NC Friends, ??'s about next steps

Hi Everyone, Congratulations on your achievements!  I was hoping you could help me.  Once you have made your decision for WLS, what did you do next?  Did you talk to your Primary or self-refer.  I have Aetna insurance. I have been pondering and researching for about 2 years now and have decided to move forward but I'm unsure of next steps.  I did try to talk to my Primary about it a year ago before I moved here but she wasn't very sympathetic or encouraging. I have a new primary now but I'm worried about the same experience with the new Dr (I don't think they understand just how hard it is to talk to them about this topic). Any BTDT advice is greatly appreciated. Mel

I don't know about anyone else.  I know when I decided I set up my consult appoinment then made an appointment with my primary care and informed her that I have decided to do this because......and told her all my reasons.  Then I told her that it was important for me to have the support of my primary care and asked her if she was willing to support me.  Lucky for me she was.  IF she hadn't of been I would of gone to my wls consult and asked them if they work close with any doctors I could use for my primary care.  It is important that your primary care is behind you.  IF yours isn't I would call the wls doctors office and ask them for a suggestion.  Hope this helps.  Good Luck.

Thank you so much! Your advice is very helpful!  I never thought about saying I what I wanted and asking for support, I approached it the other way around like "Mother May I?"  Your way is much more empowering, my way was begging.  I like your way better :) Thank you again! Mel

Hey Mel: Welcome to the best online site in the world for support. My primary doc was more than supportive in making the referral.  I have heard of many that are since obesity can be more harmful to you than this surgery and the surgery is much more common than it was 5 years ago. Another suggestion is if your PCP doesn't support you, come back and let us know where you live and I am sure someone lives in that area and can make a recommendation.    We are all in this together and here for each other. I am almost 7 weeks post surgery and could not have done it without the support i have gotten here.    Take care and please feel free to ask any questions you my have. Take care and good luck,  Pam

Hi! I didn't go through my primary at all.  I don't like him very much and have been meaning to find a new one, but that's beside the point.  Once I decided I wanted WLS (I've chosen Lapband), I did some research online.  The lapband website had a schedule of WLS seminars in my area I could attend and the contact info of the person in charge.  So I just emailed the WLS coordinator and had her sign me up for the seminar.  After that, she guided me through everything and set up my appointments and told me what  I had to do for insurance ( I did double check this part with my insurance provider, didn't want anything to get overlooked).  It's been pretty easy.  I have my appointment with the surgeon on the 22nd and hope to get approved and scheduled shortly thereafter.  If you live near Rocky Mount, contact Monica Poland at the Nash Surgical Weight Loss Center.  They have a website, but I can't remember it right now. Pitt Memorial also has a program in Greenville that alot of the NC posters have been through.  I'm sure they can help you there.  Good luck! Amanda

Thank you all so much for posting, I feel a lot better.  I've been researching for two years now, just kept thinking I could do it on my own.  I don't want to go through the next 40 years like the first 40 years.  My BMI is 36.  I'm 90lbs overweight.  It feels like I've been at this weight forever no matter what I try to do. I'm in Charlotte, if anyone has any Dr recommendations I would appreciate it very much.  Thanks again for all your support.  I'm so glad I posted! Mel

Hi Mel,

It's nice to meet you. As one of the previous poster's mentioned, I contacted my PCP and told them that I wanted to pursue WLS and asked for their support and input. I have received great support from my PCP prior to and following sugery.

I wish you much success as you continue your journey to a healthier you.

Barb

I, like some of the others, went to my PCP and told him I wanted to have WLS.  I then told him I wanted him to refer me, and he said okay .  Good luck and DON'T GIVE UP.