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!

[roundisashape 712]

Depends a lot on your insurance requirements - have you been to an info session with your desired hospital / surgeon yet? I knew my PCP was on board with WLS and was able to meet with a surgeon really early in the process.

Otherwise, one step at a time and you'll be done with everything before you know it!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

It may depend on your insurance but I met with my surgeon and team before I went to my PCP for approval.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Look into programs in the area. See if there are any informational seminars being offered. It should give you an overview of the various types of WLS they do. This will be helpful when you meet with the surgeon.

[joatsaint 2,814]

The 1st thing I did was to contact my insurance and get a list of surgeons that were covered and approved by them.

2nd was to do a google search for each surgeon's name to find reviews and see how many years/surgeries they had performed for each type of bariatric surgery.

From there, I picked the surgeon that had a location convenient to me.

The next step was to set up an initial consultation with the surgeon.

I never went to a PCP.

Edited December 30, 2014 by joatsaint

[Debbie_downsizing 9]

Thank you, everyone! I was afraid that it wouldn't "count" if I wasn't referred from my PCP. I'll definitely get in contact with a surgeon and see what needs to be done. Maybe this will hurry the process for me! I know I have at least a 9 month wait where I have to meet with a dietician. *ugh* but, I'll be patient...I guess. Lol. Thanks again!