Hoping to have WLS! Can someone HELP?

Hi Everyone! Well i would like to have WLS but i am unsure of how to get the ball rolling! Does anyone have any tips for me? I have Dr. Beausoleil number, but can i call just to get information, or does Dr. Beausoleil have a website i can visit? Any help would be greatly appreciated! I'm 22 yrs old, 5'4 260 lbs! I feel like i am missing out on life because my weight has kept me hidden from the world! I didn't go to prom, i haven't had a B/f since i was 13 and i kept myself from advancement in my career, not to mention the most serious issue.... my health is at risk, i do not want to die young from heart disease ( which runs in my family). I have tried every diet and diet program out there (Weigh****chers, Simply for life, slim fast, canada's food guid...etc) I am smart, attractive and have a great job and wonderful family and friends but yet my life is still EMPTY, UNFULFILLED, and AT RISK.

Hi Courtney, The usual way to get started is through your family doctor. In order to have the surgery paid for, you have to be approved by Medicare. In the meantime, search the web. There are many types of wls. I had lap-band three weeks ago. With lap band, even after you are approved by medicare you still have to pay $4500. which is tax deductible. Your first step should be to talk to your family doctor. The entire process takes a few months, so start soon. Carolyn

Well i have made my appt. for August 9th to talk to my doctor about WLS! I don't really know what i should say, i am kind of intimidated to talk to her about WLS because it seems like no one wants me to have it! I also want to know how to go about paying for the WLS, i don't think my medical plan through work will pay for it! So if i pay for it myself, what kind of payment plan will i be looking at?

Good for you Courtney. Just tell the doctor what you told me in your first email. Dieting just has not worked for you and you are concerned about you overall health. Medicare covers all WLS except in lap-band. They cover the surgery part but you have to pay for the appliance which I told you is the $4500. If feasible, it might be better to borrow the money and in that way your payments could be set according to your ability to pay. Also remember it is tax deductible so you can claim it on your income tax form. I wish you great luck - Carolyn

So is it possible that my Dr. can deny me from doing this surgery?

No. If you ask to be refered for WLS, then he needs to do that. Have you been checking on the differant types?

Yes i have but they all sound similar, except for the lapband! I would like to have the surgery that is the most effective but there are alot of choices, it would be helpful if this site had a list of cost associated with the surgery but i can always find that out through my doctor. Right now it think i am leaning towards the Lapband or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

The Lap-band is the only one that has a cost. It is the least invasive surgery and the quickest recovery. Two weeks off work. You don't lose as rapidily at other WLS but in the end you lose the same amount.

So no matter what WLS i choose (excluding Lapband) and no matter what medical coverage plan i have at work... i won't have to pay for anything?

So what things does Medicare take into consideration when they approve or deny a WLS?