New here!

Hi all, I am new here. Just signed up and had a few questions about bariatric surgery. I have only belonged to 3 message boards in my entire life, this being the third, but I know enough to know that they usually have rules. So forgive me in advance if I accidently violate some rules. Also, forgive me if my questions could have been easily answered by searching the board. I am in Illinois, and would like to have this surgery preformed. But, I have zero idea how to get started. I have private insurance, an HMO, and I assume that I must first start with my doctor. Can I simply ask for the surgery? What is my doctor is resistant? Will I encounter many insurance problems? Let's say I go an instand go ahead from my doctor, how long would I have to wait? (Any mandatory waiting period, etc?? Thanx!!!

Hi D and welcome. First step would be to check with your insurance carrier to make sure that the surgery is covered. If so then I would attend a seminar or two to help you find a surgeon. Talking with your doctor and getting a recommendation also helps. Good luck! Regards, Ronna

Your best bet is to address the majority of your questions to your insurance company. What you will need to do is sit down with your PCP and discuss your situation and what your medical history has been during your obese years. Correct me if I am wrong but with an HMO I do believe that you need to have a referral to go to any specialist. So, yes you will need to start with your PCP to begin your journey. Most insurance companies these days require a six month or more doctor supervised diet try before you are approved for surgery. Good luck and ask any questions that you may have. Sometimes this board is a little slow but someone will answer you eventually. Also you can get a lot of info off of the main message board and the Q & A. Chris

HI D Welcome to the board. I'm fairly new here also. I had my surgery last July. I had done alot of internet research for 3 years before I finally put my foot forward and went to an informational meeting. Best thing I ever did! It is a slow process for most, but if you have the patients and determination to have it done then it is well worth it. I started out by asking my PCP what she thought of me having the surgery and she was quick to give me a referral. But if I were in your shoes I would attend an informational meeting first. They are free of charge and will let you ask all the questions you want. Most give you a packet of papers to help you on what questions to ask your insurance company. (Mine did anyways) Good luck with your Journey. Hope its a smooth and pleasant one. Tamara 321/210/150

Hey D ... welcome! I think everyone here has pretty much stated where you need to start ... so I just want to wish you well! Karyn

Welcome to the board....I'm slightly new too and have yet to get approved for the GBS...done all the test required,just slow in getting them faxed to my surgeron in Chicago...Seems they cant get their **** together.