New - How to start?

Hey All, I just found this site and I have decided that I would like to have weight loss surgery.  Could y'all give me some advice on how I even start this process?  I live in Charlotte! Thanks, thanks, thanks for you help Katie

Hi Katie -

First, let me welcome you to the NC forum. I hope that you will find this to be as supportive and helpful a resource as I have.

Second, I'd like to invite you to read my profile and that of others on the board. It will give you some idea of what to expect as you travel this road to a healthier you.

Third, you might check some of the profiles here for those who live in your area. They will likely know of programs in your area and be able to give you a heads up re: what you can expect and what they like or don't like about the respective programs.

I, as many others here, have found this to be absolutely lifechanging. It is truly one of the very best things I've ever done for myself. If I have a regret, it's that I didn't do it sooner.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

First off, I would, and did, call my insurance company to see what kind of weight loss surgery they cover- if any, and what the pre-requisites are.  They will refer you to a Dr., or several, and you can research them and decide which ones, (or one) you want to seriously consider.  Being in Charlotte, you have many great ones in the area to choose from. Best of luck and Welcome to the board! Nancy

This is what I did......I researched...researched ...researched. Talked to as many people as I could in the many stages of wls. I got phone numbers of people who were willing to talk to me one on one. I watched the actual surgery several times online. I looked at the diff. Dr.s in my area. Checked out there track record if possible. Made my choice.  Made contact with the dr.'s office I chose to see what their proceedure was and what I needed to do to get it going. Then I had to learn to be patient.  My first Dr. Visit was on June 8 and my sugery is Dec 13.  Some Dr.s move you along faster. The people on this site are very helpful. I have learned a lot from them. They also meet (which I have not done yet but do intend to) and I am sure you would be welcome. Some of the surgeons have web sites which may help you. Mine does and there is a lot of info.. there. The internet is a great tool to learn more about the wls. Some of the surgeons also have dvd's which have a lot of info. Good Luck and welcome to the NC Board Myrtis

(Hijack) Why don't you come to Raleigh on December 15th?  I would love to meet you Myrtis!  So would the others on this board.  Give it some thought, k? Take care. Ellen

Ellen, (Hijack back) I would love to come and been looking at several of the get togethers.  But my surgery is on Dec 13. I will make it to some of the meetings after my surgery. I  would love to meet you also. I feel like I already know everyone already and would love to join in the comraudery. (not sure if it is spelled right). Thanks for the invite Myrtis

Ahhhh, well you certainly can't come 2 days post op.  We'll be thinking of you though and praying for a safe recovery.  I'll catch you later then... Take care. Ellen

Hi Katie.  Welcome to the NC boards.  I would suggest you continue to research your options and make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.  Also on the short list is to call your insurance carrier and find out what, if anything, they cover.   You can find out from them what doctors participate in their plan, then you'll need to research each doctor so that you can make an intelligent, informed choice. After that, its all about following directions from your insurance/doctor and doing your research.  Good luck. Take care. Ellen

Hi Katie,
Welcome to the forum! I had RNY on 09?18/07 and it was the best thing I have ever done. I would research as much as you can and check with your Insurance company to see if they cover the procedure.

Best of luck and welcome,

Darcie

Hi Katie and welcome to the NC board, you will find a lot of friendly, supportive and helpful people on this board.  Just like everyone else has said, I would call my insurance and see what procedure they cover and get doctor information, do a lot of research to make sure.  I had my RNY on 8/22/2002 and would not change a thing.  This was the best thing for me!   Best of luck in your journey!