I'm needing help.. im just so confused

Hello everyone, i seen that there is a teen forum, so i thought i'd come check it out. I'm 20 yrs old, and i've been overweight my whole life. I mean and the doctors i've been to have never really done anything about it. Or mentioned ways to help me out, i have such a low self-esteem. I have chronic GERDS, and i've had bladder problems since i was 9 yrs old. I've been considering getting weight loss surgery. I've been doing research, but im still so confused. Like do you have to get the surgery okay'd by your primary physician, and then check with your insurance company to see where you may go? Then what if your doctor won't approve the surgery? I have so many questions and if you could help me out. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] anytime. I really am considering getting this done. I just need to know exactly how to go about it. Thanks so much, Jamie

dont be confused, i know it looks like its a never ending mound of research and test but belive me..its all worth it...i have been at this for two years, and this is my third dr, i went and met them all, i didnt like the vibe i got from em, finally i found one that i liked, and he did the surgery i wanted. so yeah...its a long road but the treasure at the end is great.

Jamie- Be sure to talk to your primary care doctor about the surgery. If you've decided on a surgery, tell them which one, and see what they say. The bottom line is, if you want surgery and your doc wont approve, find a different doctor. This is no one's dicision but your own. I was self pay, so I didn't need my doctor to refer me, but I still went and saw her, to make sure she'd still treat me and didnt' have any major objections. If you haven't decided on a surgery, do your research and see what your doctor says. See if you get a feeling on whether your doctor has a bias for one or the other. But definately do your research and form an opinion on your own, and don't let anyone decide for you. Call your insurance like was mentioned before, and make sure there's no exclusions. Sarah

I've tried talking to my primary care provider, and they think that im just trying to be lazy and wanting an easy way out. They said that if i was really determined that i could lose the weight on my own. Like today, i met with the nutritionist because ive been really upset about my weight, and she told me that the weight lose surgery wont solve my problems. So i mean im still so confused. I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like im helpless. Jamie

Is there a surgery that you are leaning toward wanting? If so, which one? As for your PCP, find another one. From your profile, it looks like you've tried dieting, and losing wieght isn't the problem, it's keeping it off. The problem with "dieting" is that we diet for a while, and then when we are "done" with the diet, we gain everything back.. Surgery is a tool to help us with permanent lifestyle changes so that we can keep the weight off for the rest of our lives. "I don't know what to do anymore" Do whatever you need to do for you. If your doctor wont support you in this, find one who will. You simply don't need the negativity. If you end up deciding against surgery in the long run, I would still find a different doctor, because you don't need anyone telling you that you are "lazy" or want an "easy way out" no matter what the situation is. As for the "easy way out" thing, any one who was even slightly educated on what being Morbidly Obese was like, and what surgery was like wouldn't say that. Of course, beyond that WHO CARES if it's the "easy" way out. It's A WAY OUT, period. I'm getting preachy... but I hate when doctors are like that. Anyhow, do some serious thinking and soul searching. You'll come to the decision that's right for you. Research ALL of the surgeries, because they all have different risks and lifestyle needs. Good luck! Sarah 280/239/140

I'd call and check your insurance before anything. Make sure you qualify in their terms, be it BMI over 40 or morbidities. Check for exclusions, some policies WON'T cover it. There's a forum where you can look up your insurer and get an idea what others on this site have experienced...just to give you an idea. Your PCP is required if it's an HMO policy, otherwise like me (I have PPO) I just went straight to my surgeon and was approved in 3DAYS! Surgery in 3 weeks! I have had almost every kind of insurance, so just email me. I also share alot of things on my profile, like photos, feelings, drama with relationships....all that fun stuff! BTW I'm 23 yrs old and just over 1 month post-op and finding my...can it be? Figure! 237/212/115..that's what both my sisters weigh!