Lap Band Dr in Columbus, and What would you say is the first step to getting started

I was wondering if anyone has a dr in COlumbus that they REALLLLLLLLLLLLY like? I have just started looking. I also was wondering what would be my first step to getting the ball rolling? Should I contact my reg dr or contact my ins or find a lap band dr? I am almost overwelmed because I do not know where to start. Maybe I should just hold off for a while longer, but I do not want to get BIGGER. Thanks Tiffany

I would start by contacting your insurance company to be sure that they cover lap band (as with the bypass procedures, some do, some do not) and to find out what the medical requirements are to qualify and if the insurance company reques a pre-op diet period (I don't know about lap band because my insurance doesn't cover it at all, but I know that many insurane companies require a 3 or 6 month physician-supervised diet program before they will approve a gastric bypass procedure).  Then, I would be sure that your PCP is supportive of the procedure.  Most people have their regular doctor provide their surgeon with whatever information you will need as far as weight history, medications, medical history to get approved, and then the surgoen actually submits the request for approval to the insurance company.  If your insurance is a PPO or HMO, of course, you will need to select a surgeon that is covered by your plan.   Hope that helps. Lora

Tiffany, I noticed you are from Gratiot!  We are practically neighbors!!  I live in Perry County! I had my lab band done by Dr Stephen Myers out of Riverside in Columbus.  I absolutely LOVE him!  His staff is great and he is a very caring surgeon!!  They are called Fresh Start Bariatrics.  When I started this process, I first went to one of his seminars.  The way they worked was after the seminar you give them your insurance information and they check to make sure you have coverage.  (they are "in network" for just about every insurance)  Then they will call you and set up a consultation appointment.  After that I made an appointment with my PCP ...but that's just the way I did it - some folks talk to their PCP first.... One thing I really loved about them is they set up an all day appointment once that covers everything you need to do.  during that day you get a physical, blood work, meet with the dietitian (you meet with them several more times too), and have your phsyc eval.  It makes things so much easier. if you are interested, Dr. Myers does have a website for Fresh Start Bariatrics.   Let me know if you want more information!

HI I AM LINDA FROM ZANESVILLE,OHIO.I AM HAVING THE LAP BAND DONE APRIL THE 25TH. IN DETROIT,MICH.I WENT THROUGH BELITE WEIGHT. THEY SET UP EVERYTHING FOR ME.I DID EVERYTHING BY EMAIL.THEY GOT THE PREAPPROVAL FROM INSURANCE.I USED MY LOCAL DR. FOR PRETEST.IT DIDN'T TAKE THAT LONG TO GET MY SURGEY DATE.GOD BLESS YOU ,LINDA

Welcome to the world of the lapband journey. Picking your surgeon is very important and you are doing a good thing asking for referrals from those who have been there. I went through Mt. Carmel's bariatric program for my lapband, I'm 6 weeks post surgery now and down about 28 lbs., and I'm thrilled. I like the doctors but the insurance hassles and paperwork/appt scheduling was something I had to tough it out. I've heard some programs are more organized and helpful about paperwork process in particular but what was most important to me was surgeon skill and surgical follow up care I would receive and I'd give mine an A+. I just got to see the fluroscopy this week during my 1st Fill of exactly where my lapband, tubing and port are inside me and I was fascinated. Second, there is a great informal support group that has formed in Central Ohio and we represent self-pay, Riverside, Mt. Carmel, Barix, OSU programs combined and we are very open and honest in helping compare one person's experience to the other without our hospital bariatric coordinator's looking over our shoulder. We also found it helpful to be in just a lapband specific support group. If you want more info, please feel free to check out www.lapbandtalk.com website where we post regularly and under the USA Local Support Groups, Ohio section, you'll see the various local bariatric program threads and the Central Ohio get together for May is next Saturday May 10 at Polaris Mall in the food court area.  Best of luck. I'm loving my band!