What's my next step?

I called my insurance company and they said if my doctor sent them a recommendation for the lap band surgery I would be fully covered.  My BMI is 40.6. I have chosen my dr Anita P. Courcoulas and will set up an appointment with her asap. What is my next step? Any words of wisdom?  Anyone else use this dr?
3 years ago I went to Dr Courcoulas for gastric bypass and after enduring all the tests I chickened out of surgery, now the the promise of lap band I believe I have found my courage again and am ready to do what I should have done 3 years ago...changed my life!!
Would love some encouragement and suggestions for my journey.
My biggest hurdle now is my 3 hour drive to Pittsburgh for meetings, appointments, and seminars. Man do I wish I could teleport....beem me to pittsburgh scotty I have a weigh in! :)
Welcomes new friends

I just went thru the Magee program and had RNY with Dr. Eid on 3/5.  I'm pretty sure it holds for the lap band too, but they want you to go thru a 6 month supervised Weight Management/Livestyle class.  THis is required by "most" insurances, and i am pretty sure that even if your insurance doesnt require it, then the Bariatric surgery group at Magee still requires it.   You have to be 3 months into the program before they even schedule you to see the doctor.

Seeing as you have already seen her 3 years ago I dont know how they would handle that.  I would suggest calling them first and telling them your situation.

I had Dr. Eid and i Luvvv him,  but I havent had any dealings with Dr Courcoulas

YOur next step is to continue learning all you can about your options, about the surgery you have chosen, about wrapping your mind around a new lifestyle.  It's also to follow up with your doctor and do what they need to do.

Also - just because your insurance company said one thing over the phone don't be surprised if they require more than that.  Have somebody from your surgeons office, if possible, tell you what your insurance company requires.  You may need stuff like the 6 mos diet and things like that along with other blood tests and/or psych evals and things like that.

Good luck!

Pam