Newbie needs some guidance

[Jenisis33]

I am just starting out this process. Do I need to go to a regular DR first and get referred to a Surgeon? I have so many questions, but I am finally going to commit to doing something. My insurance co. siad they covered Bariatric Surgery but how to do I start the process? Any ideas would be welcomed, plus I am looking for a Surgeon in Naple FL.

[Idahobeauty]

Welcome to B2G! The first thing you need to do is to find out where there is a free seminar in your area. You can find this at lapband.com. When you go to a seminar they usually give you an application to fill out and return to the surgeons office. Then they will contact you and let you know if you have been accepted. You can also find a surgeon in Florida on the lapband website. Hope this helps.

[Jenisis33]

Thank you so much that site is great, unfortunatley the nearest DR is almost 100miles away, but I will persevere. Next stop is my Ins. company, wish me luck!

[Kathy]

Go Jen! Let us know how things are moving along. And welcome to b2g! :wave:

[paula]

Hi Jen, WELCOME!


My insurance co. siad they covered Bariatric Surgery but how to do I start the process?
Each insurance comp has a different (but similear) set of 'hoops to jump through'. I suggest you call them and find out what you need to have/do to gain approval (specifics). Thats where I would start... OR I would get my GP to refer me to a WLS surgeon and start from that end.

Good luck!

[PhotoNut]

Hello Jen, and welcome to b2g! You've found a great place for support and answers to many many questions regarding the lapband. We have folks here who have gone through just about everything with their bands and they love to share so that others will learn. So jump right in and ask lots of questions, and as Kathy said.. keep us posted on how your band journey is progressing!

[Jenisis33]

Thanks for your help girls, I have my first consultation this Thursday. The nearest surgeon that takes my ins is 2 hours away...but I think worth the drive! I will let you know how it goes.

[Kathy]

Yay Jen! Looks like you are on your way. Look out, many bumps ahead! We'll help you get over them. :D

[JDru]

My insurance was really, really specific about which tests and documentation I needed to have. Be sure you get everything together before you submit it so you don't have a delay or a denial. I got a letter from my family doc that said she recommended that I have to surgery and it listed my co-morbidities and diets I had tried. Good luck!!

[tropical]

Jen, I went to the doctor for a weight loss program, (Tampa, Fl.) he recommended optifast. It worked well for a little while. Finally he asked if I thought about lap band. My doctor has the lap band himself so I felt pretty comfortable. I went through United and they were great. I actually backed out 2 times. I mean I went through United twice made it to pre op and chickened out. United actually denied it 3 times but some how the clinic was able to get it through every time. Well finally I did it after the 3 rd time. I'm so happy. Did it 2 weeks ago and am down 25 pds. Lee grossbard was my doc. I would recommend going to a doctors office that does the lap band and they can take u from there. I can't help but think that if I had gone to my insurance co. they would have told me no. but dealing with the doctors office it was passed.