New member where to start

I am going to start my journey to weightloss surgery and need to find out the first step in the process. Shannon explained it to me but I can't remember everything all at once. thanks Candice Ylonen

Hi Candice: I am new and starting my journey also. I made an appointment with Dr. Cobean (my primary care physician referred me to him) and waited 14 months to see him. I finally did so on 1/31. I saw him and his nutritionist and a mental health associate on the same day in Scarborough. Then I had to have an ultrasound on my stomach, kidneys. Then they made an appointment with a pulmonary expert to check out my lungs. Then I had to attend a support meeting before I could proceed further. I did this last Tuesday in Scarborough. That's as far as I have gotten. Any help? Dot

Hi Candice, Welcome to our little board. You have already started your journey by making the choice to have surgery. That in itself is a HUGE part of this journey. Do you know where you want surgery? There are surgeons in Portland, Brunswick, Lewiston, Augusta, Waterville and Bangor. Maybe other places but those are the ones I know off the top of my head. I live near Augusta but decided to have surgery in Bangor because their program had what I wanted and the length of time to wait was reasonable. Everyone has different reasons for picking a surgeon of course. The 2 hour traveling time was not bad on me, though I do not get to go to as many support group meetings as I would like. This site, specially this message board has really helped me in that regard. One thing you might want to do first is call your insurance company and make sure they cover WLS. Once you get the yes (i believe in being postive) then call the surgeons office you would like to go to. They will tell you the next steps. Most offices handle most the work, right down to making appointments for any tests they require. Much of this journey is a waiting game, but I have found being on this site, keeping up with friends from here and I even volunteerd for the site (now work for them) kept me busy. The journal I keep is a big help also. Lets me get things out that I might not say to others, or others might see it as whining. If you need any help please feel free to contact me, I would enjoy helping you. Theresa Cloutier OpenRNY 7/15/03 235/155/140?135

Hi Candice, Welcome to the board! My inbox is always open if you want to talk o ask questions. I think Theresa said it all otherwise... Goodluck, Casey