How do I get started to Gastric Bypass?

Hello: I was wondering if anybody could give me any information that my help me on how to get started with the gastric bypass surgery, I mean like Do I need to tell my Doctor? or do I get a doctor who does the surgery on my own? Does my insurance Pays for it (Neighboardhood health plan of RI)? For real i dont know How to get started.... I would really appreciated... Thanks, Elizabeth

I have the same insurance. I called them and they said they do cover it, if it's medically necessary. I also told my doctor what I wanted and planned on it. She is on board with me. She recommended Dr. Pohl to me. Also I went to a meeting for one of the doctors I was told about and I went to a seminar for another. You should look around on here and call the offices to see what you need to do. I know that for Dr. Pohl you need to go to a seminar. He is having another one July 13th. Dr Roye's office you need to call and they will have you fill out something on-line. There are a couple of other surgeons around that you can look into. I haven't. Oh and Dr. Pohl said that our insurance requires 6 month monitored diet. So I am doing that now. So you should just call make sure on your end. Also document everyone you talk to. And look into the different surgeries too. Make sure you know what procedure you want because some only do certain ones and not all of them. That will even narrow it down to how many surgeons offices you will call. I hope that this helps you some. Good Luck, Jamice aka Killer_Dimples

Thanks for the respond Jamice..... Today I call the office of Dr. pohl and you were right they are having a seminar on July 13, and I ask them about the insurance and they said that I need it to call my insurance to verify, and when I call NHPRI; they told me that they pay for the surgery only if I had like a reason, (sickness) for the surgery. I dont know what's that supposed to mean!.. I told the lady on the Phone that the only sickness that I got is the 340 pounds... So, Im going to way until the seminar to see what happens.... thanks again, elizabeth

Well do you have high blood pressure? Joint pain? High Cholesterol? Any skin problems? Diabetes? Problems breathing? Any and all of those can help you get approved as well for the surgery. At least that's what I am told. They can be linked to being obese. Don't forget to talk to your doctor. You will be needing their help as well. Jamice

Hi Jamice: Girl, I don't have anything... I just got all my test result from my regular doctor and Im ok in everything, not High or low blood pressure, not cholesterol, diabetes.... nothing.... well with the breathing I only get out of breath when I do like some kind of exercises like going up the stairs etc.. oh and I havent told my doctor yet but Im planning to do it... thank you again..... elizabeth

Well hopefully things will work out. Definitely have the doctor document the troubles breathing and does your lower back ever hurt when you are walking around too long or your feet? If so put that down in your medical history. Good Luck!