New to forum and need info

Hello to all! I just found this forum while searching for information on Lap-Band Surgery. I haven't found a doctor to go to see if I qualify. Can anyone suggest doctors in the Raleigh, Durham or Greenville areas. Do I need a referral? I ready would like to get started on this, I am not sure if my insurance will pay but I wanted to speak with someone. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

HI SHEL,        WELCOME TO THE BOARD. I CAN'T TELL YOU MUCH ABOUT DOCTORS IN RALEIGH AS I'M IN THE SOUTH EASTERN REGION OF THE STATE, CALABASH. ALSO I DIDN'T HAVE THE LAP BAND I HAD RNY DONE. I FELT THIS WAS LESS TROUBLE, NOT HAVING TO GO BACK ALL THE TIME TO HAVE THE BLADDER FILLED OR EMPTIED, BUT THAT'S A PERSONAL CHOICE WE ALL MAKE.       I DO KNOW THAT MOST SURGEONS DON'T REQUIRE A REFERRAL JUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.      CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE WHAT THEY REQUIRE, IT'S AMAZING WHAT DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS EACH COMPANY HAS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY, MEDCOST PREFERRED, REQUIRED A LETTER OF MEDICAL NEED WRITTEN AND A SIX MONTH HISTORY OF MEDICAL AND NUTRIONIST MANAGED DIET AND WEIGHT LOSS.    EVEN AFTER THE FIRST ATTEMPT WAS DENIED WE PERSISTED W/ ANOTHER LETTER FROM MY DOCTOR, MYSELF AND MY MANAGER AT WORK. I ALSO SENT A COPY OF A  SIX MONTH MENU PLANNER  I DESIGNED ON THE COMPUTER.      IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THEN YOU'LL DO ANYTHING NEEDED TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL.      BEST OF LUCK W/ YOUR SEARCH AND I HOPE YOU'RE SUCCESSFUL. DONNA, SFY :-D

THANKS DONNA!

WHAT IS RNY?

I would start by calling your insurance to see if they cover the procedure... if they do then you will want to select an In-network Dr with your plan... they can also tell you if you need a referral (some plans do and some dont). That would be the best step... most surgeons offer seminars about the different procedures they do so then you could contact one under your insurance and sign up for a seminar so you can find out more information.

thanks Jennifer I just got off the phone with my insurance company, they do not cover the plan, so I need to fiqure out something else.

the duke program does a free information session every friday afternoon. dukewls.org 

Shellee, What insurance company do you have?