How do I go about getting Started in this process?

3 years ago I had a referra and consultationl for WLS. Long story short chickened out! Friends talked me out of it. Now I Have a new primary doctor and weigh ALOT more then before (My BMI is over 40.) I also have other health problems including emotional issues.My question(s) is: I live in the Albany NY area: Is there a surgeon that will accept straight medicaid around here? Will medicaid even accept this procedure? Will my emotional illness get in the ways of this (in the doctor's eyes), even though I have been in therapy for a few years? Do I even need a referral from my primary? I have so many questions. I am not scared to have the operation, i'm actually excited. If I had my way i'd do it tomorrow, I feel I could handle it at this point in my life? Please help me!!!

Well in my area the first thing i did was have an appointment with my regular doctor and discussed my decision to have weight loss surgery. He gave me the name of a surgeon that he felt was GREAT in our area. I went to the surgeons seminar, saw him and that went thru all the approval stages needed. MOST surgeons require a psyciatric evaluation pre op so if you can pass that i doubt any emotional illnesses will matter. Take it one step at a time and i am sure all will be fine. LISA

Thanks for you help. LOL, I've tried calling my primary 2 days in a row to make an appointment. I was waiting 15 min on hold so, needless to say I hung up. I'm starting to get impatient. I think my main concern is that my primary will say "Oh, maybe you should just keep on excersizing and try a new diet." I guess i'm too paranoid and impatient Thanks again!