What's The First Step To Take?????

Hi Everyone Reading This! My name is Maggie.I'm 16 years old also from Beatrice, Nebraska! I have been contimplating this surgery for about a year and a half...Until now both mom and sister have mentioned it to me. Not that it's a bad thing, I'm actualy glad. Because then I will have support. My mom is calling the insurance company tomorrow to see if they cover the surgery, either a gastric bypass surgery or a lap banding surgery. But, I'm not sure as to what I need to do after that. I was planning on making an appointment with my doctor, and talk to her about it. I don't know what to say to her, because I dont know what her job is in this deal...Does she tell me if she recommends it? Or does she set me up to get others opinions? I've never said anything about it. I try to avoid doctor visits unless I'm hurt or sick. Last time I was there I was getting my stitches out of my chinny *****hin! (car accident) , I am about 5'4 and 345 lbs...yep, I know what your thinking. I'm not very sure as to how I got this way. I mean I know eating was about 99% why, But I usualy eat when I am bored, or eat emotionaly. I've been a cutter for a couple years...so that may really mess up my chances of getting the surgery also. But I have done pretty well, I haven't cut for a good 3 weeks, And I dont plan on doing it again. I'm sure it will be hard to find a doctor to do my surgery, even tho my mom has agreed to travel out of state to get it done. Money is tight, so hopefully the insurance covers it....It's going to be a long hard road until I get my final answer. But I always remember this ----"You have to endure the storm, in order to enjoy the rainbow" Not sure who that quote is by, but I love it. Because I love rainy weather. And rainbows. They are pretty much my favorite things. ( *acts like napoleon dynamite* ) I dont know what it means, I get realy happy and hyper when there's lots of clouds in the sky and its about to storm. It's relieving for some reason. Well, enough out of my mouth, I'd appreciate any info! Thanks Yall! *-Maggie-* p.s posting this on the main board to, because i dont know how many people check out the teen board here!

Hey Maggie! Welcome to obesity help!!! I'd like to start with your age. Many doctors will not perform this surgery on anyone younger than 18. Most insurances will say no also since you are so young. I tried to get it done at 16 and was denied. I gave up and am now going thru the process for real this time!! I know you are more than 100 pound overweight and it wont seem fair if they deny you, but know you can apply again. Do what i did during those two years. I worked at a grocery store to mantain my weight ..and also i worked at a daycare ...that seemed to keep me under 300. As far as cutting...girl it isnt worth the pain. At 15 i tried killing myself...i am to also worried i wont be accepted due to that. However its past the 18 month mark my doctor wants to go back so i might be ok. You will have a psych eval and you will have to tell them. All i can say is who isnt depressed that is overweight. I think we all are sometimes. Its hard for me to just make a phone call or even get online sometimes.. I pray you will be given the strength to stop cutting! What type of insurance do you have? Maybe someone on this board will have the same and can help you out. Also if you have the book you can look and see if its covered. Be prepared because you may be asked to do a 3 or 6 month medical diet. Thats where you will be put on a diet and weighed by your doctor monthly. You will probably have to pay some out of pocket...but i am not sure. I have to pay $470 out of pocket and that will be my only one. I wish you the best of luck and that you will have a speedy process to your surgery date. Good luck. Your weight loss friend, Heather

Thanks all for the replies. As to the insurance accepting, they do, I go through United Healthcare, and my mom called and asked and they said yes, they do cover it, the only thing that would be a problem is finding a surgeon to do it because I am 16. I was looking for surgeons on here and guess what? I found one that does the surgery on the Minimum age of 13, (im 16) and maximum age of 65, she is a women her name is Wanda Kaniewski, she is from Lenexa KS and that is only 3 hours and about 30 minutes from where I live, in Beatrice Nebraska located in Gage County. I'm still going to goto my doctors office to talk to her about it and see what she thinks. BTW, thats a good idea to call and ask what needs to be done by calling the surgeons office directly. I think I'll do that. I really hope things go smoothly with only a few bumps along the way. But who knows! I've read so many stories , but you people are great and dont give up. Way to go!

That is awesome! I am happy for you! I really do hope you get approved. As i hope everyone does! Maggie i'll be praying for you. keep us updated...And if i sounded mean in my last post i am sorry..once i read it again i thought" that poor girl must think i am mean" i will just add this in on this thread..please pray for me or keep me in your thoughts...my pcp wants to test me for diabetes..he seems to think i have it..just pray my levels come back normal..thanks

Yes , I will keep you in my prayers, good luck! I hope you dont have diabetes, I have a feeling I might, my dad already has it. It runs in the family. And I'm at good risk, I think I might ask to get a a test when I goto the doctor soon. *-Maggie-*