All the newbie questions...

Hi everyone!  So, it's the official I'm a newb and I have a crap-load of questions thread!!  :) 

I don't want to take up too much of anyone's time, so I'll start of short and sweet.  After a very long and emotional conversation with my husband, I decided on Saturday 2/14/09 that I'm going to take every step possible to get recommended and approved for WLS.  It is something I've been thinking about for quite sometime, but other health issues (most of them caused by my weight) have always taken the front seat.  This is my year to make a difference, I will exhaust every option to get myself healthy and happy again. 

Now for newbie question #1:

I have not brought this option up to my PCP, she has referred me to a dietician and ednocronologist (for the underlining issues this is my step number 1) but I'm rather certain she is again WLS because of some of the things she has said in the past.  Now, am I supposed to ask my doctor for a recommendation?  Should I seek another doctor knowing my current one's views?  If so, how would I go about asking, "Before I come see this Dr. what is his/her opinon of WLS?" 

help, help, and more help!!!!  lol   Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

T.I.A.,

Jessica

Jessica:

First and foremost Welcome to the board.

My best  advice would be talk to your PCP about WLS - if he/she is not on board with it I
truly would look into switching to a Dr who is.  They will be a big part of the whole process
and having someone who is on board will be a great help.

As far as a recommendation -  Does your insurance company require referrals?
Have your checked to see what hoops the insurance company will make you
jump thru? (ie do you need a six month weight loss stint?  )

I would advise going to some seminars that most WLS Dr's offices have.

I hope this will help somewhat and please any questions throw them out on the
board :  there are many supporters here ready and willing to help in any way we
can. 

Have a great day.

Darla

Jessica,
Welcome to the MD Board!

I unfortunately dont have much advice to give to you because due to my insurance requirements I never even had to ask for a recommendation from my PCP only my surgeon himself had to state medical necessity for me. It was a personal decision I had already made so whether my PCP agreed or not didnt matter to me....lol But when I went to them to get some of my preop testing done they were totally supportive! Yay!

*If* you will need the recommendation of your PCP, I might suggest switching to one thats more WLS friendly and more supportive of your choice. Also its good if your PCP is knowledgable about WLS.

I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

Hi Jessica and welcome to the Maryland board sweetie. Good for you deciding you want to do this to better your health. In most situations INCLUDING MY OWN PCP will advice AGAINST surgery. PHEWIE! LOL YOU DONT NEED THEIR PERMISSION!!! When I met my surgeon I did not need ANY referral and my PCP didnt know I had surgery until 10 days AFTER I had surgery! LMAOOOOO I qualified because I was 100 pounds overweight and pre diabetic. So I didnt need a middle man. I hope that is the case for you. As far as questions sweetie ASK AWAY ;o) 

Hello Jessica,

Just wanted to say hello and welcome I also live in Lusby!!  Good luck with the Doc's in our area they don't seem to know a whole lot about WLS before or aftercare.  If I can help in any way just let me know!!

Stephanie

Hey Jessica:
Welcome to the board and to your decision.  I think as many others have said, that you'll want to check with your insurance company to see if they require a referral to have your WLS covered. If it does not, than while it would probably be helpful to have a WLS pcp, it is not necessary.  My PCP was WLS friendly and provided me with the required notes from a 6 month supervised diet that was a necessary pre-requisit for having the surgery covered.  You're decision will probably be the easiest thing that you will do in this journey.  Everything else is going to be a hurdle to cross.  Get ready and put on your battle gear.  Only the strong will get the prize at the end.
Good luck.

Hi Jessica!

Welcome to the Maryland Board!  You've gotten some great advice so far and I don't have anything else to offer.  Congratulations on making this very important decision to get healthy and change the rest of your life.

Heather

Welcome to the Maryland Board. I agree with a lot of the other people please first check with your insurance. I know with Care First BC I didn't need my doctor recommendation. I met with my surgery and with the help of my PCP we got all of my requriement done for my approval.

Hi Jessica!!!

Welcome to the Maryland Board!!  Trust me, we were all newbies at one time, so there's no such thing as too many questions.  You'll find that a well educated patient is a good one, so do ALL the research you can, including attending seminars, reading dr. reviews, etc.  Don't settle for just any surgeon - pick one with whom YOU feel comfortable - because you're going to have quite an "intimate" relationship with him/her.

That being said, the only role that my PCP played in my wls was providing the pre-op physical about two weeks prior to my wls, and then, only to give medical clearance.

I hope this helps and look forward to seeing you here more often!

Take care,

Tia

Hello Jessica, I have been around  the board for a while and there is so much info here not to mention good people. I have not had surgery due to my mom being very ill. I have spoke to my pc doc and they are on board with whatever choose. I also went to a nutritionist but she said no. Of couse she is a skinny beanpole woman who has never struggled with weight. I am so tired of being heavy and darn mad at people who judge us as fat lazy people. I do think you should talk with your doc and check with insurance. I want to do lapband as I think the bypass is so invasive. This is just my thinking and I wish you well and drop me a line whenever. I will try to help..Good luck.


                                                                  Julie