You ALL are so Inspiring

I am new here.  A friend from work recently had RnY surgery & is doing very, very well.  She told me about this site & how wonderful all of you are.  Just looking around today, I have tears of joy because I can relate to you all.  You are ALL INSPIRING!  I haven't made any decisions, found a Dr. or anything.  I am gathering all the information I can so I can decide if this is really the best option for me.  I just wanted to ask for any advise any of you might have on getting started collecting info & what made you make the decision you made.  I don't have many specific health problems, BP fine, slightly high cholesterol, PCOS, and hyperthyroidism.  My main issue is my back.  I was in a car accident a year ago & have damage in my spine.  My orthopedic informed me the surgery is too risky & the only thing I can do is loose weight.  I've been trying....but not succeeding very much.  I need your suggestions and support.  Thank you so much!!

Hi Sarah!  Welcome to the Cali board!  I'm glad you found your way here, it's a really great, loving, supportive group!  Like any family, we squabble  occasionally, but for the most part, it's a really fun, active group!  (lol) Probably the first thing you're going to want to do is to check and see what your insurance will cover, ie, gastric bypass, lap band, gastric sleeve, etc.  Then see what their requirements are.  My ins was pretty strict, I had to show a 5 year history of weight loss attempts, a 6 month documented MD weight loss attempt, etc.  I had to also see a nutritionist and a shrink.  So, that's your first assignment...(lol) see what your insurance covers and what they require....take good care and we're happy to have you part of the board and we'll give you all the help you can stand!    Kim

Thank you for your advise & encouragement.  Luckily, I work in the medical field & already know that my INS covers bariatric surgeries!!  I have to investigate the requriements, but I don't think it will be a problem to satisfy.  How did you decide on a Doctor?  I live in a rural area & the closest surgeon is 2 1/2 hrs away.  I don't know how to figure out if the doctor will fit my needs &/or personality.  Again, thank you for the warm welcome & I look forward to learning from you all. - Sarah

Hey Sarah! Welcome... I see you are at Ft. Bragg?  Do you have Triwest/Tricare?  if so, I am sure you know that you can go to www.triwest.com and get info on what is covered nowadays....  If not, never mind!  LOL As far as your back issues- a lot of us had them pre-op.  In fact, I had to be medically discharged from the Navy for mine 8 years ago and while losing the weight and getting exercise helped TREMENDOUSLY, I am at the point now where I am looking at the possibilty of surgery or some other procedures on my back.   However, holding up all the extra weight sure is not a good thing for your back!  While I can not nor will not say that surgery is for you (it is a completely personal decision, obviously), I will extend to you best wishes in whatever you decide to do and if you need any questions answered, I will be more than happy to help out with what I know.  This is a great forum to get yourself educated by reading profiles, asking questions, etc.... Good luck to you! Vicki

Thank you so much for your advise & encouragement.  I have Blue Shield of California & I have already checked & it does cover bariatric surgery services.  Which is exciting, but I'm not sure exactly what is required.   I am going to a semiar  with my friend who just had surgery in a few weeks.  I hope they will have info for me.  I've been heavy for my entire life.  I tried & failed many, many diets.  My back issue is the final straw.....(to break the camel's back!!  )  I HATE being on all the pain meds & muscle relaxers I have to take daily just to get by.  It seems that surgery might be the solution to my problems. 

good to meet you, Sarah... welcome! Best thing is just to read people's profile pages here...ask lots of questions, and read up on all of your choices in different surgery types, and the different options out there of surgical groups. hope to see more of you around here... best wishes, Lori