Just Starting Out...

[MollySigns2009 0]

I've decided that Weight Watchers isn't going to help me lose 120lbs any time soon. I'm sick of not being able to go shopping with my sisters at the mall because nothing will fit. The time has come, and I've been looking in to this for months. I need to pick a surgeon. Luckily for me, I work at a hospital and we have 2 surgeons who perform the surgeries on campus. Woo!! However, I'm not sure how to go about this... do I just call em up and make an appointment? Or do I have to have a referral? Any help would be lovely. Thanks!

[jeff2ang 5]

I just called the Drs. office and asked if I needed a referrel and she no. They made me an appointment for Aug.3rd. I dont know if they are all the same or if some need referrels just call them and ask. Good luck!

[AmberK 5]

Do you have insurance that will cover the surgery? If so you should check with them to see if a referral will be required. If you are self-pay then just call the doctors office to find out how to get started.

[vickyd 24]

I'm right where you are...at the beginning. Definately contact your insurance first to see if you need a referral (my insurance doesn't require one but I have to use a doctor in their network) after that, call the Dr. My Dr's office won't even allow you to make an appointment for a consultation until you have attended an informational seminar (I am scheduled to attend one next week and then I can make my appointment).

[MollySigns2009 0]

i've already checked and my insurance does cover the surgery, i just dont know about as referral needed or anything. guess i'll get on that... thanks for your help guys!

[msdv 5]

Pick a Dr. and see if he has an information seminar schedule set up.

That's how I started. I got a referral from my PCP and then I called the surgeons office to set up an appt. to go to the info seminar. When I was picking surgeons the 1st question I was asked was what insurance do you have? and then have you been to the seminar?

Once you do that they can set up an appt for you to see the surgeon.

I didn't need a referral I was just complaining to my PCP about my ongoing weight problem and he suggested I look into lap-band .

I'm in NY though and for some reason everything is more difficult here .

Edited July 21, 2010 by msdv