Looking for some advice

Hey Ladies Im looking for some advice and support. Im 19 and i live in Bangor and go to the Family Practice. I need to know how to go about getting this surgery or some information. Im sick of being told to "eat better and excersize" or "be more active". Well I know that, dont you think id be skinny by now if it was working? i dont want to be fat for years. Not to mention i have a 9 month old i need to be healthy for. Im just sick of being made to feel like im too young for this or am just gonna have to stay fat. I have high blood pressure and had horrible pregnancy complications due to my weight. I just need some help, and most of all support because I have none. So if anyone can help me Id love it. Thanks Ladies

Hi Jenna, I am so sorry that you don't have better support. You have certainly come to the right place for that. I haven't had the surgery yet because of insurance problems but the first thing you need to do is pick out a doc. I know in Bangor there is Dr. Clough and Dr. Todur (not sure of the spelling) and you can look right on this website for their information. I was originally going to Dr. Todur but switched down to Portland and I am now going to Dr. Cobean. I only switched because I live in Southern Maine and the traveling with my 21 month old daughter is just easier. I have heard some great things on here about Dr. Clough's practice. So, you need to get in touch with whatever surgeon you would like to perform the surgery. I am not sure how long the wait is for Dr. Clough, when I went it wasn't that long. I know the list is over a year for Dr. Cobean. You will want to get their requirements for everything you need. I would talk to your primary care physician and get him to write you a referral right away to get the process started. This can be a long and tedious process, but in the end, for a chance to be healthier and a more active parent, I am sure it is worth it. I have been going through the process for nearly 2 years now. Please email me if you want to chat privately or need someone to talk to. I am a stay at home mom and keep very close to my computer. So many people on this website have guided me through some tough times. I am always around if you want to talk -- [email protected] Samantha

Hi Jenna, I know Dr Clough takes patients as young as 19 and also accepts medicare and medicade. You can call their office and see what you need but I know they do require a referral from your PCP. Even though my insurance did not require me to get one Dr Clough does. Once you get the referral you have to go to an info meeting and a support group to get testing and such started. If for some reason your PCP will not give you a referral I would look for one that will. You can get a list of PCPs from calling your insurance or maybe even someone from this message board that lives in Bangor might be able to give you a name of a PCP that is wls friendly. Good luck! Theresa OpenRNY 7/15/03 235/161/140?135

what do i have to do to get a referral? tell them i want to get the surgery? what if they say i dont need it or cant have it? i dont know im afraid of rejections. should i have the referrel before i call him? this whooole processes confuses me like no other

Hi Jenna, To get a referral, you just have to ask your primary care physician for a letter refering you to the surgeon and stating that he or she feels that you should have the surgery. If you ask your doctor for a referrel, they will know what you are talking about....they should anyway. I had to switch doctor's to get a referral. I think that doctor's should give referrals as long as it is medically necessary, but some have personal feelings against the surgery. I wouldn't be afraid of them rejecting you, if they do then you just have to find yourself a doctor that will not. My best advice is to go into your doc's. office prepared with all of the reasons why you SHOULD have the surgery. Good luck. Sam

Hi Jenna, You have taken the right step in finding this site. There is alot of info on this site about what is needed, and how to request the surgery. Start listing ALL your health problems, if you have sleep apnea, gastric relux (heartburn) knee/weight bearing joint problems, etc. That way when you go to your personal physician, they will know you are serious about this surgery. As the others have said, if your doctor doesn't give you a referral, find another one that is covered by your insurance. It helps to have the medical problems associated with being overweight documented in your medical records. Best of luck to you & stay in touch on this site. Cindy Lap RNY 6/19/03