How do I start this whole process?

Hello everyone! 

I'm brand new to this forum, so I'll introduce myself. I'm Jessica. 25 year old mother to a wonderful 4 year old daughter. I have a BMI of 51, and have been researching WLS for almost a year now. I have no idea how to bring this up to my health care provider. First thing, I don't have a physician, I see a Nurse Practitioner for my health needs. Second of all, I'm really embarrassed talking about my weight, and I feel like maybe I'll be judged for being so young and letting it get this bad, and not being able to help it myself. How did you start the conversation with your health care provider? How do I get the ball rolling here?

It is hard to bring up but part of this entire process, for me, was letting go of the failure/blame conversation in my head and to view obesity for what it is - a health issue. In fact, in dealing with your health issues straight on you are the opposite of a failure, you are taking charge of your health and future. Not to mention being a great role model to your daughter. Who better to speak with than your health care provider?

I don't know if a NP can refer you or not but if she can't she should be able to direct you to who can. If she is reluctant to refer you or gives you the advice of "eat less, move more" I would look for another provider. 

Best of luck.

Well consider it a "courageous conversation".  

You go to your NP and tell her "I have been researching bariatric surgery for over a year now and I would like a referral to the Bariatric registry in order to see if I would be a good  candidate for surgery.  Bring her the website. 

The bariatric registry website does indicate that NPs can make referrals.  

Good luxk!

Hi Jessiak,

We've all been there.  Our weight is the hardest thing to talk about.  Society has but so many stresses on us, saying that if we aren't "normal" that we are failing.  This has causes so many problems for so many people, and not just the ones that are heavier.  I know how it feels to be embarassed by your weight, been there.  But once you start this, you'll feel so much better with the knowledge that you are doing something to make yourself healthier.

It will be easier if you have the same nurse all the time.  Tell her that you want to be healthier. Tell her that you've been looking at all the options for losing weight, and have tried dieting and it didn't work.  Let her know how much you already know about WLS, and ask if she can put in the referal to the bariatric registry.  If she can't can she suggest someone you could see that is able to.

I'm not saying that this will be easy for you, but you can do it.  You've made the first step here.  You can take the next step.

Cathy

Thank you guys for your kind words :) I really feel like I can do this. Like I NEED to do this. 

If I refer my NP to the bariatric registry website, is that all she'll need? I'm looking for this to be covered under OHIP, is it all the same process? 
Thanks again!

I am assuming you are in Ontario? Your WLS will be covered under OHIP, once you are referred and then go to an orientation, then many different appointments with different specialists, then surgery :)  I spent about a year and a half researching WLS also, at the same time asking my doctor.  She would not refer me!, until a year later, I had gained yet another 20 lbs, my blood sugars were not in control, and then she finally said she will support me and sent in my referral.  That was May 29, 2014 and I have not heard anything from the registry yet......so the process takes a long time, but we learn so much while we wait :)  Good Luck!

Good tips here! Speak with your NP and get that referral in. You might be surprised at how supportive people can be.

I was also 25 when I was referred and had surgery when I was 26. I felt similarly but I didn't feel judged for my age in the end. 

Nurse practitioners generally work under a physician, so tell her you would like a referral, and the physician would probably fill out the referral.  You have the right to be seen by a bariatric surgeon based on your BMI.

It's important, though, to check to see if your insurance covers WLS.  I'm not familiar with your insurer - is it through the State or an employer?  In either case, call the number on the back of your insurance card, and find out if WLS is covered, and what the requirements are.  Generally, you can view your policy online, but make the call.  Also note, if the insurance is through an employer, make sure the employer does not have a WLS exclusion - many employers to, to save premium costs.

Don't be the least bit embarrassed to bring up WLS with the nurse practitioner - it's a reflection that you want to take control of your life and get healthy.  Don't delay - it's best to lose the weight while you're young -- before you develop co-morbidities.

Good luck to you, and please keep us posted.

We're lucky enough to live in Ontario where the surgery and all related doctor's appointments are covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). The only cost to us is that of medicines/prescriptions/Opti. Work benefits will sometimes cover those things, however.

Congratulations for your courage Jessiak! I am certain your NP will understand where you are coming from. Your health for you and to be there for your Daughter!