Honest Feedback PLEASE

First off dump your current PCP, you Dr should be more up to date on things especially the fact that you have been YO-YO-ing with you weight. Second you are paying this Dr. then they should be more supportive of your wishes and give you the referral that you have requested. Third  WLS has been the greatest thing that I have ever done for my self. I say go for it   

David, First, welcome to the Men's board.  You've taken a step in the right direction by coming here.  This group of guys are top knotch and have a myriad of great experience.  You definately need to research WLS yourself since there are so many different variations.  My wife researched it for over 2 years and told me she was going to do it and I said, "me too".  We had surgery 11 days apart.    After 14 months, I can truthfully say it was one of the best decisions in my life because I can truthfully say it has prolonged my life.  It is a definate life style change, but so worth it.  I had mine when I was 52 and wished I had done it earlier in my life.  Good luck with your decision.   Floyd

I agree with points made by several of your respondents.  Do look into getting a new primary doc and see if you can change health ins during your next open season.  I do know that many companies only offer ins with one insurer and you may not have that option.  I also agree with the person who said you should consider where you will be in the future if you don't have the WLS.  I couldn't get surgery when I was your age because it was hardly ever done.  I weighed 200 lbs at age 24 and gained 10 lbs a year for the next 5 years.  But, then I exploded.  By the time I had RNY at age 50, I weighed over 570 lbs.  As to self-pay, you may want to look at getting the surgery done in Mexico where it's cheaper.

David--  My story is somewhat similar to yours.  I've lost weight before, several times.  I even starred in a commercial for a weight loss supplement (check out my profile.)  Everytime I was successful at weightloss, I would eventually regain it.  I'm older than you (48) and have questioned whether I could just motivate myself and lose weight again the old fashioned way.  Although I might, what would make me think that THIS will be the time I keep it off?  I also think about where I might be if I continue in my current pattern of weight gain.  The surgery is a tool, a tool I hope will help me keep the weight off for good.  Excess weight can be lost with diet and exercise.  The post-op guys here will all tell you that even with WLS, you must diet and exercise.  Its a tough decision, but I'm pursuing the surgery.  My BMI is "only" 38, but my surgeon doesn't hesitate at all in saying the surgery would be appropriate for me with my sleep apnea.  I am currently doing a 3 month program that will hopefully lead to an insurance approval.  Best of luck in whatever direction you go. Sonny 

hey david,

i think the guys pretty much said it all. i'm in your area when i work. click on my doc because he's in our area. he's moved to the marina del rey area and is just minutes from my house but a half hour drive for you. he's worth it. the best. do you know bill handle on kfi radio? korman did his bypass. i can't say enough good things about him. it was a fantastic experience and they really follow through too. email me and i'll give you his number and some more info........carbonblob

ps you only have to go to my pics to see the results!

id definately pursue it. i am still post op, but am exhausting all means necessary to get it done. my insurance does not cover, it is exluded from my policy... im having trouble finding an insurer that i can buy a plan from and get it with WLS. so, first off, call your insurance and find out if you even are eligible. 2nd, id find another PCP if your insurance DOES cover it... then just research the hell out of it, theres a few surgerys to chose from, some for different people who have different strenghts of will. by best thing i ever did for research? the chatroom. on the main page, middle of the page, just click Chatroom... come in and bombard the people with questions. people in there have had all the different surgeries, and are at different stages out.. its how i learned a lot of information and got a great amount of resources, and most of all, support. im a self pay, so finding a doctor takes time, and money ;) good luck with it. dont give up, cuz thats just suicide.