Hi Everyone, I'm a NEWBIE

Hello Everyone. After months of going back and forth about weight loss surgery, I made the decision yesterday to GO FOR IT.  I have had several friends that have had WLS, and am hoping to make even more friends thru this website.  I need friends on my profile page...!  LOL   I am hoping now to have the surgery (LAP BAND) and am going to speak to my Primary Care Physician on Thursday to start the process.  Any advice you have would be much appreciated. I was told by my Insurance Company (Carefirst Bluechoice HMO - Open Access) today that my PCP would need to send the letter.  I am anxious for my appointment this coming Thursday at 8:00 a.m. I hope to hear back from you. Thanks so much, Wendy

Hi Wendy! Welcome to our great Virginia board. There are nothing but wonderful people here that will give you great advice and lend an ear, if needed. I am fairly new to this WLS as well. I had lap RNY on April 30 and tomorrow is my 6 week check up. I am anxious to go so that I can see how much weight I have lost.

Congratulations on your appointment on Thursday. That is a big step in this journey. I hope you make the friends you want and need and find this site friendly and helpful. If you have questions, please don't hesitate. Hope to see you posting more often!

Hi Wendy I'm new to the VA Board too but I'm a 10 month post-op Duodenal Switch (DSr).  I live in Northern VA and have met some really nice folks through the VA board! Glad you're here! Gina

Hi, Wendy:  Welcome to the VA Board AND congratulations on making the decision to have WLS.  It is a life changing experience, as I am sure your friends have told you!  I am not familiar with your insurance, but I am sure your PCP will know the ins and outs (as much as anyone can!).  This is a great group of people -- feel free to post and ask questions as you go along!  Again, welcome!  :)

Hi and welcome to the VA board and please keep on coming back. I will go to your profile and add you to mine. I am starting to go throught the process again.

Welcome!  I'm not sure how your insurance works for the PCP letter, but have you considered what bariatric surgeon you will be using?  What part of VA are you in.  I'm sure there will be several people who can make recommendations based on your location.  :) Congrats on starting your journey!

I am in the Bristow / Gainesville area.  I have looked into Dr. Robert Pinnar. He is In-Network for my insurance.  Any other recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks! Wendy

Wendy, Congrats and Welcome to the rest of your life... It's an amazing ride with ups and downs and loop de loops and we are here for you every step of the way!  Check with your HMO to make sure they ahve the WLS Rider first and fore most.  I think there may even be a check list on this site somewhere or at least questions that you can ask surgeons as you research, dr's etc....  Check in often along the way.... and let us know how you are doing... I know this VA Community is a HUGE support for me wether I'm posting or not and they always have lots of advice and love to give! You are not alone... Amanda

Hi Wendy,  I am Gwen.     Welcome to the OH  VA Family.

Hi Wendy and welcome to the VA board!!  Congratulations on making the decision to take back your life and be as healthy as you know you could be!  It will not be an easy road but you have crossed the first hurdle by making the decision and on Thursday you will pass another milestone.... We are all here for you so please never think you are alone. Each one of us made the decision to do what you did and speaking for myself - and I am sure many others - it is the single best thing I have ever done for myself!! I do not regret a single thing EXCEPT I wish I had done it years ago!! On this board you will find people that have done everything you are doing  - we all have different experiences as we are all different so never be shy about asking questions and people can get back to you with their experiences. Again - welcome to our weight loss family! Jackie