newbie here

Hi my name is Shannon, I just found this forum a couple days ago. I have been thinking about WLS for about 5 years now. I had a Dr. appt 2 days ago, to get a referral, ( I apparently don't need one I found out) anyway, he told me to try for 3 months going to a local health care center/gym and go see a dietician and go swimming. I was totally teed off, I know I need record of some kind of weight loss program, I am going to try it if my insurance covers it, if not I will have to try on my own yet again. As for the swimming part I just wanted to smack him in the head ( like I am going to get into a bathing suit in front of everyone, and most of the people that go there are locals and know me). I have tried Curves, to only have some severe problems with my already bad back, I tried it for about 6 months only lost about 14 pounds at that time and was trying to keep on the Curves diet, similar to Atkins. I had to quit the program due to my back going out several times. I am going to call the surgeons office today and see if I can get my first appointment. I did go to a support group meeting about 3 weeks ago with a couple family members, that was very informative, and I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. I am trying to get my husband to not be so afraid of me getting this surgery, all he can think about is the worst senario, luckily my husband loves me very much and doesn't bother him whatever size I am, not all women are so lucky. But I don't think he realizes the health concerns of being obese. I hope he goes with me to the surgeon appt.

Welcome Shannon!! This is a wonderful website for support as well as information! I hope all goes well with your consult and please feel free to ask any questions that you might have!! Lisa 371/341/245/140

Hi Shannon Welcome to our little corner of this site. I know you'll find everyone here helpful, not only about WLS but also with support on other stuff too. I'm sorry to hear that your doctor was so unsympathetic to you. I have been one of the blessed ones and have a doctor who actually listens and feels that this is my life and I should be the one directing it. (Don't get me wrong, if I'm heading in the wrong direction he will quickly intervene). But he was all for this surgery for me (I have a very bad back, too) and in fact had his letter of recommendation at the surgeons office before I had my 2nd appointment. I hope that your doctor finally comes around or that you find one who will support you in this endeavor so that you can finally get healthy again! Good luck to you, hon. Please let us know how you made out. Lisa Z 21 days and counting

Hi I too am new. I'm surprised that your insurance company told you that. I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield Excellus and when I called them they told me I need to have documented diets from my primary doctor (and I do), and if what I did meets their qualifications the surgery will be covered 100%. It makes me a bit nervous that you are having problems with insurance. Feel free to email me if you'd like. I don't live too far from you.

Shannon, Hi and welcome!!!! It depends on your insurance if they require any supervised weight loss....if your Dr. isnt supportive, find another Dr. you need to be comfortable with your dr. and your surgeon, and feel that they are on your side, and will work with you. My husband was also afraid...he still is, even though I am 6 weeks out. Now his fear is that I will dehydrate or not get enough protein. After I took my husband to the support group he felt better about the surgery, but not 100%....he stood by me, but wasnt an advocate, if that makes sense. Good luck on this journey, and this is a great group of people for questions, concerns, or just to vent. Janean

Hi Shannon Welcome to the NY board!!! BC/BS does not require a referral. I have sent you an e-mail which I hope will also help. This is a BIG step to take and as you know, not a step to be taken lightly. You will find people here that are in all different stages of this journey. We are like family as we answer and ask questions, or just vent. No matter what the problem, there is usually someone here who can help. Feel free to ask questions anytime. Always remember that we are always here for you. May your journey be smooth and without too many bumps in the road. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{HUGS}}}} Brenda

Hi Shannon WELCOME!!! I just wanted to take a moment and welcome you here. This is an excellent plave for support, information, and a great place to make some friends who trulu understand everything you are going through. You will get the best advice right here. The people here are wonderful!!!! Welcome again.... Blanquie

Hey, I'm new here, too (my 2nd or 3rd posting). Don't feel bad; I have to visit a dietician for 18 months (Insurance Requirement). I also have to see my doctor monthly to monitor my health. What a joke....do you even think I'd be considering any WLS if I could lose weight & keep it off? I was told by the surgeon's office to wait until I complete a year of dietician visits!! I can't even start the process until I have 6 months left of dietician visits. I wished that I would have seen a dieitican years ago, to document any diet attempts. I always tried to do it on my own. I'm not 100% decided yet about WLS, especially Gastric Bypass (so risky). I'm really doing alot of research, I want all the facts, so I can make an informed decision. I really want to hear from some people that are 5 or more years out. I'm also a member of WLS gone wrong (yahoo group) & also a couple of weight loss support groups. I am keeping a very open mind about this. Keep the faith. Suzy

Thank you for the great welcome everyone! I made my first appt with Dr. Cole, YEAH!!! August 25th I am still going to check out Health Works, like my other Dr. asked me to do, I will probably need to do that anyway. Oh also my mother has her first appt with Dr. Cole July 12th, she is very scared and is just going for info, and not sure if she is going to go through with it, but if I can get out of work that afternoon, I will be going with her. Thanks again, and I see that quite a few of you are within my area, I went to the support group meeting at East High in Corning, June 13th. Where any of you there? I was with my mother and 17 year old daughter. Thanks again everyone and have a lovely day!!! Shannon