lurker considering surgery:help:

I've been considering surgery for some time now. My insurance changes after the first of the year. So I'm waiting for that to take affect. But now that it's time to start everything seems pretty overwhelming. I was wondering the route to take getting the ball rolling. Also I'm in western KY the only dr. I know of in Paducah is Dr. Argotte. Can anyone give any feedback on him. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Also I'm new to this posting stuff so if I become a pain in the butt asking questions tell me to SHUTUP. Thank You again in advance for any help you may provide. Donnie :help:

Hi Donnie, I hope no one ever tells you to SHUT UP...Thats what the boards are for...For people like you to ask questions, and to support each other thru the process, and for support after surgery... I don't know anything about the surgeon...But I am sure others here on the KY board can help you with that...Once you see the surgeon, their office will guide you thru the rest of the process... May I be the first to welcome you to the KY board, and I wish you luck...I am 5 weeks post op. and am so happy that I made this choice...It is not always easy...I just wish I had done it sooner...I have lost 30 pounds since surgery....and am very happy with that...3 other family members have had this surgery and all are doing well...My sister Jane had surgery 13 months ago and is doing very well...My daughter Sarah, is 6 months out and has lost over 100 pounds...and my youngest sister Mimi...had Lap Band surgery today...and is doing very well...Keep us posted, and don't hesitate to ask questions ....EVER... Amy

Since Amy is too nice. SHUT UP!!!!!! Now that is out of the way. Welcome to the board. CAn't be too much help with your choice; but hopefully someone can answer your questions. I too am in the same shoes as yourself, awaiting my insurance to switch in January so that I can go back and hopefully be approved. Are you determined to have it done in PAducha? What about Hopkinsville, Nashville or evansville. I know of some members who have gone to docs in those towns. Well not to sure about hopkinsville but definately the others. I onthe left side here you see a line called bariatric surgeons you can click on that and find one close to you

I haven't found any doctors in hopkinsville. I have done some checking on docs in nashville, and clarksville, tennessee. The main hold up is the insurance change in jan. Everything I've read and researched aetna should be good to work with as long as my paperwork is in order. My bmi is high 57.3 plus last year I had a heart attack. I also have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. I've had stress tests done no damage to my heart so it's time to do something. Diets just don't work and exercise I do then just eat more. My wife is afraid of some of the complications so she is scared for me. This food addiction has got me in a funk. I played football in college I've never been thin but I wasn't fat. The weight has gotten out of hand the last few years. IT'S TIME !!!!! Sorry for the rambleing but I have communication issues I guess also. Damn, I really sound screwed up I'll need the psych evaluation to get straight before the doc will let me in!!!!!:lol:

Don no reason to be sorry for one reason or another we all have come to the conclusion that something has to be done. we'll listen. Don come over to the mens board" we call it the lockerroom" you can feel free to ask questions that deal specifically with men and WLS. Without fear for reproach. There is a wealth of info awaiting you, just ask. Your wife is right to be nervous, but if you don't do something. what's going to happen???? WLS is a tool not a cureall. MY having the WLS the doctor is giving you the ability to control your problem. what you do with it is up to you.

whatever ya do don't goto Dr.Bolar in clarksville tenn,i have my reason and you may contact me by email and i will tell ya why,but you have plenty of time and so all the research on the doc also..............vickie

Hi Don. I don't know anything about Dr Argotte. I just wanted to wish u well. I have heard of Dr Husted in Nashville but he's out of network with most insurance co's and I would have had to pay a huge chunk out of pocket. Dr Shina, my surgeon up in Louisville is great. If u r interested in driving that far. He has patients from all over. I have heard others talk about Dr Sonnastine but thats even further east from us, lol. I wish u the best and hope to see u on here anytime u have questions or just want to talk.

I wont tell ya to shut up.... but i will say congrats on making a decision to do something to better yourself. This surgery is the best decision I have ever made for myself. Your wife should be nervous, this is surgery and there are risks and can be complications. There are also risks of not having surgery. Ryan was right when he said that this surgery is a tool. And it has helped me become a healthier person and a happier person. I have no regrets at all. As far as finding a doc... towards the top of the page there is a link to a bariatric surgeon search... click that and browse through surgeons. Also most if not all of the surgeons listed have patient reviews... I find that those are very helpful. You can read what that docs patients have to say about him/her as a doc. Very informative. I hope this helps. Sarah

Don at the top is also a link to find hospitals that do Bariatric and find patient reviews of the facilities.

Hey Donnie and welcome to the board. It you lived in N Ky there is the best doc. I know there are some docs down south. I found my surgeon thru this site. Research, if you find one you are interested in see if they offer seminars. Contact members. I am 13mths out. I was very lucky, I did what i was told. Followed the plan and had no complications, but there are people that do everything and still have problems. Its the risk we choose. Not doing anything to get healthier for me was a definite major health problem. Something big was happening that was a 100%given. The surgery like Ryan said is only a tool. Its a life change. With the tool you will change your life. And you have to keep at it. I am so grateful that I had the surgery. They have perfected the technique so much better than a few years ago. I wish you luck on your journey. Jane