New Member

I am new here and would like to know if anybody had any advice on where to get started. I have had alot of issues with being scared of weight loss surgery. I am ready to talk to my doctor because I now know that I can not do it on my own. I think I am strarting to get sleep apnea and I can not sleep at night. I am actually affraid to go to sleep at night. Thanks, Amanda

I would start by attending some support groups. All the ones I've ever heard of welcome pre-ops and post-ops. I would also attend a bariatric consultation with a surgeon, to get more information about the surgeon and the procedures he/she does, and which one he/she recommends for you. You are also making a good step coming here. Indiana's board is really a great group of people, and you will make friends and learn alot.

The Indiana group is GREAT!!! Everyone on here is really nice, and if you have a problem everyone on here will help you out with what they can. Dont give up... It is a long journey, but it is worth it. I will have the surgery after the first of the year and I am not worried about it at all... My mother had it done 2 1/2 years ago though and she did ok with the surgery itself. I would really check into different doctors and see where your insurance is accepted. Some doctors are not at all recommended... others people would recommend to everyone... So, really know what you are doing, research it, and do all the pre-op suggestion the dietician gives you... If you do that it will not be such a big change after surgery... Well you have a great night and good luck!

welcome- just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the site! i had my surgery 8-8 07  so im still new here too-but i can tell you everyone on heres very nice and will help you if they can-or if you just need support there kind words are always nice to hear-i struggled the first 3 months with dehydration and not feelng well but now im starting to feel better each day and i look a heck of alot better i have lost 80 pounds i got 40 more to reach my goal-at first i regreted every day of it but now i am much more happier with myself and i can actually see myself changing into some one new and its a great experience! i wish you the best in what ever you choose!

Amanda, Hello. Welcome to OH (ObesityHelp) and welcome to the Indiana board. I hope that you will find it very supportive, informative, and in general, just a terrific place to make friends. We are more than just an 'online' site. We enjoy getting together in person as well and hope that you are able to make it to some of the activities we have such as: clothing exchange/pitch-in every 3 months, annual ornament exchange/hot tub party, spur of the moment dining out/spa dys/Goodwill shopping, etc. We enjoy each others friendship and I want to invite you (and every other person!!) to please feel free to join in. That said, the very first thing you should do to start your journey is to check with your health insurance. Unless you are wealthy and plan on paying for it all (which not many are), you will want to call them and ask them to send you a copy of their policy on weight loss surgery. Ask them what their requirements are (ie 6 month physician or clinic supervised diet/exercise program, dietician appointments, food/exercise journal, letters of neccesity, +100 lb overweight for a mnimum of 5 yrs, comorbidities, etc). Ask them at what percentage is surgery covered (ie 100%/80%/50%). Ask them to send you any forms which need to be included in your approval packet. Ask them if there are particular surgeries that are/are not covered (RNY, lap band, DS) and whch Hospitals are covered under your policy. Once you have all of that information, you'll know where you need to go from there. If you need to start a supervised program and or dietician, make your appointment(s) so you can get the ball rolling. After you learn which hospitals are included in your policy, people on here would be able to give you some input as to the surgeons who practice there and the hospitals themself. There is some links here to most of the surgeons information to give you additional input. Once you know what types of weight loss surgery is included, research those as well so you can get a good idea of which would be best for you. You can also do that here on this site as well as just 'Google' them.  The phone call to the insurance is going to dictate alot of what you do from here on out. Good luck and congrats on deciding to start your journey. I would ask your doctor to schedule you with a sleep specialist so that you can have a sleep study done. I lived with sleep apnea several years before I finally admitted I 'snored' and asked for a sleep study to be done. While it scared my ex that I quit breathing in my sleep (my hubby now never noticed it..lol), I was most affected by being tired all the time since your body wakes you up each time you quit breathing...even though you don't remember being woken up. Although some meetings I'd LOVE to be able to fall asleep in, it's nice having the option now..lol. Sherri

Welcome. I am in the 3rd month of my Pcp diet, and Waiting for my insurance to change in January, to see what I need to do. But on my own I am down 21 pounds ands still going. You will love it here and IT IS ADDICTING...in a good way. I am on here probably 10-20 times a day. I read all the boards. Indiana's is defintley the best and most supportive!Good luck and keep updating...and post PICS... I love to look at everyone pics.

Welcome Amanda!

You will find this site very informative.  Sherry said it all already. Start with your insurance company, many request you go to a Center of Excellence hospital.  You need to do what your insurance says, in order to have it covered, if they do cover it. 

Dont be afraid to ask questions, there are so many people on here that know the answers.

Good luck with your jouney.

Jenny

Looks like you have the info you need....from all the wonderful LOSERS....Just remember your in the fight for your life.....AND WELCOME.....

Welcome, Amanda.  You have taken the biggest step so far, and that was to admit that you now need help. That is what the rest of us are here for.......to support you in any way we can.  Please don't hesitate to ask questions......the only silly or stupid questions are the ones never asked.  Everything else can be answered........by at least one of us I am sure!  Hang in there, hon, you have started the road to a new you, and we will help out any way we can to get you there!

Thank you everyone! I think what I need most is support and I think I can get that here. Most message boards do not welcome new members the way you all have!