New, going through pre-banding proceedure

[syber 0]

Good morning to all you banders. I have been reading here for several months. My wife and I are both planning to have the Lap-band. Went to the seminar with Dr. Grossbard in Zepherhills Florida on January 3, 2004. All necessary doctor records were turned in for past 5 to 10 years history of obesity. History of Obesity related problems as well. Insurance covers it as my employer (retired) is self insured and the procedure is listed in the insurance booklet.

Insurance requires a psych consult in which both of us will go next Monday. Insurance requires the consult with nutritionist once before the surgery and three times or more after. Dr. Grossbard, Zephyrhills Florida, does not work with any nutritional or dietitian for counseling so I need to find one. I have called hospitals in my area but all they have is dietitians for hospital, nothing for private secessions. My insurance says I need one to tell me what to expect and what to eat and nothing more. Any one have any one they can suggest in the area of Ocala Florida?

[Guest Jem]

Hi Syber,

I was curious as to how you chose Dr. Grossbard in Zephyrhills, FL? I am still doing my research on which surgeon to go with. I live in Plant City, FL..... what did you like about this doctor...? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Good luck and keep in touch.

Jem

Plant City, FL

[syber 0]

First I found him listed on the net while I was reading about Lap-Band. I found the forum here and did a search under the name "grossbard" and read the comments that people had posted here. I learned he had a lap-band himself. I went to one of his seminars and found he has banded 150 people so far. He was a straight foreword person at the seminar and did not mince many words. This is all he does is lap-bands and he used to be a general surgeon. That is how I selected him. Other than that I found he does not make an appointment with you until you have all the paper work handed in to include all paper work the insurance wants. He then will make an initial appointment when the insurance approves the procedure. I am in the process of making appointment for psych consult and nutrition consult. Once that is done all paper work goes to my medical group and I'm told by the medical group it will be approved.

My insurance is different then most. Medical necessity is decided by a medical management team located at a large northern hospital unrelated from the insurance. Then the medical management team authorizes the insurance to pay the bills related to this procedure. It is different trying to convince doctor Grossbard's office that medical personnel are deciding rather than insurance.