Hello Im new and Just wanted to ask a question

(i will make it short)Well i finally got up the courage and asked my nutrition/diet what she thought about the gastric bypass and she gave me the go ahead she thought for me it would be a wonderful thing and made a list for me to do..one of the things, i was asked to do was call my insurance provider and find out if they cover the surgery,turns out that they can only give that info to a Dr...the question i have is what do you do when you have a Dr who does not believe that gastric bypass is the way to go and walking takes care of it all..i have a apt tomorrow and im racking my brain trying to figure going about asking him..i find it to be very intimadating to ask him!!I have high blood pressure and have been overweight for most of my life,tried too many things that just didn't work..any ideas would be great and THANKS!!

Mary, First off I would like to say welcome to the NY board... ~hugs~ This website is awesome and very helpful. Hun I would just ask him/her as soon as you get in the office, I would say I have made a choice and would like their feedback. It might be good or it might be back but then at least you will know where they stand. I know my local PCP was not totaly thrilled with the surgery but he wished me the best and did what I asked him to do. If they do not then you can always find a WLS friendly PCP. I wish you the best and please keep us posted.. ~Hugs~ Debra P 285/210.5/125??

Hi there! Why can't your insurance tell you if medcially necessary WLS is covered under your plan or not. That is weird. I found my PCP through my surgeon. He is very WLS friendly and shares many of the same patients with my surgeon. I would first find a surgeon and then ask him/her for a recommendation for a PCP. Good luck! Tavia

I agree with Tavia. That is weird. You pay the premium. You should be entitled to get a copy of the policy that tells what's covered and what isn't covered. If your PCP doesn't support your decision to have gastric bypass, then find one who will or you could tell your PCP that you've made this decision. He can either support you or you'll find a doctor who will. The doctor does not dictate what you do with your body. Joanne

Hi Mary Welcome to the NY board and welcome to the posting side.... you should call back your insurance company and speak to them again and if they give you the same answer ask to speak to the superviser..... don't worry about rocking the boat they work for you your not working for them so they should have answers for you and they should be able to tell you what you will need from your doctor to get approved..... Now on the note of your pcp just go and ask him you will never know until you ask.....just remember he works for you too...you can always find a new pcp.....It took me a while to find a WLS friendly pcp.....mine didn't want anything to do with it....so I was up the creek if you know what I mean and the wonderful people here kept me going and I finally had surgery after denial after denial and then another denial.... I wish you luck in your journey to a healthier and happier you..... please keep us posted.... Christine 346/231/?

Hi Mary , And welcome --you will probably find that many people don't "believe" in WLS. But If you inform your pcp that you have tried many diets and exercise and that your health is suffering from the added weight --he or she will probably go along with your wishes. Inform him nicely --but make him understand that you are making a decision to improve your health. You can also do it the way that I did--I went to a weight loss center--Long Island Jewish--spoke to the surgeon at the center, and he then contacted my pcp to inform him that I was, in fact ,a candidate--due to multiple health problems. I admit that I didn't have too much trouble--since I was retired due to my disabilities, and Medicare and GHI are my Insurance carriers--Medicare is primary. But you have nothing to be intimadated about--You know that you what a long and healthy life--that is important --and the Lord will show you a way to get what you need. Be Blessed, Marian S.C.

Hi Mary, I had the same problem, I contacted Dr. Cole's office and they said to come on in for a consult. You may possibly not need anything in particular from your primary. Your health issues just may be enough. I have BCBS Federal insurance. Mine did not require a referral. They would like a letter of support from my primary. What insurance do you have? You may be able to find out what your coverage is online. I should think that the insurance company should be required to have all your coverage outlined in a booklet form or online. Don't be intimidated by your Dr. Don't forget your the one he or she is working for. Tell them what you want and expect. Also Mary, have you been to one of the support group meetings in our area. You will find endless support and endless resources available at the meetings. The next ones are: Oct. 18 a****kins Glen You can find out where through Dr. Cole's office Nov. 7 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center Nov. 14 at Corning East High School I think all group meetings are from 6pm-8pm. I am from Campbell, I hope to see you at one of the meetings. I usually go to the East High School one. I wish you the best of luck. Shannon Arnold

My insurance is Medicaid and well that should speak for itself....lol...I am in awe of the wonderful people on this site and i thank you for taking time out to help answer my question.I will post again tomorrow and let you all now what my Dr says..Wish me LUCK!!