Thinking of starting the journey

Hi Kristy,  Welcome to the board! This is a great place for support, the people are wonderful! I do reccommend that you research each surgery completely and then decide what you believe will work for you. Also be sure to research each of the surgeons as well. Once you feel comfortable with the surgeon and type of surgery, you can call the insurance and just ask if bariatric surgery is covered and what guidelines you must meet. Also be sure and get a list of the covered surgeons if they tell you that it is a covered service.  As for me, I had LapBand surgery on July 3, 2007. I just celebrated my one year bandiversary and I have lost 104 pounds to date. I had mine at Baptist in Nashville with Dr. Morton. Whichever doctor you choose to work with they will help you in deciding what surgery is best for you, and they should have an office staff that will fight for you with insurance. If you have any questions or need anything please feel free to send me a message!  Again welcome to the Tennessee Board and best of luck!

THANKS TO EVERYONE! I cannot say thanks enough!  Each of you have given such important information and advice.  I have scheduled to attend the seminars with both surgical groups in the Knoxville area.  One is for the 17th and the other is for the 22nd.  I decided to do both since one group is doing the new sleeve method and I wanted to be informed of each option before making a decision. I feel such support here and that is incredible!  I have a very supportive family, none of which are overweight so it makes it hard to truly understand what you go through.  I know that they probably have the problem 5 or 10 pounds to lose but nothing like what I am up against!  I have an MRI scheduled for the 15th to see about some spots from a pevious nuclear med study.  I am hoping that is all clear and I can move forward with a referral from my primary doctor.  In the initial discussion he was very supportive and belived that with my current issues, weight, age and the factors in my family history it was a good option. Thanks again to all and I look forward to this journey with each of my new TN friends. Happy Thursday!

Well all I can say is WELCOME!!!! Everyone else has covered all the bases. C'ya Bob

Ditto what others have said. Just saying WELCOME ABOARD!  If ya do decide on the surgery - it's a heck of a ride!!!

Good luck to you, and again WELCOME TO THE TENNESSEE BOARD!