Newbie, looking for advice
I live in Texas and have a son that is interested in weight loss surgery. He is in his early 20's and is about 350 lbs. He has health insurance, BC/BS. We are a big family, although I have recently lost 50 lbs because the Dr put me on Victoza for my diabetes. But my son doesn't have many health issues. He is really struggling and seriously wants surgery. I just want to help him find a good Dr and see if his insurance will pay for it. Anyone that may have some advice for us I would greatly appreciate it.
Same here..don't know any surgeons in that area but I was a self pay patient so I ventured to Mexico for my surgery. I went through Belite Weight Loss and told them which facility was closest to me and she put me with a wonderful doctor out of Juarez. My stay was safe, clean and I have no problem with the language barrier.
If you're willing to travel for the surgery and can't get any information here, there are lots of good doctors between here and there. Just do you reseach and ck with his insurance carrier to find out the requirements for the surgery. You'll be surprised how many hoops they will have him jump through before he's approved.
Good luck on the search and if you need anything, please let us know.
If you're willing to travel for the surgery and can't get any information here, there are lots of good doctors between here and there. Just do you reseach and ck with his insurance carrier to find out the requirements for the surgery. You'll be surprised how many hoops they will have him jump through before he's approved.
Good luck on the search and if you need anything, please let us know.
Barbara McKeown 
MOST insurance plans require at LEAST some documentation of previous weight loss attempts, failed weight loss attempts and some "dietary" nutritional counseling whether it be 60 days or 90 days or 180 days...... I would start off with a visit to my PCP.. then you or he needs to call member services and see if his plan would even cover the WLS surgery and then go from there...may be just as simple as a referral from the initial doc to get things rolling.
I contacted all of my previous doctors that had recommended that I pursuit WLS and sent them all letters requesting a letter of recomendation so that I could send into my insurance company for review. My experience was very simple and easy - unlike some others...
I DID have to the do 90 day nutritional counseling which basically - teaches you how one should eat PRIOR to WLS surgery - of course - that differs after WLS surgery no matter which surgery he decides on. - but It did teach me a few things like moderation, portion sizes, etc......
COUNSELING AND A FRIENDS THAT BACK YA UP - is a definate.....HE CAN'T GO THIS ALONE..YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE SUPPORT GROUP.....GROUPS, AND PLAN PLAN PLAN.
Then there is the pschylogical side of things. Something that is coming out more and more. Delving deeper into your mind and/or heart to see what has cause the overeating and becomeing obese - meaning the issues that may have contributed to all of this - they are saying that cross-addition is real........and I believe it is too.......
GOOD LUCK.!!
I contacted all of my previous doctors that had recommended that I pursuit WLS and sent them all letters requesting a letter of recomendation so that I could send into my insurance company for review. My experience was very simple and easy - unlike some others...
I DID have to the do 90 day nutritional counseling which basically - teaches you how one should eat PRIOR to WLS surgery - of course - that differs after WLS surgery no matter which surgery he decides on. - but It did teach me a few things like moderation, portion sizes, etc......
COUNSELING AND A FRIENDS THAT BACK YA UP - is a definate.....HE CAN'T GO THIS ALONE..YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE SUPPORT GROUP.....GROUPS, AND PLAN PLAN PLAN.
Then there is the pschylogical side of things. Something that is coming out more and more. Delving deeper into your mind and/or heart to see what has cause the overeating and becomeing obese - meaning the issues that may have contributed to all of this - they are saying that cross-addition is real........and I believe it is too.......
GOOD LUCK.!!
- Pease check out Dr. Connie Stapleton's Website. A lot of good information on there for all WLS patients regardless of the surgery you chose. Good luck to all and I'm here for you if you want to send me an email. I'll answer it as soon as possible.
- Total Lost: 139 lbs
- Current Weight: 263
- As of 11-10-13 I have had weight gain. Not happy about that.
- RNY: 10-16-07 = 338: Highest weight: 350+ Lowest Weight: 199
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