What is the 1st step when thinking of getting sleeved

[kczar 166]

Agree with other posters. The first step is to check with your insurance company. Ask for the bariatric specialist and speak with that person. They will know all the requirements and can provide you a list of approved surgeons.

Then go to at least one seminar to learn more about your options. I was firmly in the lap band path until I went to a seminar and then spoke with my pc. I switched to the sleeve and am 100% glad I chose that option.

Make sure you follow all the requirements laid out by your insurance company. You can also rely on your surgeon's insurance coordinator for guidance. The surgeon may also have requirements that they will want you to meet in order to have the procedure.

No matter what option you select, go for it and never look back!

[ScrappinMama1127 3]

I'm a newbie too... I researched bariatric centers in my area... Once I decided in place, I calle to set up an initial appt... At that point they took my insurance info and called to determine my insurance eligibility... That was key for me... Since they "speak the insurance language," they were able to cut to the chase and get the numbers for me... I'm currently in the diet/nutritionist phase since my insurance requires 90 days of supervised diet... So I'm hoping for an April or early May surgery day... Fingers crossed... Good luck

[Bigbeaz 91]

There are many many ways to get started. I went straight to the best Dr. I could find. I let them do all the leg work with my insurance also. Take the advice of everyone and get yourself educated with the process. If you have specific questions inbox me.

[Megan00 38]

After they verified that my insurance would cover the surgery, the Bariatric Drs office worked with me to set up appts, and gave me the numbers to call the therapist and set up for my nutrition class, etc. ... my primary didn't have much, if anything, to do with it at that point... the Bariatric Office may have contacted them for data, but I didn't have to ... it seemed to flow pretty well, there was some lab work, pyloric (sp?) test, etc.

Was all your testing done through your bariatric doctors? Or did you have to collect data from your primary care doctors?

Also what was the next step after your seminar :-)

Good luck! Hopefully you can find a Bariatric Place of Excellence, they are so helpful...at least they were/are for me!

Thanks for all the informative information :-) I sign up to attend a seminar today & the lady told me to bring my insurance card ummmmmmmm I am wondering why LoL