Where do I start.?

I am wanting this surgery so bad so I can live a healthier life. But im not sure where to start, do I find a surgon first.. or what please help .. thanks Lisa

Talk to your Personal physician. He should be able to refer you. Good Luck, RIchard

Hello Lisa, First I would call my insurance company and see if wls is covered. Or talk to your primary care physician. Let them know you want this surgery. Some insurance companies require certain things, such as a doctor supervised diet for 3-6 months. Once you talk to your doctor and find out what all your insurance company requires then comes the hard part...jumping through hoops. LOL. I found out it is better to know what is required first then try to submit for approval. You will need to do some research, what kind of WLS surgury would be best for you. LapBand, Open RNY, Lap RNY, etc. You will also want to do research on Surgeons, hospitals, and see if they are in network for your insurance. I know it seems like a lot, but a chance at new life is well worth it. I start July 2004, and I will be having my surgery next month. If you have any questions, or want to find out where to find info, just email me. I will be more than happy to help. Best of Luck, Lisa

Hi Lisa, A good place to startis with your medical benefits guide from work. If you don't have access to this hand book I'd say call a care coordinator at your insurance company. NOT just a regular old customer service person, they have no idea what's available to you in most cases. If you can get your PCP to help you that would be a big plus! He may be able to refer you to some info. Or you can just do what I did, go to a facility that specializes in wls and let them handle it. I went to Barix and they have been a dream. Consultation was on Jan. 7, 2005 and I'm scheduled for surgery on Feb. 23, 2005. Good Luck Temeka