Where To Start?

[loosingLana 2]

First Post(of many I hope)

I just decided to start this journey. My question is where do I start? Do I go to my primary Dr? Or should I contact a Bariatric center directly? The only thing I have done is called my benifit center and was told my insurance covers if deamed medically necessary.

Any information will be greatly appriacted.

Thanks Delana

[inwiththenew 14]

Primary firdt then referred to Bariatric Surgeon

[Jonathan Blue 311]

I agree. Talk with your primary care physician and ask them for a referral to a local bariatric surgeon. This is the first step in an amazing journey. You will not regret it. I want to encourage you as you prepare to check out my blog at the link below. It has recipes, encouragement, and information about how to deal with everything that is happening to you. I especially want to encourage you to check out the three posts I did on How I Prepared for Surgery. It is never too early to start thinking about these steps. I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us informed of your progress.

If you have any additional questions or need anything at all don't hesitate to contact me at the links below. I am an open book and here to help.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

My insurance didn't require a referral, so I just went to an information session at my local hospital and made an appointment directly with the surgeon. You can shop around information sessions if there are several in your area and find a doctor you like. Then check out his reviews online (google his/her name and reviews). I don't know if my personal doctor would have agreed with my decision but he's very happy with the progress I've made.

You might also want to look and see if any hospital in your area is a bariatric center of excellence. Or what hospital is in network for your insurance.

[AngryViking 217]

I went to see the surgeon first. I didn't even have a PCP at that time.

[chylamarie 24]

I just decided to start this journey as well. I finally have insurance and just got a doctor but haven't met him yet. I have an appointment tomorrow to meet him and discuss some issues I've been having. I'm also going to bring up WLS and see what he thinks. Hopefully I can get the ball rolling after that...

[loosingLana 2]

Thanks for the responses. I contacted a bariatric program. I had to participate in a free seminar and fill out some forms. Once I return the forms they will contact my inurance and we will see what i need to do from there forward. It is so exciting even taking this small step! Quick question my bmi is like 56 and is my only diagnosed if you will reason so get this surgery. Is it safe for me to loose weight before this whole process is done? I would have to loose almost 100 lbs to be under the 40 bmi cut off.

[Susan33 18]

You can go to surgeon 1st but will in time need a letter from doc saying surgery is medically needed.