Frist step

aggiebethie · March 21, 2006

Ok, what does my first step need to be? Should I go directly to the surgeon or are there other doctors I need to go to first? Thanks.

princess_n_thep · March 21, 2006

Well that is a broad question. Are you starting research right now? Have you already done that and are choosing a surgeon? Where are you at in the decision process?

here is a link thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11424

here is a thread that deals with questions to ask a surgeon: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=12541&highlight=questions+surgeon

maybe these will help?

Alexandra · March 21, 2006

The very first step usually involves seeing a primary care doctor for a complete physical. Are you planning to go through insurance? You might want to give them a call and see what the prerequisites are for your plan. That will tell you where to start.

Good luck!

JanetC · March 21, 2006

Mikey & I sorta skipped the first steps. I would say that "normal" first steps are:

Call your insurance & see what they recommend as their first steps
Primary care physician agrees that surgery is an option (you may have to find a new doctor to get to this point!)
Attend 1 or more seminars (they're normally free) -- feel free to try multiple surgeons until you find one that you like. And be aware of their aftercare program... that's where you'll spend most of your time!
Surgical consultation / insurance definitely started by this time
Other consultations as required by surgeon (tests, physical therapy, psychologist, dietician, etc)
Final paperwork sent to insurance office... and the waiting begins.

Mikey & I were self-pay, so we just called the surgeon we chose & asked for a consultation. He even let us skip the seminar... we'd done our homework & knew we wanted him.

Good luck! Ask a lot of questions!