Where do I start?

Good Morning Everyone.  I'm a long time lurker here with maybe two or three distant posts.  I haven't even begun my journey yet and not really sure where to begin.  I've got two friends who both had their WLS at EMMC in Bangor with Michelle Toder.  So I think she is the surgeon I'd like to have.  I'm a type 2 diabetic, dx'd about 4 yrs ago.  I've recently lost 25 lbs and currently still trying.  I do well for a couple of weeks then the carb monster attacks and I go on a bender for a week.  LOL  I have Aetna insurance and don't even have a clue what their requirements are.  I've discussed WLS with my wonderful PCP, but I haven't gone any further.  I never exercise, and I smoke.  I work full time and I feel tired all the time.  My TSH is normal so I know it's deconditioning and my sedentary lifestyle.  If I could just make myself get started!  Where do I start??  I just want to be the weight on my driver's license!  LOL Lori

There are a number of things to do.  First Contact Dr Toder's office about an informational meeting and see about going. also contact you insurance company to find out if they cover the surgery, what their requirements are, and how much you will have to pay.  At the same time you will need to quit smoking prior to surgery. (I believe all doctors require this). And start moving.  Park a little further away from you destination so you walk more.  Take a longer route when you are away from you desk at work to get in a few more steps.  Do you snore?  If you do you may need to talk to you PCP about a sleep study, if you have sleep apnea that may be why you are tired.  Once you have done that you will be on the path but like I said group meeting, Insurance and Smoking is where you want to start Just my opinion.   Peggy

I would first  see my pcp and get a referral  from them.   That is the first step.   Also call Aetna and  see what there requirements are for wls.   I   had discussed  wls with my  pcp and they got the  referral process going as i could not see anyone with out their  blessing and referral. Not sure how yours works tho. there are requirements on the program that we all have to live by and   it is a wonderful program, with lots of support and great  people to guide you along the way.  It took me  about  7 months  from start to finish.   Good luck

Welcome LORI! Congrads on starting, no change ever comes with out starting!!  I'm excited for you. this may I will celebrate 3 years of being smoke free! its so possible..  surgeons require smoke free, and   may I say from experiencing first hand a pulminary embolism after back surgery! in icu for 11 days and currently the rest of my life on med.s   its soo worth quitting.  start here I did,   1-800-207-1230  talk to Maine tabbaco hotline! they will help you start pick a date and they also provide patches or other meds. FREE!  they worked for me! and they support you and we all know how hard that is. congrads on losing  25lbs   that is incredible  start!  exercise is a must for stress for maintaince for life.. and belive me you will learn to love it,  and need and want it, It  just takes finding  a kind of exercise you like .. and  there are tons, simply walking further from where you park like  Peg said every extra step adds up. and its a start  start by 15 min a day every other day then work up to 20   ..  and guess what  I now weigh as of this month  what it has said on my license since I was 18 ....... its soo possible I"m 38 eek.. !!!       YOU can do it..  and you've already started!!     Spring is the best time because you can feel the energy of others there moods are lighter and in general people are much nicer,  its is inspiring.. You would need a referal from you PCP to begin  any  meetings or appts. at any WLS center. and start documenting what you've done for your 25lbs. start writing down logging your intake, you'll be amazed how that alone helps make better choices in general..         LEt us know how we can help! there is a  lot of losers around here that inspire me everyday!             WELCOME AND May I be the first to HONK for you! HONK HONK HONK! heres to NOT feeling tired anymore.. heres to  goals ! heres to change.. HONK!         Now lets go outside its gorgeous, and sunny and sure feels like 60ish here. in the sun..           I"m out!       scented Blessings Allicca

Welcome to our little family. Sounds to me like you have made the first step. With Aetna it depends on your bmi and co morbs. You have one I see with being diabetic. If you call your ins co they will direct you to the place online that shows what you need to do to be covered for the surgery. Best of luck to you and feel free to ask any questions someone here will be able to help you out.

Lori, welcome to our little family.  first congratulations you have made the first step.  there are many things you will have to do and at times you will think this is such a long process, i am sure you have seen this with your friends when they went thru this.  I understand dr. Toder has quite a long line, so if you get what you need done, including quiting smoking you will be there before you know it.  Good luck, and keep coming back to let us know what your up to.... Cheryl

Hi Lori!     Welcome!  I, too, have Aetna for insurance.  Not sure if policies differ, so you need to check but I needed a referral from my primary doctor. I also needed to have a BMI over 40 or over 35 with 2 co-morbidities.  I also had to have 5 years worth of documented weight (at my doctor's office).  You have taken the first step just by asking questions!  Losing weight is the toughest and I agree with everyone else...exercise is what will get you lose and maintain right now.   My doctor also requires that you stop smoking 3 months prior to surgery.  Good luck on your journey and let us know how you are doing!  Ruth

Hey Lori,  Everyone did such a great job answering I really can't add a thing except for start NOW with the smoking cause you won't get in the door of any surgeon as a smoker-it just makes the risk too high for elective surgery. So I will just say welcome!! If you are confused about our  ah...honking, please reference my blog in the March archives under Lessons from Geese.  The Maine board has kind of collectively decided we like the idea of the geese, what they do for each other, we want to do. Plus I think we are all a little nuts, but having said all that.... HONK, HONK and welcome!! kate

Hi Lori,      It looks like you've already been given great advice about where to start, so there's not much to add.  Believe in yourself and do what you need to do to take care of You.  Most of us are at this site because we stopped taking care of ourselves at some point in our lives,  Now it''s time to treat yourself and your body to the quality of life you deserve.  It's not an easy road.  WLS is not a shortcut.  It takes commitment and hard work, but the results are well worth it!         Do your research but don't analyze it to death.  Everyone's journey is different.  The most important thing to do once you decide WLS is something you definitely want to persue..is to jump in and get the process going,   Be determined to do this for yourself!   It's time!        Your insurance company may have their policy on WLS listed on-line.  Mine did.  Good Luck and keep us posted. Blessings, Yvonne

Thanks so much for all the replies!  And yes, I know I need to quit smoking....what an addiction.  I have my annual physical with my PCP in June, I'll get a referral from her then.  By then I will have called Aetna and find out what the requirements of my ins. policy are.  Again, thank you all so much for the information you've provided me.  You all seem so friendly. Lori