Hello everyone! Dont know where to start??

Hi...

My whole family needs a lifestyle change. Does anyone know of a dietician that sees the whole family? Our doctor suggests we go to john hopkins or sinai to get info about the surgerys also. I feel so turned around with all of this though.
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I called our insurance and they are "iffy" when it comes to what they will and will not cover. (BCBS)'We are curently trying to figure out all the costs assocated with visits and such as it relates to counseling so that we can add the cost to our FSA this coming year..and it wont hurt as much..lol

I live in Crofton, Md near the library...if anyone  can help guide me in the right direction or offer any information... I would appreciate it.

Have a great day!
God Bless!

Maisha (Mimi) Walker

Hi Mimi!  Like you, I just started this whole process too.  I've found it to be a little bit overwhelming but everyone on here is so helpful.  I have attended GBMC's and St. Agnes' seminars so far on WLS.  I would definitely recommend going to at least one at a hospital you're comfortable with to learn about the different procedures.  The seminars are free so you don't have to worry about insurance covering them...and a few are online (I know St. Agnes has one online and so does Hopkins, Bayview).  If your benefits are through an employer, contact the HR office and ask them for help in decifering what is covered and what isn't covered.  I have  BCBS too, but it really depends on your contract what your share of the cost would be and what is required.  Using your FSA is a great resource too because if you do have expenses, you'll be saving all that money in the end!

Good Luck!

Well there is a crofton support group in your area run by Kelly. it meets at the library once a month. i don't know what to tell you about the dietician part. i know that johns has a wonderful dietician there though it is specifically for the bariatric program, i think. you would have to call and find out.

Hi Mimi.  Your post had a lot going on within it.  Often when we start down the path to recovery via WLS, it's because we have reached a point of chaos in our lives and we're finally ready to try to do something about it.  I know that this sounds like simple advice, but S L O W  D O W N... take a deep breath.  :)

When you refer to your entire family.. do you mind if I ask you to be more specific?  Is this you and your husband and your children?  And what are the ages of the people involved.  I ask this because I think it's great if everyone decides to investigate this recovery process together, but really, each adult needs to own their own path and make their own decision. 

My suggestion would be to sort of break the process down into segments.  First, contact your insurance company and find out which bariatric surgeons they cover and then attend the information seminar for one or all of them.  Once you've picked a practice that you're comfortable with, you can talk to them about options and they will determine what your insurance covers and what is necessary to get approval.  Many have nutritionist on staff and if not, they have approved ones they recommend.. again based on your insurance coverage.  In any event, they will help you.. they will inform you.. they will help you make decisions and work with insurance companies.  You will not feel as though you are out there on your own trying to figure it all out by yourself.

In the meantime.. there was many, many people here that can help answer specific questions and offer emotional support.  Attending a support group meeting is a great idea.  Maybe I'll see you next month in Crofton!

Hello

Thank you all for responding!. I belive i will go to Johns hopkins bayview..just to get some info. The help would be for my husband and I and my oldest daughter who is 11.  Out of my 3 children she is the only one overweight (like my husband and I) and she does not like to be active. I try to find programs for her to get into but most things around here are expensive..esp when you have 3 children to find activites for.

When does the Crofton group meet?

i don't know if they still have it or not, but at one time, st. agnes had a program for obese youths.  i'm not even sure what it entailed, but i remember hearing about it on the news.  you may want to investigate that.

the crofton group meets once a month and just met last week.  i don't have the date of the next meeting handy, but i will ask kelly to post it here.  she's our support group leader.

hi mimi,

GBMC's WLS staff will call your ins and determine what benefits you have before they schedule your first appointment, so you know what your dealing with up front.

they do charge a program fee of $500, i dont know if other doc's do it.

definatly go to several seminars and decide which doc your most comfortable with


hope this helps,


brian

Hello Neighbor!!!!

I live right near the library too!!! Everyone gave you great advice so I will not go into it either but the next meeting is Monday December 7th from 6-7:30 in the meeting room right when you enter the library.

Would love to have you so you can listen to everyone's story and get some great advice!!!!

I had my surgery at Sinai.  The nutritionist holds classes and I've seen family members attend with the person getting surgery as a support.  I paid a two hundred dollar one time fee for the nutritionist and I get free appointments for a year.  She is great!  They also contact your insurance company so you know what your company will cover. 

Let me know if you have any ques tons.

Lisa