Question:
im a newbie at this, were do i start?

do i need to request it or do a DR need to? plz help im totaly lost thx...    — jannellw (posted on February 26, 2006)

February 26, 2006
I too started with a little research on the internet and then went to my pcp...she was very new to me but, put me in a referal to my insurance to see a bariatric doctor. They sent me an approval and a suggested doctor. I went to a seminar and then had an appointment with the doctor to see if I was a good candidate for the WLS...He said I was and put me in for a referal to my insurance for approval for the surgery. I had their approval 2 days later...tomorrow are all my pre-op appointments and then I will have a follow-up appointments with my surgeon later this month and get the date set for the surgery...hope this helps you Jackie L
   — justmejackie

February 26, 2006
I talked with my pcp and he agreed that wls would help me. He referred me to a doctor in St. Louis with the New Start Program. They sent me a packet of papers that I needed to fill out and told me that I would need to contact my insurance to make sure they cover wls, get a psych. eval., blood work, and attend an educational simenare. I was also set up with a consultation with the surgeon. In the consultation the surgeon discussed if I was a good candidate. From there they sent all of my information to my insurance company. Now I am just waiting on my approval. I really hope that helps. Good luck.
   — hartnell

February 26, 2006
I asked my PCP for a referral after I had done loads of research on the lap-band and gastric bypass. My PCP was great and has been there for me for the entire journey; he will even be coming to the hospital on May 22, 2006; the date of my surgery.
   — Juju B

February 27, 2006
I just had my surgery on Feb23,2006 and my first consultation with my Bariatric Dr was jan 23. I started by researching Lap gastric bypass, then I called the # on the back of my insurance card to find out the requirements for the surgery.Then, I started my 6-month supervised diet(required by my insurance).When that was finished I went to see my bariatric surgeon and he went over it with me and then I had my surgery 1 month later.Very easy. Every Dr is different. and also insurance companies. Good Luck!~Melissa
   — WannaBSlim

March 17, 2006
Check to see if there is a Gast BP support group in your area, and attend every meeting you can -- even several different groups, and you can get a feel for the dr. you want. I have been going to 2 different support groups since July 2004 and am having surgery April 2006. I wanted to make sure I was well informed and really ready to do it.
   — tweazee