Where to start?

Thanks Deb!  I appreciate the support and warm welcome!

It sounds like the seminar is a good place to start?  Do you recall if that is free?  Honestly, my GP left me with NO information, other than contact St. Agnes.  I did find a phone number on thier web site and left a message so hopefully I'll hear back from them tomorrow.

For the record, my BMI is right around 38.

The first thing I would do is find out costs or where insurance covers the surgery.  Also- what are the requirements of the insurance company?  Most if not all require a 6 month medically supervised weight loss attempt---some are stricter than others.  You might be able to start the medically supervised weight loss trial with PCP if he is receptive-   basically having a discussion about weight loss non-surgical options- deciding on a plan---following it- and at least monthly checks with the GP with physician documentation on plan and weights.  Some of the surgeons however may require their own procedures for pre-op attempts at weight loss- medically supervised. 
Dr. Von Reuden is now at St. Agnes I understand.  Of course I 'd recommend him but it depends on the type of surgery you are thinking of having and time frame you can or have to wait---some surgeons do only 1-2 types of weight loss surgeries, some  might have openings sooner than others if you are already confirmed qualified.  Not sure what sort of pre-op tests and labs are required these days but that process could take a month or so too if procedures need to be scheduled- like sleep study, pulmonary function tests and psych eval. 
Best wishes.  Don't hesitate to PM me with anything.  I am rarely on this message board although lately I have returned for a brief stint ;-)

~Karen