Starting the process...

Hi everyone, I am currently looking into my options as far as wls. I have thought about this for a long time and feel like it's time, even though I must admit I am a little scared. I guess that seems normal though. I really don't know how to begin this process though. Do I talk to the insurance 1st or is my doctor suppose to handle all of that? Also, I would love to hear about any positive or negative experiences. I want to be realistic, so I want to know everything! Lastly, how do you find out about the surgeons backgrounds on wls. Like how many they have done, deaths, compications, and so on? Is there any surgeon in the Twin Cities that I want to steer clear of?? Thanks so much for your help and God bless!

Welcome to the ride of your life!! Some of the first things to do is look over your specific insurance policy. Make sure there are no exclusions on your specific policy. Then call them and ask what their requirements are. Every policy is different. What is included in one policy from the same company may not be on yours. Go to some of the different informational meetings. You can go online to each hospital and find out when their meetings are, and they are usually required anyways. That way you can see if there are any surgeons that you really like. At those meetings ask questions about complication rates, deaths, how many they have done, etc. Everyone thinks their surgeon hung the moon, it's a funny thing that occurs when you allow someone to replumb your inards. Another suggestion is to read people's profiles here, most have information about their surgeon and hospital, so you can read what they thought. Plus the before and after pics are so fun. That was my biggest inspiration. Good luck on your search, and post here often. This is the best support group ever!

I am still in the process of being approved by insurance, but this is how I did it.  I went to my primary care doctor and she referred me to a group that she works with and feels comfident in.  I went to their informational meeting, and got all of the information regarding how many surgeries, deaths, complications, etc. from their meeting.  They were very upfront about their numbers and any questions that I had.  My insurance only covers me 100% at Abbott (and this group works at Abbott), but I am very happy with my decision.  I do not know of any surgeons to stay clear of and maybe I have chosen one that others feel you should steer clear of.  I think that it is a personal decision and you need to make the choices for yourself.  Do a lot of research and read as much as you can and then where you feel comfortable and unless you can pay cash I am sure your insurance will help narrow your decision.  Good LUCK!

Welcom and congrats on starting this journey and doing research is a good way to start.  I went through Park Nicollet Clinics/Methodist for my RNY gastric bypass and the first step I took was calling and signing up for one of the informational sessions.  When you attend the session they give you a packet of papers that you and your doctor have to complete and turn in to get the process started.  At the info session they will go through and tell you about the two procedures they offer Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass and Lap-Band.  I found the info session to be very helpful in making my decision.  You may also want to contact you insurance company as well and find out if they cover, which proceedure, which surgeons, and if they have any pre-requisits (some require a period of doctor-supervised dieting or a certain number of visits with a nutritionist) so you know what you might have to do prior to getting WLS and if you qualify for WLS. I had Dr. Svendsen and he was a wonderful surgeon, although you don't really get to see him a lot (surgery consult after insurance approval, the day of surgery and the day after) you mostly work with the nurses who are really great!  In my opinion PNC has a really great program.  You have several appointments to see if you are a good candidate, but I got through all of mine in 3 months, so it is not too bad. You can learn about the different surgeons by clicking on the "Find a Bariatric Surgeon" link on the left side of the screen and they will give you all of there stats.  PNC also gives some stats at the info meeting.  I have had no problems since my surgery an am very happy with my progress so far.  I am almost 5 months out and have lost almost 90 pounds and have gone from a tight 26 to a comfortable 16 in pants and from a 3x to xl in tops.  I have a ton more energy and self confidence and a great new set of friends.  There are complications and side effects with this surgery, I am just lucky that I have not really had many problems.  I do dump on sugar alcohols (found in "sugar free" foods) and sometimes on sugar and I am now lactose intolerant, but to me those things are insignificant compared the rewards I have gained.  Good luck with your research I hope that you are able to find a program and surgeon you like.PNC has support groups that meet Wednesday nights from 6-7:30 pm (first week-Lap band, 2nd week-topic group (this week I believe it is aerobics), 3rd week-1 year out and beyond, 4th week-open group) in St. Louis Park and they are open to everyone regardless of where you are at in your journey or where you had your surgery.  I hope this helps and that you are able to find a surgeon and program you like.

I have also had a great experience with Park Nicollet - I chose them partly because it was one of the programs covered by my insurance (Health Partners).  I started with an informational seminar in late January and had my surgery last week, so the process moved quickly for me (thanks to my insurance company, believe it or not!!).  Everyone I've had contact with at the clinic or in the hospital(receptionists, nurses, Drs.) has been very professional and pleasant to deal with.  Most of the nurses in the bariatric program at the clinic have had WLS and are happy to share their stories.  I had my mind mostly made up before I went that the lapband was what I wanted ... they gave me the facts on both but let the decision be mine.  If you have other health problems (like diabetes), they might recommend RNY because you'll get faster results and have a more immediate impact on your blood sugar. Good luck in making your decision and on your journey. LeAnne

Welcome to you!  Congrats on starting your journey.  I agree with everyone above.  The best thing to start with is contacting your insurance directly and going to seminars.  I went to Fairview University Hospital and had Dr Ikramuddin as my surgeon.  I liked him, but I only met him a few times.  I also like Dr Leslie there too.  The only complaint I have is that they are really busy, so sometimes it is hard to get appointments on a timely basis.  That must mean they are good though!  Good luck!

Thanks so much for all of the advice. I will take as much as I can get! :)

First off WELCOME!!  To begin, use this site to research ALL the different available WLS types!  Go with which one you feel fits you the best.  Find out your insurances coverage and policy in WLS.  If all good, then go to your surgeon of choice's center for the info meeting and they will head ya off in the right direction!   Happy searching!! ps.....as far as surgeons go, MN has the most top docs there are!  and each one of us ADORE our surgeon so I don't think you can go wrong!

Hi....I am just popping in to say WELCOME to the MN Board!! This is the best place for information and support.  Everyone else has already answered your questions so just hello and good luck from me! Hugs, connie d

Do NOT forget that there are three types of surgeries available to you. LapBand, RNY, and DS. Make sure you are knowledgeable about all three. There are major differences to each and it is best to be informed of all three. Your insurance may say it covers only the band & RNY, but in reality, many end up covering the DS, too. www.duodenalswitch.com What insurance do you have? Do make sure there is no exclusion on your policy like Nicole said. That is important to note. And, make sure the person sends you your benefits in writing because there are "general surgery" benes and then there are "weight loss surgery" benes usually and they can read differently. Some insurance companies have requirements to meet before they will approve you, so do be sure and ask about that as well (i.e. 6 months structured diet followed by a doctor, etc.). Whichever surgeon group you choose, they will help you with the entire process! OH is a great souce for information but the surgeon stats are not up-to-date, and they pay to be listed. The best way to find out about a particular sugeon is to ask about their stats at the info sessions. Info sessions...all the Centers of Excellence (Methodist, Abbott, Unity, UofM, etc.) all have free info sessions and I recommend going to all of them so you get a feel for the program and the surgeons. Mostly, just take this one day at a time and learn all you can so you can make an educated decision for your self! You are the one who has to live with your tool. Best to you & keep asking questions!!!