Where do I start?

I'm new to this. I feel lost and don't know where to start. I want to have the surgery but what do I do first? Please help!!!!!

Hi Kathy, Welcome to the board! Do you need help deciding? Finding a doc? Let us know. Collectively we are an awsome group and there are many resources available to you. Willi Ryan

Welcome, I had surgery about 3 months ago was a yr process but worth the wait. I have an awesome Dr, i see him at Quincy Medical, and he operates out of Boston Medical. Dr Hess..let me know if I can be of any more help... Michele

Hi Kathy, After I did some research, I went to my PCP to get a referral. Then I started looking into surgeons This a great site. Also, there is a local list on Yahoo groups called OSSG-Newengland that is friendly and helpful. Get all the information you can. Educating yourself will help you become a successful post op. If I can be of any help please feel free to email me.

Hi Kathy! Welcome! I am fairly new to this board also and after having 2 friends who had WLS I found this website. I have learned so much! Browse the website, really read about the different types of surgery and what is involved and ask,ask, ask questions! The people here are great, very supportive without telling you what you should do. As has been said, you probably should start with your PCP. Most insurance companies require a referral to get the process started. My insurance doesn't require referrals, so being a nurse, having heard the experience that friends had, and working at the hospital where the surgeon operates made me decide on which surgeon to see. If I didn't feel right with him, I had a second choice in mind. However, Dr. Hess at Qunicy Medical Center (surgery at Boston Medical Center) seemed just right for me and his office staff has been wonderful. Good luck on this journey! We are all here to help each other along the way! Luann ~I am still a hot babe. It just comes in flashes :

Hi Kathy, When I decided I wanted to have Weight Loss Surgery, I searched the internet and found some very good articles. I then made an appointment with my primary are physician. She was very supportive. I live in Taunton and she recommended two hospitals to me, New England Medical Center and Newton-Wesley. I researched both and decided on NEMC. They have an Obesity Consult Center. Their website is: http://www.obesityconsult.org/ I started the program on May 19th and I am so glad I made the decision. NEMC has a very comprehensive program and support through the entire process. I am told by many physicians that NEMC sets the gold standard for WLS. They do most of the surgeries laproscopically; which is why I chose them. You can contact them with any questions. But, you also get alot of first hand experience in this group. The members of Obesity Help are very helpful and supportive, Good Luck in your journey and feel free to contact me if you have questions. Sue