Can anyone help me?

Hi i am new to this web site and was wondering if anyone can help me get started. I believe that i am a canidate for bypass surgery. What i would like to know is how did you start the process? How did you choose a PCP, a surgon, any info would help me because i have none. Thanks

HI JAMIE, ABOUT 2YRS AGO MY PCP SUGGEST I HAVE IT DONE AND HE REFERED ME TO A LOCAL WELL KNOWN WEIGHT LOSS SURGEON(in new haven..Dr.Reinhold) AND BECAUSE OF MY INSURANCE I WAS PUT ON THE CLINIC'S WAITING LIST..WELL SINCE THEN I GOT A BETTER JOB AND HAVE DIFFERENCE INSURANCE AND I HAVE BEEN COMING TO THIS SITE TO FIND A DOCTOR ..WELL I CALLED THE CENTER FOR OBESITY AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO ATTEND AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION...I HAVE ATTENDED THE SESSION AND NOW I GO SEE THE NUTRITIONIST AND THE PSHYC DOC....WHAT YOU DO IS ON THIS SITE FIND A DOC THAT IS CLOSE TO YOU OR YOU CAN CALL THE CENTER FOR OBESITY AND THEY CAN GIVE YOU ALL THE INFO (look under-BARIATRIC SURGEONS).....GOOD LUCK AND LET ME KNOW HOW YOU MAKE OUT.... GOOD LUCK, ANNETTE

Jamie- My experience was kind of like Annette's. My PCP mentioned that this was an option for me. I had recently been diagnosed as diabetic. She gave me the name of Dr. Valin in New Haven. It was a bonus for me that I knew of 2 people (through friends) that had also used him with great results. When you find a surgeon, you can check them out on this site, and you can talk with peers that have used him or her. Good luck! -Dina

Hi Jamie and welcome to the site I started by doing a lot of research on the web. I found this site. I called several Drs in CT and attended three of their pre op meetings. I made my decission on which surgeon from there. (Which was Dr. Valin) Good luck to you as you start your journey. Feel free to ask any questions you have. You'll find that this is a very supportive group. Maggie

Hi Jamie... My PCP and I talked about it and she gave me a list of names. I based my decision on the aftercare program and also the program itself (if that makes any sense). Plus the surgeon that I chose (Dr. Barba out of St. Francis Hospital) had a background in Trauma and he was the 1st surgeon in CT to do the procedure Lap. There are still some Dr's in this state that don't do Lap... I went to the info session and then I was on my way. I had surgery 2.5 yrs ago (well, it will be 3 yrs at the end of Oct) and I have lost 157 lbs. If you have any questions, please call the office at 860-727-4099. Jessica

Welcome Jamie, After growing weary of years of dieting and weight gain I approached my PCP about this surgery and got the referral. I researched surgeons on the web- this site has a section on Bariatric surgeons that you can view so you can see which procedures they perform etc. I first wanted the lapband but then decided I would do better with gastric bypass. I attended the info session and began getting my evals done (cadiologist, pulmonary, psych, ultrasound and nutritionist - they will give you a list of evals at the info session)- now I only have a couple left to do and then I wait for a date! After you get a referral from a PCP then choose a surgeon and call and sign up for their next info seminar. That's what starts the ball rolling!