a great banding program. Good Luck!

i wanna toot dr clarks horn too...toot toot

Thanks for the greetings! I am a newbie, but I am guessing that PCP means personal care provider, correct? haha If that is the case, what if I am concerned that my primary doctor might be against anyone having this procedure? Can I just start with the Bariatric center? Thanks again! Russ

"Most" insurances require a referral from your PCP (yes that your primary care physican). Call your insurance and ask them if that's a requirement. If not then you can go ahead and start from a Bariatric Center.

BC/BS does not require a referral from your PCP. The bariatric center will do all your leg work (Nancy at St Francis is wonderful and she had WLS herself). I love Dr Clark..he does the lap-band out of St Francis. I would suggest you attend one of the consults at St Francis or St V's and hear what they have to say...they go over all the WLS procedures, the pros and cons of each and they set up all your required appointments. They make it so easy!!! Welcome to the boards!!!! RNY 7/28/04 296/147/140

Russ~ I have BC/BS and I never had a referral from my primary care provider. I referred myself! It wouldn't hurt to try... Angie C.