Where to start?

I have tried dieting. Tried exercise. I am still 330lbs and feel like crap. I want surgical help. AWhere do I start? My PCP? The hosptial he is affiliated with is not listed by my insurance company as one approved for the procedure. Do I need to change doctors?

There is an information session in Portsmouth on 12/8 at the Frank Jones Center.  Atend if you can and that will answer a lot of questions.  You will also be able to ask questions and meet the 'team'.

The only two programs that I know of in NH are at Portsmouth and Derry.  There may be others of course. 

Once you are in a 'program', the bariatric docs generally work with your PCP to coordinate testing, approvals, etc. 

OH is a great resource as well, look around, read some posts, ask questions.....

Good luck-
Julie

Hi,
I went to Tufts Medical Center for my procedure.  At the time, they were the only "Center of Excellence" in the area, which was a requirement of my insurance company.  I had a very positive experience there.  Other hospitals in the area that perform bariatric surgery are CMC, Portsmouth Regional and Elliott through Dartmouth-Hitch**** (I think).  I did not need a referral from my PCP to start the process, but I don't know if that's the norm or the exception.  Eventually, Tufts did contact my PCP for information, but that was later on. 

My advice to you is to try and document as much of your previous weight loss efforts as you can.  Your insurance company may require that information before they are willing to approve the surgery. 

I believe that all of the locations I listed above have monthly informational meetings that you can attend for more info.  And as always, the people here on the boards are always willing to answer any questions and provide support along the way. 

If you have any other questions, please ask.

You've started in the right place to ask questions and seek support. You've been given good advice here. I am working with Dr. Truss at Dartmouth Hitch**** after having lapband surgery at Fletcher Allen In  Burlinton, VT in 2007. I've done okay, but should have had a gastric by pass in the first place.

I think seeking the help of a qualified mental health practicioner is a very good idea when we start to look at the reasons we became obese in the first place. We all go through tremendous changes physically and emotionallly and having the help of someone who is skiled and trained to help us is I think essential. it helps us be more successful. Therapy doesn't have to be expensive. Competent, caring profesionals will offer a sliding scale fee where people can pay based on income level. Remember they are in business for themselves too.

Check out your insurance companies requirements and see if you need to start with your primary care physican first to get a referral to a bariatric surgeon and then go from there.

I hope this helps.

Andrea

Well, give yourself a huge pat on the back, because you have started in the right place.  As everyone before me has indicated, there are many plans throughout New Hampshire.  You just need to find the one that fits you the best, in all aspects.  I love the Portsmouth NH group, but it was a good fit for me, convenient, close to home, close to work.  You will not need to change doctors, just get another.  Most PCP's will not perform the surgery.  It is done by a specialist.  I did need referrals from my PCP, but did not need to show my weight loss history.  If you have Cigna insurance, they require 6 months of physician documented weight loss program, so get started on that ASAP. 

Good luck, and keep us informed.  You have made the right decision.  Ask any of us here.  I do not know one of us who have regreted our decision!

I went through the Obesity Treatment Center at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester.  They were great!  I called them first and then went to one of their monthly information sessions. They went through everything I needed to do to get the process started.  The first thing I had to do was have a referral sent to the Ctr.
Good Luck

I also went through the Obesity Treatment Center in Manchester and had my RNY @ Catholic Medical Center. To start, you need a referral from your PCP but you also need to attend one of the monthly information sessions, registering beforehand.

Call the Ask A Nurse hotline @ 626-2626 to get started. You have probably missed the one for December, as they are usually held at the beginning of the month, but call about the one for January. Good luck! Suzette

Thanks for all that replied. I see my PCP Monday. I hope I answer his questions correctly and he gives me a refferal.

Got my referral and am registered for the info session at CMC on 2-2-10!!!

went to info session tuesday night. pcp sent referral to obs. cntr. at cmc...waiting for the call...any help on what to expect next would be appreciated..