Hi Everyone

Hey all! Thanks for all the welcomes!  I didn't realize until I started researching the surgeries just how many people have had this done.  I'm so glad to find all this wealth of information.  I'm glad to know that I won't be so "alone" in the journey. What I have found so far is that the VA will do it and that I qualify for it.  I did find one link on the VA site for which centers do the wls but it was a broken link.  Oh well, I'm not extremely worried about location.  At worst, I know from the search function here (thanks again Robin!) that the Louisville KY VA center is supposed to be really good.  I also think they usually only do RNY which is what I would want anyway.  Were I am now is just needing to call and set up the initial appt. and get the ball rolling.  I saw on another forum I found yesterday a couple of people talking about the length of their process and it was encouraging.  I was expecting to hear that I could be waiting a year or two but theirs went a lot quicker.  I just  know for sure that I can't keep going like this much longer you know?  Anyway,  thank you again for the welcomes.   I'll try to  search  before I ask repetitive questions and I'll be hanging around a good bit.  I'm happy to talk to anyone so..... Caveman :)  

Hello!  I don't know anything about how the VA does things but wanted to stop in and say hello and welcome to the NC board!  I wish you luck!!!

Thanks Sheryl, I appreciate it! :)

Welcome Caveman,,hope you find what you need on this site, These people will help you a lot. Good Luck Myrtis

Thank you Myrtis!

Welcome aboard, Evan!  Hold onto your seat cuz you are in for the ride of your life!

Captain CAVEmaaaAAAAaaaaAAAAAAnnnnn!!!! (sorry) Just wanted to say welcome to the family and good luck on your journey friend. Mare

Hi Evan (Caveman), Welcome to the NC Board, we are all a wealth of information from questions about "is this normal" to celebrating each step along the way with you!  I am the one who had her surgery at Womack on Ft Bragg.  I'm not familiar with the VAs processes, but if they follow the military's at all, you could be looking at a surgery date fairly soon.  My process was less than 4 months (from the point where I decided to ask my primary Dr if this was a possibility.)  My benefit (and I'm assuming the VA will be the same way) is that I didn't have to wait on insurance approval.  Once I got referred to the program, I was in and it was just a matter of me completing the appointments that they wanted. Good luck to you, and remember we're all here for any questions you might have!

Hey thanks everyone for the replies!  Thanks for making me feel welcome. And thanks to Mare (Loose Cannon) for getting the "Caveman" thing.  Most folks I've run into have never even heard of that (sad really!) :) Deb, I looked through some of your posts and I appreciate it.  It sounds like it went easier than I am expecting.  I apologize if this is there and I missed it, but did you have to go through the MOVE program or an equivalent?  I'll look some more and probably bug you with more questions. Barbara, thanks for the link.  And HOLY COW!  Your "avatar"!  I couldn't believe it.  You look great!  Congratulations!!!! Caveman :)