Haven't begun yet...Questions!

[PinkFish 1]

I have been researching lap-band for about a year now.. and attended a seminar last week. I called my PCP to get a referral for the surgery, but the soonest they could see me was August, which is insane, so I am going this Friday to a different doctor (who will be my new PCP) who also sees my mother. I am pretty sure I won't have a problem getting a referral from her, as my BMI is around 47, but I am embarassed and nervous about discussing wanting the surgery with a doctor. Did anyone have any issues discussing weight loss surgery with their doctors?

Also, my insurance requires you to have a BMI >40 AND two co-morbids to qualify for the surgery. I don't have any problems documented in my medical records, but I have severe foot, knee, and back pain, which I'm sure is related to my being obese. Will this count? At the seminar I attened, the speaker mentioned GERD over and over again... does this also count?

I really want to qualify for this surgery and as soon as possible!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :tongue2:

[sslouha 3]

I have been researching lap-band® for about a year now.. and attended a seminar last week. I called my PCP to get a referral for the surgery, but the soonest they could see me was August, which is insane, so I am going this Friday to a different doctor (who will be my new PCP) who also sees my mother. I am pretty sure I won't have a problem getting a referral from her, as my BMI is around 47, but I am embarassed and nervous about discussing wanting the surgery with a doctor. Did anyone have any issues discussing weight loss surgery with their doctors?

Also, my insurance requires you to have a BMI >40 AND two co-morbids to qualify for the surgery. I don't have any problems documented in my medical records, but I have severe foot, knee, and back pain, which I'm sure is related to my being obese. Will this count? At the seminar I attened, the speaker mentioned GERD over and over again... does this also count?

I really want to qualify for this surgery and as soon as possible!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :tongue2:

Hi yello:

You will find that most pcp are very positive and will work with you have no fear, just make sure that you have chosen the surgeon you want and that he or she is stellar at he job. As of the co morbidies, if your first pcp has it documented get it, also you may be lucky and your new pcp will work with you throught the pre op diet, most insurance's require 6 months check it out. Once you have worked out your details with your pcp and your insurance just have all your documentation ready for your surgeon. I made sure that all my paperwork was in order and I was approved in 2 weeks! So good luck on your journey and may everything go with out a hitch!

Sandee