Getting Started

[rdbellows82 0]

Hi. I'm a newbie with a ton of questions.

I'm 5'2. 219lbs. BMI is 40.1. I haven't seen my PCM yet to get a referral. To be honest, I'm nervous about it and don't know how to approach the appointment.

What did you do to get the ball rolling?

[betty_s 476]

I attended a WLS Seminar hosted by the surgeons hospital. They go over all 3 surgeries, then from there, had a meeting with my doctors nurse practitioner.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Do you need a referral from your Primary for surgery? What you can do is what @@betty_s and go to a free WLS seminar for the WLS of your choice they are usually free and they have all kinds of literature then when you go to your visit with your PM you can simply say " I went to this seminar and I am very interested in this surgery. I have booked a follow up appointment with said Dr. and my insurance requires a referral from you would you mind providing one for me?" Thank you.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

[shahada 82]

My insurance did not require a PC approval letter. Maybe yours won't either? Regardless, I still had a conversation with my PC and he was really happy for me

[rdbellows82 0]

My husband is military and we have Tricare - South. They do require a referral. I'll call the surgeons office to see when they have their next seminar.

Thank you!!

[MistyAnnMoon829 387]

My insurance requires one as well, but what I did was ask the Surgs office who they recommend or work with since I did not have a PCP and I went to see him, I was in and out in 10 minutes, paper signed and faxed over.

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

My husband is military and we have Tricare - South. They do require a referral. I'll call the surgeons office to see when they have their next seminar.

Thank you!!

Pretty much the Bariatric Group takes care of everything when you attend a seminar, and they tell you what you need to know to get the ball rolling. Free and informative! Best wishes!

[nelly628 2]

I have Tricare South & I'm starting my journey soon with a seminar. I was told you could do a self referral, but I did talk to my PC too who said he'd put it in. I'm curious, I know everyone's case may be a tad different but on average how long is the process- From seminar to surgery?

Edited June 15, 2014 by nelly628

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

I have Tricare South & I'm starting my journey soon with a seminar. I was told you could do a self referral, but I did talk to my PC too who said he'd put it in. I'm curious, I know everyone's case may be a tad different but on average how long is the process- From seminar to surgery?

Seminar to surgery about 4 months which went quickly! Loving the new life, I tell ya! Best wishes!

[nelly628 2]

Seminar to surgery about 4 months which went quickly! Loving the new life, I tell ya! Best wishes!

Thank you! Wow that's no time at all. I was thinking it would be at least a year. Ty Linda

[JennJenn0508 3]

My surgeon did a previous surgery for me and I asked him about getting the lapband he suggested the sleeve I am 5'2 my hw 220 sw 213 cw 178. I had surgery on 4/23/14. I saw him in February and had surgery in April.

[Itsabouttime1 0]

Hi I'm a newbie also. I don't have a surgery date yet. I see the doctor for the first visit July 18th. I've been to the seminar and have been cleared by a Pullminologyst. I know my insurance will cover the surgery. I've been at this weight loss stuff my whole life, I'm now 57. I'm ready for my next tool and have the need, drive, desire, experience, etc. to get through this and finally on to my new life.

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Our first seminar on WLS was well over 10 years ago. I feel if the sleeve had been around then it would have added years to my husband's life. But he is a 67 y/o new man now. Still has lots of health problems, but has lost 90 lbs since November 2013. We are no longer sitting on the sofa with no life. Just got back from a 7 day cruise. The sleeve has changed our lives completely. Go for it!

[Bring It On 55]

_{My Insurance is Tricare North. They told me on the phone that the "sleeve" was not covered. Why is it that other Tricare's on here can have it? Should I have my surgeon send in a referral for a sleeve anyway? Or should I go the Plication route? Any help on here would be very appreciated!!!}

[redwings fan 16]

I have ChampVA and they don't cover the sleeve either. They told me which procedures were covered however so I can discuss those with the surgeon.