Hi, I'm new here and have never posted.  I have an appointment with Dr. O'Brien in 2 weeks to discuss WLS.  From what I'm seeing on the message boards, I may not have the difficult time of approval that I thought I would.  (I have Wellmark BCBS)  Any tips along those lines would be appreciated. My BMI is 46 and I have several co-morbidities that make this surgery almost a must.  I have diabetes, uncontrolled, kidney disease, kidney stones, GERD, joint problems, PCOS and am starting to have some cardiac issues.  Yes, ladies and germs, I am a mess.  :D  My primary care physician has recommended WLS many times, and I've wanted to have it but I'm scared.  Mostly I'm scared that I'll have it and still won't be able to keep the weight off.  I like eating healthy and I love exercise (when I'm not so obese that it's nearly impossible and terribly embarrasing) but I have SUCH an appetite.  It seems like I want to eat 24/7, and I doubt that WLS will cure that. Reading the message boards has helped me in a lot of ways, but now I'm more confused than ever whether to have LapBand or Gastric Bypass (and if so, whether to have lap or open).  Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Jean

Hello, I'm a newbie here. (Technically, I'm in Iowa but just barely and I'm a SD native, will be attending the support group in SF post surgery I hope.)  I have Sanford Health Plan also (since Sanford is my employer) and got done with my year of WW's in Feb. Lost 45 pound**** a plateau and gained a couple pounds back.  Decided I needed to go ahead with the surgery. I want to travel and fit in economy instead of having to pay extra for business class. I'm going to miss my WW group for the support though. It is a little scary to get this surgery but I keep reminding myself it will be worth it. Any words of encouragement or advice about the post diet are welcome!  Julie 

I'm interested to hear other's experiences with DakotaCare in general when it comes to WLS. My husband works for the state and that's the insurance we have.

Okay so I worked with Dr. Schutz last night and his assistant, Mary, and I were talking about weight loss and plastics.  She herself has lost a ton of weight and has had a lot of PS.  I think you should go and talk with him.  The consult is free.  They will show you all of their before and afters.  She showed me her LBL and breasts and looks amazing.  She has offered to come and talk at the support group if we would like her to also.  I was very impressed by how she looks!

Thank you.  Ok, since you work in OR, have you worked with him before?  Have you seen his work?  I am having a hard time telling myself it will be alright having it done here.  I keep thinking I should go out of state (was looking at Florida) to do this, there are better surgeons, prices are better, etc... but then I also keep reminding myself that I have to trust the surgeons we have right here in Rapid City.  I don't know why I am struggling so much with this.  It does make me feel better knowing people who have worked with some of these people and know their reputations.  I have a friend who worked as a surgical tech for many years and I am use to asking her which surgeons she would recommend, but I have not talked to her yet, so this also is making me a little more nerveous.  So, PLEASE let me know of anything (good and bad) that you know about Dr Carver.  Even if you have to ask Dr Sufficool.   Thanks, Maryann