Getting started (advice, please)

Newbie here, hi all. I am afraid to call the surgeon. My primary care doctor (who rocks, btw) gave me some names of surgeons and assured me that I should qualify for WLS. I am looking into the lap-band procedure. I am currently 5'8", 350 lbs, athletic build. Here's the thing, though. I'm terrified that I'll go in and be told I haven't tried hard enough to lose the weight through diet and exercise. Now granted, I *do* have some other issues (mood disorder) that make me paranoid like this, but has anyone here had trouble getting approved for a surgery? Can I get some advice on how to get this process started? Thanks much, Jenn

Hi Jenn. First of all, welcome! I'm glad you stopped by to post on the Oregon board. I may not have all the answers you need, but I bet there are others who do. I know it's a scary time for you, but I think the first thing you need to do is to determine if you want the surgery. As far as the surgeon goes, go in with as much data and background information as you can gather about yourself...health issues, weight loss attempts, etc. Do you have co-morbidities....health risks that being overweight is causing? I always feel so much more prepared to see the doctor if I write everything down so that I won't forget something if I am scared or stressed. Remember too that you are interviewing the surgeon as much as he or she is interviewing you! The other thing I keep thinking is that if your pcp gave you a list of surgeons and said you should qualify for WLS, you need to trust that he knows what he is talking about and would only send you to surgeons that he feels would be "on your side." Good luck, and do let us know when you get a date to see the surgeon. Peg

Welcome to the first steps of weight loss ! Have no fear, if your Dr. say's you'll qualify then you probably will. However do your research,types of surgery, the surgeon and so forth. Some Insurance companies will pay for gastric bypass but wont pay for the band so you want to be prepared. You have nothing to loose accept for allot of weight ! bariatric surgeons arnt going to talk you out of weight loss sugery because its their business to do the surgery. My primary care provider was so supportive as well and it makes all the differance in the world. Make the call it will be the best call you've every made ! Gail