Confusion (Newbie)

I am seriously considering bariatric surgery, but I have no idea where to start.  I guess I could talk to a bariatric surgeon, but I want information from someone who doesn't have a vested interest in my decision.

How did any of you start your research?  What was your insurance company's reaction? How did you pick a surgeon?

Hello!  I started the process in January of this year. I had been contemplating it for a while and met a lady at a bridal shower that had had surgery recently.  I talked to my PCP and got a referal for a local surgeon.  I went to a seminar he put on and there is where I found out what my insurance required.  Now I've finished insurance procedures, I'm approved and having surgery one month from today!!! 

I started by just doing random searches on the internet about surgery types, reading profiles on OH and went to a couple of support group meetings to listen to others.  I decided on my surgeon and then requested a application packet.  I took 6months to fill it out.  I kept reasoning with myself that I could do it on my own.  My process started September of last year and I had surgery in December.  I'm so glad I did this.

What part of VA are you from?  Maybe you can check into a support group or two to talk to others, in addition to support you can get here online.  :)  Good luck!

Where are you located ?   Many of the local hospitals & bariatric Doctors offer seminars and local support groups.  

I have several friend that have used my surgeon.... Attended several seminars with question & answer sessions with doctors... Learned alot....Did reasearch..

reading oh profiles. googled my dr and looked at all his stats. In my heart I knew it was right. Go with your gut feelings and back up with lots of research.

I discounted it for a long time.  After gaining back the weight (and then some) I'd lost on a program recommended by my PCP, I decided to have a heart-to-heart with him about what I could do to get things under control.  It was he who suggested the surgery.  He knew a surgeon he highly recommended, suggested I look into it and talk to him.  I told him about my apprehension in doing something so drastic, but I decided to look into it because I trust him that much.  He changed my life that day.  If he hadn't recommended it, I don't know that I would be where I am today.  My suggestion is to talk to your doctor, research, research, research, attend seminars...get as much information as you can so you can make a good, informed decision when you are ready.  Good luck!  :)

Good am,

Research is key. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can. Where are you located? Depending on where you live there are many bariatric offices that offer an Informational Meeting which allows you to meet the surgern (ours changes from meeting to meeting) and they break down all the types of surgeries they do and with video and dialogue then usually open up the floor with discussion.

My insurance company RAWKED! I applied for coverage and was covered almost immediately. I had Aetna at the time. I can tell you MUCH has changed since I had mine 5 1/2 + years ago.

I picked my surgeon based on the informational meeting I attended. I felt most comfortable with her, she answered every question and never stumbled or fumbled her words and she broke things down and didn't sugar coat. That is paramount in my care.

All best!

My PCP practically demanded that I get the surgery, but she doesn't have much experience with it so couldn't really recommend anyone.  I did a lot of research in the Bariatric Surgeon section here on OH.  When I found a doctor that I liked I went to his information session.  That pretty much sealed the deal for me.  You want to make sure you feel very comfortable with your surgeon.  I had an unrelated surgery 10 years ago and my surgeon, while good at what he did in the OR, was a terrible communicator and I felt on my own a lot of the time. 

Good luck with this process, I am about 3 weeks post-op and its the best thing I have ever done for myself. 

Amanda

I started by researching on the internet.  I also read journals & such here to see other people's experiences.  I researched surgeons in my area & attended information seminars with them to see which I thought would work for me.  I also researched my insurance to see what their requirements were.

Best to you as you begin!

You have gotten some great suggestions so far. Knowledge is the key so research all you can. My surgeons office required my PCP to fill out forms, send records and a referral. They made you or they one checked with insurance before I was allowed to attend the seminar. My insurance is great so no problem there. I knew ahead of time and that was when I decided to start my research.
Another lady had the surgery when I went to work on a new job. I had wanted it for years but when I first looked into it many years before I was afraid of the higher complication and failure rate back then, I had advanced alot in all those years.
Best wishes on your search and decisions.
Shannon