Fat_Tony

Hi Marielena, Where did you get your surgery done in Houston? How was the experience. Mind sharing? Thanks

Thanks for your reply. I was looking for someone local and yes I have heard good things about Davis clinic. Do you know about Texas laparoscopic consultants? I was told they are good as well. I am looking for someone close to home in Katy but I don't mind going to medical district if I have to.

My insurance needs some sort of justification from my physician selling my case to them. I reckon that should not be difficult based on my medical reports and history for last 2 yrs. However, my physician is one of those guys who likes surgery to be the absolute last option unless required so lets see what he has to say at the end of this month when I see him.. Thanks for your feedback everyone

Thanks. As you and others have mentioned, Insurance is the one who calls the shots on this one. I was informed today that I have to get my primary Dr. onboard and he has to send my medical records to the insurance where he thinks it is justified for me to move forward in this direction. Once the insurance approves the case, I can setup an appointment with the surgeons directly. You mention an important point about pre and post surgery care. I am assuming this process is similar to how women go selecting the right hospital for delivery and labor. Regarding the COE affiliated Dr. is that the one which has that seal on their website ? I noticed not everyone has it. So if the Dr. has that on his website, it will be a COE affiliated? or is there any other way to find out. Regarding the staff and support programs, how to find that out before actually setting an appointment. I was hoping to find an Angie's list for such places in my area with good rating. Most of the websites are pretty similar. There are so many testimonials and before and after pics. Most of the information is pretty redundant and one cannot make a decision based on the websites alone. Is it possible that after first visit you will know if this is the right place to move forward with or no?

ok thanks. I will look for center of excellence in my city. Congrats on your milestone. Looking forward to experience the same some day Thanks and same to you.

you are right. I am trying to see a good time to register. Or else I will take the online version

thank you for your valuable advice. Seems you were persistent enough to get the surgeon that you wanted. I am thinking of attending online webinar to start with. Good luck in your surgery.

Thank you for your response. I am from Texas - (Houston) area. There are many surgeons in town I just don't know which one is right for me. What is a circle of excellence hospital and how do I find one? Can I make the new post here or in separate section? I already called my insurance. Their requirements are pretty straight forward and I qualify. I just need to find a doctor who accepts my insurance.

Hello everyone, I am so glad I found this forum. I been trying to search for specific questions but couldn't find any. I guess I am in pre consultation phase. I know I need surgery and I am sure my doctor would guide me through the right options. It would be nice if someone would answer few administrative questions for me 1) How and where do I start? I don't know how to select the right surgeon. Should I pick up the phone and start calling the surgeons and see who gives me an appointment first? Or should I go with referrals from my primary Dr. The problem is that my Dr. is not that excited about me going for this option and is not assisting much. So can I call anyone who accepts my insurance or what should I do?? Will they accept ppl who don't have their primary Dr. referral or it is mandatory. 2) I am thinking about end of year timeline since thats when I can get time off from work but I need to plan now so that I am ready by that time. I would really appreciate if someone can guide me where I should start from if my primary care Dr. is like giving me a follow up appointment in 2 months. I think I can start a parallel process of consulting with the bariatric folks and go through all the diets and other admin formalities in advance?. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I guess the main question here is "What made you select your surgeon and how did you go about finding them? Through referrals or just insurance providers etc" Thanks Tony