The Call

Today I made the call and scheduled my consultation with Dr. Boyce of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery. This so happened to be the doctor that my primary care physician recommended but as I researched Drs. Boyce and Williams, I discovered that they are renown for the work they do. They have one of the lowest percentages of post-operative complications in the state and they were the seventh center in the COUNTRY designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS.) The center also has several other distinctions because of their expertise.
    The scheduler let me know that before I could meet with the doctor I had to attend a weight loss seminar in which they discuss the different surgery options and payment options (insurance vs. self pay.) I scheduled my seminar for Thursday October 6th and my consultation is Friday, October 7th at 10 am.
Soon after my call, I received an email packet with all of the paperwork I'd need to have filled out for my appointment. Everything from every diet I've ever tried to every pound I've ever lost. There was a letter for my primary to sign, a list of Bariatric support groups and a letter of proof of attendance. It's mandatory to also attend at least one Bariatric support group and since there is one the Tuesday night before my appointment, I plan on attending that just to get it out of the way.

Side note: I've had a bit of a hiccup. I've always known that my husband's insurance did NOT pay for bariatric procedures. However, just as a double check I CALLED and spoke with a representative who told me that our policy DID include weight loss surgery. I was surprised, but excited. Unfortunately, I received an email that told me I was NOT covered for weight loss surgery :(
I'm still going forward though. New Life has self-pay options that other clinics do not, including post operative insurance for any complications that may arise (BLIS.)