Getting Started

Hi Everyone,

I live in Crossville, TN.  I am so ready to have the procedure done.

I have talked to my Dr and he said no, but if I needed a referal he would probably give me one.

I just got off the phone with my insurance company and they do cover gastric and lap band based on medical need.  And for me to talk to my doctor and get pre certification. 

If my Dr does not want to help me, what would be my next step?

Thank you  for any and all information anyone can provide.

So Ready

Why does your Dr. not want to help, is he just one of those that don't believe in WLS???

If so maybe it's time to get a new Dr. do you have any other Dr. ie. a endocrinologist or cardiologist etc.

I just want to let you know this is usually a couple month or more process in which if you stay active here we will help you learn as much as we can to make you successful.

You can also go to One of the seminars Vandy, Centennial, Baptist or where you plan to have your WLS and they should help you negotiate the system.  I'm sure this is nothing new for them.

Good Luck,  C'ya Bob

Hi Thanks for responding,

Yes, my Dr does not believe in it.  Never mind that I have done Weigh****chers (several times), Atkins, South Beach, TOPS, and belong to a gym. 

His response is always, count your calories and work out.

So, here I am.

I don't know anyone here that has had the surgery so not sure if there are Dr's here. 

I don't even know if there are any seminars or meetings here in my town.

Does any one know?

Thanks again for your responses.

You will probably have to go to Knoxville or Nashville for seminars. There are several doctors at different hospitals that do the surgery. I am going to Centennial. Who is your insurance with? They usually have a list of what is required before they approve you for surgery. You could call them and find out. Most do require a recommendation from your doctor. Mine required a 6 month supervised diet. Keep all your records from weigh****chers and all diets you tried, that helps too. Hope that helps get you started. ~shell

Everyone i know from your area goes to Nashville Vanderbilt you can go on-line Vanderbilt center for surgical weight loss,  Centennial also has a fine program.  As far as what they require differs usually this is set by your insurance provider reflecting you specific policy.  You can contact your provider direct and ask what are their requirements then attend one of these seminar's bring anyone you like that will be supporting you.  This is usually a very general presentation with a Q & A session at the end.  After these two things are done you will have a very good understanding of what it is required both in documentation and out of pocket cost.  C'ya Bob