Getting started

Hi.  I'm just wondering where to start with weight loss surgery.  I am 5'3'' and ~226 lbs.  I have struggled with being overweight since I was probably 9.  I am going to the doctor on Friday to have a routine physical done, and I would like to bring up weight loss surgery with him.  Then where do I go from there??  Thanks. 

Hi!  My oldest sister is moving to Grand Rapids, MN next month!

I did the same thing - I went to talk to my primary doctor about a referral.  You're going to also want to check with your health insurance to find out if they cover bariatric surgery and, if so, what their requirements are to "pass".

You can look around on this website to find some bariatric surgeons in your area.  I have an aunt and a cousin that live in Pillager, MN that both had their procedures done in Park Rapids (not sure which surgeon).  You can also look into Duluth since you're not too far away from there, either.

Ask as many questions as you can think of - everyone here is very helpful and wants you to succeed!!!

One thing that would save you time (and a co-pay) would be to find out your availability of coverage for WLS, as well as finding out who your allowed WLS surgeons/providers may be for your insurance.  If you can get an idea of who you might want to go see, you can get a referral from your primary at the time of your physical.  If you don't feel comfortable with that, see if you can get your primary to promise they will give you a referral when you do decide, so you can just call in with the name of the surgeon and they can send it without your needing to go back.  Many programs connect their information sessions with the initial consult, and if you don't have a referral in place, you could be stuck with a nasty bill.  Feel free to PM me if you want any help or anything! 

I'm worried about not having coverage with insurance.  That's my biggest fear right now. 

Do all the research in the world...

To start?

Find several clinics that you may be interested in and go to their seminars.

Look at ALL the different options: RNY, LapBand, DS, VGS, etc.

Best advice? Find a clinic that you are comfortable with. AFTER CARE is the most important part of the journey.

Congrats on starting!!

Yay.
So I found out that my insurance covers weight loss surgery 100% if you pass all of the qualifications.  So  I have a physical on Friday- I'm going to check and see if my doctor will let me have it done. 
Now I'm just worried about qualifying!