Question:
How do I get started?
HELP!!! I want to have gastric bypass, but I'm not sure how to get it all started. — ashley72933 (posted on April 2, 2007)
April 2, 2007
ummmmmm find a doc that does it and make an appt.
— fishnrockport
April 2, 2007
I would first talk with your primary doc first and get his/her support and
then check with your insurance company to see what their requirements are.
Good luck.
Donna 286/138 1 year post Lap RNY
— dabby
April 2, 2007
— dre_1974
April 2, 2007
I agree with Andrea. The information she gave you was right on target. Good
Luck and God Bless, Norma
— njkbutton
April 2, 2007
To see if you qualify your BMI must be 40 or above with no health issues or
35-40 with one or more health issues. That said, check the OH website to
find a bariatric doctor in your area or call local hospitals to see if they
have a bariatric center. Look for a doctor with outstanding credentials
and a comprehensive practice - one stop shopping so to speak, where all the
specialists you need to see are affiliated with the doctor and a full time
on staff nutritionist that is in the same office as the doctor. I would
select 3 doctors, attend information sessions and schedule a consultation.
After that, make a selection. I knew my insurance covered the procedure
because of a coworker who had it done but you could check with your
insurance company to make sure there are no exclusions for wls. Your
doctor will do all the necessary paperwork. If you have health issues and
your insurance doesn't cover it, sometimes the doctor can get approval if
he can make a good case on your behalf. The most important thing to do is
your research. I liked the Weightloss for Dummies book, it's inexpensive
and a great resource...GOOD LUCK!
— Sheri A.
April 3, 2007
Dido what Sheri and Andra said, good info! Also check into Lap Band. I was
going to have gastric bypass but then decided on lap band instead. But
again your doc will be able to tell you what is best for you. Good Luck!
— Gayelene
April 3, 2007
These people have posted great answers, for more info you can always visit:
http://obesityhelp.com/content/choice.html
— pixiefairy
April 3, 2007
great answers from a few of the previous posters. if you locate a bariatric
center/surgeon in your area, see if they have informational seminars. this
is a great general introduction to the process and all that's involved in
this major life change, it will give you steps to get started, info to
guide future research in making your decision, help in negotiating the
steps pre and post op. good luck, this is a great website with generally
supportive members and lots of good info. fluffy
— Fluffy W.
April 3, 2007
Ashley, First of best of luck to you. The other responses are great, but
one more thing....find a hospital and a surgeon who have a program. You do
not want to go to a surgeon who is not supported by a program either
through his office or at the hospital that he uses. Besides this web site,
the web site www.asbs.org is also helpful and can provide you with a list
of hospitals that are designated a "Center of Excellence".
— anyce
April 3, 2007
Ashley,
The information give by Andra is correct.
If your insurance is a PPO -- you will not need a referral; however, your
insurance company may require you to undergo six months of a supervised
weight loss from your current primary care physician. You must weigh in on
a monthly basis in order for the insurance to accept the report from your
doctor. If you have an HMO, you will need referrals for EVERYTHING and
don't show up at an appointment without one because they will have you
reschedule.
I have a PPO and didn't need any referrals for any portion of the process
leading to the surgery.
If your insurance company has a website, you might want to go there and
register. I have CIGNA and they've certified a couple of bariatric clinics
in hospitals so you might want to look at see which ones they've certified
-- if any.
It sounds as if you have already made the decision to have the surgery --
congratulations and best of luck.
— the7thdean
April 17, 2007
Hi... I found a great book that is an excellent resource for every aspect
surrounding WLS. It is called the "Doctor's Guide to Weight Loss
Surgery" by Louis Flancbaum, MD. It was and still is very helpful for
me. You can find it in your local library, I would imagine. If you like
it, then buy it, as I am 6mos post op and still refer back to it now and
again... hope this will help you...
— Kari_K
Click Here to Return