Ultra Newbie - I have no idea where to start...

I have been considering WLS for over 2 years now. I have two co-workers that have each had RNY and I think I'm considering lap band for myself. I currently have Tricare medical insurance and will be picking up UHC through my company in January. I am 31 years old, am about 5'9" and weigh right at 300 lbs. Definitely in the MO category. I have been to multiple bariatric doctors (military life and 3 states will do that for you...) and have had no lasting success. I have even trained and ran/walked a 5k, only to actually gain weight in that process... I am at wits end and the depression is really beginning to take a toll on me. I am at my heaviest weight ever and need help. BUT I have no idea where to start. Since I am not living near the IL Navy base, my PCM is actually a walk in clinic. I have no idea where to start. Do I just walk in and tell them that I am considering weight loss surgery options? How do I proceed? How do I get them to take me seriously? (I guess I'm afraid because it's military medical and the last time I tried to approach a doctor about weight loss, the standard reply was "run it off." ) I'm not in the military, my soon to be ex-husband is. I just don't know where to start. What kind of time frame am I looking at? Could it be weeks, months, years? I do not have the means to pay cash for the procedure, so I am basically relying on one or both of the insurances to help me out. Any help in letting me know how to take that first step would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kari

Welcome Kari! I am fairly new to the forum also and wanted to welcome you. I decided to look into WLS (weight loss surgery) this summer. I went to alot of web sites looking for all the options. I do not know about all your insurance stuff (sorry). I just wanted for someone to listen to me about what I wanted and take me seriously! After deciding I too wanted lap band I started calling around to the different WLS centers in St. Louis. I had them all send me info. Don't be afraid to ask about anythng you do not understand! I found all the places VERY helpful. They have people working for them that know what we go through..very understanding. You have taken that first step by considering WLS and coming here...your journey has begun!!! I also am at my heaviest..5'7/328 lbs and was soo depressed this summer till I took some control of my life by deciding to have WLS. I am about 4 weeks from having surgery..awaiting final approval from insurance. Hang in there..let us know how things are going..I am rooting for ya!! Hugzzzzz, Cindy_IL

Hi Kari, I am new to this site too. Wanted to welcome you. You will find a lot of useful info through here. You can search for dr even. Another site that I found usefull was asbs.com. I am using Dr. Oliphant out of Carle in Champaign. Hope to see you around the site.

Hi Kari, First off welcome. Now a good place to start is to look into what options your new insurance will provide for you. What do they require. Is it an HMO or PPO? That will make a difference. A really good place to start is to attend a seminar that is given by one of the bariatric surgical groups in the area. I went through Suburan Surgical Care Specialists they used to be called New Self Bariatrics but now they are the Kane Group. The have seminars almost every Saturday. Also have offices in Arlington Heights as well as Elk Grove Villiage. Here is a link to their website: www.suburbansurgicalcare.com They are a great group and the surgeons are top notch. Good luck to you, Ronna

Welcome Kari ... there is a lot of info here ... and there are a LOT of great surgeons in the Chicagoland area. If you're interested in attending some support group/informational meetings let me know ... I try to go to a few different ones each month. It can be a bit overwhelming, but you're taking steps! Good for you! Hang in there, Karyn