Just starting out, Looking for advice
JustDuckie
on 10/21/10 4:03 am, edited 10/21/10 4:44 am
on 10/21/10 4:03 am, edited 10/21/10 4:44 am
I am new to all this, actually just started looking into surgery today. I am 29 years old and weigh 241.5 pounds. I am miserable.
I have Molina insurance and am located in the Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati area. I refuse to have surgery in my hometown so will go to one of the 3.
I guess im looking for any advice you can give me. I honestly know nothing.
Thank you very much.
I have Molina insurance and am located in the Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati area. I refuse to have surgery in my hometown so will go to one of the 3.
I guess im looking for any advice you can give me. I honestly know nothing.
Thank you very much.
Hi Duckie,
Good for you. You are taking charge and asking questions. That's the first step.
Here is what I can share based on my personal experience so far:
1) Do your research. Learn about all the surgery types and find the best one for you. Do this BEFORE shopping for a surgeon.
2) Once you choose a surgery, check your insurance coverage. Based on what you learn there, then shop for a surgeon.
3) be aware that some surgeons say they do the surgery you want, but once you are in their program they try to encourage you to do a different surgery. Try to avoid those practices. Pick a surgeon who is well qualified in the procedure you have picked, preferably someone who has done more than a hundred of that type of surgery.
4) Go to at least two seminars with different practices, read these forums daily, and attend an OH conference if you can.
5) get enrolled in the program you choose, and prepare to jump through a lot of hoops. The process could take as long as a year from start to finish. You WILL get frustrated. It WILL be hard, but from what I've seen from the people in this online comma ity, it's worth the wait.
Good for you. You are taking charge and asking questions. That's the first step.
Here is what I can share based on my personal experience so far:
1) Do your research. Learn about all the surgery types and find the best one for you. Do this BEFORE shopping for a surgeon.
2) Once you choose a surgery, check your insurance coverage. Based on what you learn there, then shop for a surgeon.
3) be aware that some surgeons say they do the surgery you want, but once you are in their program they try to encourage you to do a different surgery. Try to avoid those practices. Pick a surgeon who is well qualified in the procedure you have picked, preferably someone who has done more than a hundred of that type of surgery.
4) Go to at least two seminars with different practices, read these forums daily, and attend an OH conference if you can.
5) get enrolled in the program you choose, and prepare to jump through a lot of hoops. The process could take as long as a year from start to finish. You WILL get frustrated. It WILL be hard, but from what I've seen from the people in this online comma ity, it's worth the wait.
You got some great advice from Kelleybell122 so only want to add that at least my doc won't make the decision for you unless there is a valid medical reason for it. Even then, the final choice is yours to make.
I had wanted the sleeve, but didn't think it would be covered so had chosen RNY. He told me because of my bleeding disorder that the sleeve was the better option for me as he could get to any bleeds quickly without having to open me up. Turns out my insurance just started covering the sleeve the month before my first appointment with him so I ended up getting my sleeve.
One other thing to add, make sure there is good post op support via support groups as they are very important to long term success. A Psychologist leads our group and a dietitian is always there too.
Speaking of OH, join the Walk From Obesity on the 30th of this month. Just google walk from obesity. You are welcome to join my group if you wish, Jody's Fresh Starters.
The walk is near the OSU campus.
I had wanted the sleeve, but didn't think it would be covered so had chosen RNY. He told me because of my bleeding disorder that the sleeve was the better option for me as he could get to any bleeds quickly without having to open me up. Turns out my insurance just started covering the sleeve the month before my first appointment with him so I ended up getting my sleeve.
One other thing to add, make sure there is good post op support via support groups as they are very important to long term success. A Psychologist leads our group and a dietitian is always there too.
Speaking of OH, join the Walk From Obesity on the 30th of this month. Just google walk from obesity. You are welcome to join my group if you wish, Jody's Fresh Starters.
The walk is near the OSU campus.
There are fine options in the area you mentioned... GOOD LUCK. The lightweights board is extremely insightful. You should check them out --- those with initially less to lose... a smaller board.
Ask questions! and I agree -- be ready to jump through the hoops -- made me totally giggle as I have been discouraged this week!!!
Oh one more -- if you will have any out of pocket expense that is reimbursable with Flex Spending Account benefits make sure you take advantage of the tax savings --- it's helpful!!!
Good luck!
Ask questions! and I agree -- be ready to jump through the hoops -- made me totally giggle as I have been discouraged this week!!!
Oh one more -- if you will have any out of pocket expense that is reimbursable with Flex Spending Account benefits make sure you take advantage of the tax savings --- it's helpful!!!
Good luck!
**********************************************
HW 236 / SW 224 / CW 164/ GW 135
HW 236 / SW 224 / CW 164/ GW 135
Most Active
Recent Topics
