where do i start?

i've been thinking about having surgery, i'm about 5'4 and weigh 3oolbs. i'm only 23. i haven't taken any steps teords getting the surgery, i just don't know where to start. do i call my insurance company? schedule a consultation or what? i was also wondering, i heard that by losing the weight it will help me be more likley to get pregnant. is this true? someone please help me, i need a new start. jen

Hi Jen, the first thing you need to do is read everything you can about the different surgeries available, talk to anyone who has had bariatric surgery, call your insurance company and see if they cover the surgery you decide on, and then go to your primary doctor for a referral. Know that bariatric surgery is not an "easy out". It is a tool to help you and it is a lifetime decision. Best of luck to you, Pattie

Who is your primary doctor? Or Clinic? UW or Dean?? Who do you have for insurance? Depending upon "why" you haven't been able to conceive - loosing weight may help w/infertility. However, it isn't a guarantee. My DH and I went threw 5 yrs of infertility. I lost weight - still no preganncy. Just happened. Then few years later lost weight again - got pg. It all depends upon your hormones and all that other stuff. Gala

thanks everyone, i called my insurance company and they said they do not for any reason cover weight loss surgery under any of their policies. I just moved here three months ago, my pcp is at uw but i've never met her, it takes a long time to get in for a physical. and i don't think my new insurance physicians plus covers my old doctor. anyways, it's very discouriging, what do i do now? jen

Jen, I've heard that you should never call insurance and ask for "weight loss surgery" Maybe call them back and reword it. "I was wondering if my insuance policy covers Gastic Bypass Surgery. If so, what type of gastic bypass surgeries does my policy cover. What is the criteria that I must meet before surgery will be covered?" Just an idea. I've notice that every time I call the insurance company I get a differant answer each time. Kimmie

Jen - let me tell what my ob/gyn told me when I was your age trying to get pregnant and fat -- she said that when you are obese sometimes you don't menstruate properly because the blood accumulates in the adipose (fat) cells in your uterine wall - this prevents pregnancy -- and if you exercise regularly everyday -- walk 20 minutes -- do something it stimulates your ovaries and you will menstruate properly -- try it it works! I would go months without a period -- but I never did get pregnnt cuz then I got divorced.. As for WLS I'm in Delavan and I had my bypass surgery and now am going thru my reconstructive surgeries at Barix (Bariatric Clinics of America) in Belvidere Ill - I highly recomment them - if you email me off list I can give you a number to call for the consultation to give you an idea of what's what.........I'd even go with you if you wanted Let me know Lynne