Help! How to get started!?

[Debbie_downsizing 9]

I've set a date with my PCP but it's not for another month! I'm just wondering if there is anything I can do/ anyone I can contact before I talk to my PCP. I know what my insurance is going to require but I'm not sure if I have to wait and deal with PCP first!?? I'm so confused! Any advice? Thanks in advance!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Do you know of any bariatric programs in your area? You could research those. Find out if they have any informational seminars and go attend one. My surgeon won't even schedule an appointment with you until you attend a seminar. The seminar is very helpful since it reviews the various types of WLS so you have a better idea of what your options are.

[Debbie_downsizing 9]

Thank you! I just wasn't sure if I wasn't "referred" to something if it would "count" so to say. Will they give me something at the seminar that shows I went on what day? Maybe if I find a surgeon and call them to see if they can tell me what exactly needs to be done. Thanks so much for your reply!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Depends on the program. I had to sign in when I attended mine. The surgeon wouldn't even schedule an appointment with me until after I attended the seminar.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I had the choice to attend a seminar or sign in for their on-line seminar. I did the online one which took about 30 minutes, then they scheduled my first appointment right away.

[Thinkbruce 56]

[mrs kaje 347]

I had to book a seat for my seminar, and provide contact info. When I got there, they had a printed sheet of attendees and highlighted our name when we arrived. I also had to fill out a one page info sheet. So basically they know whether I attended or not.

I asked, and they didn't care that I had a referral, I had to attend the seminar before making the appointment for the surgeon consultation.

Oh, and the second surgeon I was referred to doesn't do seminars, they just mailed out a DVD to watch!

Edited January 7, 2015 by mrs kaje

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

My doctor won't see you until you attend the seminar either.

[della street 213]

After I decided on the program/surgeon I wanted to use, I did one of their online seminars. You have to answer some questions and then get some kind of certificate/notification/evidence that you did the seminar. You may be able to make an appt to see the surgeon before attending a seminar, but I'm pretty sure you can't actually do the surgeon appt w/o attending a seminar. They want you educated as much as poss beforehand. Before I met surgeon, but after I did online seminar, I also then attended a seminar in-person - while I learned a lot online, I learned more in-person and actually got lucky and the surgeon I wanted was giving the seminar so introduced myself to him after -- plus, I took hubby w/me to the in-person seminar so he could learn and feel comfortable with what I wanted to do -- it was a win-win to attend --

PS - you didn't have to be 'referred' by your PCP to attend the seminar, you could just sign-up on your own. As you get farther in the process, you will almost assuredly need a letter of medical necessity from your PCP for insurance purposes -

Edited January 7, 2015 by della street

[GreenEyes604 753]

My surgeon also required that I attend an informational seminar at the hospital before she would schedule my first appointment.

[Debbie_downsizing 9]

Thank you, Everyone! You have seriously been so helpful. I have never done anything like this before in my life and I'm super nervous of being denied. I'm not going to quit, though. I know that being sleeved is and forever will be my only option as I have tried everything else under the sun to no avail. My children deserve a mother who can play outside with them and go on bike rides and anything else they wish to do. Not the "never leave the house" mom that I am now. I am getting in touch with my insurance provider tomorrow to find a surgeon and then will do some research on which is the best to deal with in my area. I really do appreciate everyone's response. I feel much better!

[Aerohead21 4]

It depends on if you are going through insurance or not. Insurance dictates what you can and can't do. My insurance didn't require PCP approval but that doesn't mean yours won't. After you find out what your insurance requires, sign up for seminars from various surgeons. They're generally free. Once you select a surgeon they will assign you a case manager who will keep you on track as to what steps are next. Good luck!!