What are very first steps? How to find a doctor??
I'm still in the undecided stage, but I tell ya, the more of the profiles/testimonials that I read on this site, the more I'm leaning toward WLS.
What are the first steps I need to take, in case I decide to have WLS?
Visit a doctor just about foot and back pain? Go to a general practicioner about weight? Go to a psych for depression?? Call insurance first and ask them what to do (I'm one who doesn't like to lay all her cards on the table until I need them... I'd rather not inform them that I am considering WLS until I'm firm in the decision, and armed with whatever diagnoses that I need...)??
And then, how do I find a doctor that is pro-WLS? I'm sure that I'd find one that thinks like the majority of the world, "well, just stop eating cookies, for Pete's sake!". Ugh. I haven't been to a Dr. for 3 years, since a follow up exam after the birth of my 2nd child, and frankly, I'm embarassed and afraid of going to a doctor. I don't even let my DH see me naked... don't care to expose a doctor I don't even know to that sight.
And finally, I've not seen any doctors, and only one or two patients from my area. UGH. I'm taking that as a sign that WLS just isn't done here (Bloomington/Normal).
Any comments are welcome.
IMO, the smart thing to do would be to call your insurance company to find out if it is covered first. You're not divulging anything that will damage your chances by asking questions. You have a right to know and they have a responsibility to tell you.
SO.. if they DO cover the surgery, ask to know what ALL the prerequisites are. Do they require a physician supervised weight loss program first? Do you need a psych eval? Do they offer pre-authorization? Do they require that your BMI be a certain level?
It never hurts to ask questions and they won't fault you for it.
Once you have that information, I would research some of the surg. centers in the area. Perhaps some patients in your area travel up to Chicago.. perhaps there is something closer that you just aren't aware of.. most surg. centers and bariatric surgeons are going to require you to attend an informational seminar first.. typically it's free of charge (I would question one that wasn't).. and then you can make a decision based on the information you gather.
When you go to the info seminar, DON'T be afraid to ask questions.. even ones you think are too personal.. you'll be surprised how many people will nod their heads because they were thinking the same thing.
I guess the first step, though, you've already taken. You spoke up here. Welcome!!
Feel free to ask questions here as you go along, too. There's a wealth of information to be found among the people on these forums.
Stef