Question:
Advice on how to present my case at initial appt. replies [email protected]

I'm interested in the WLS, but most of my diet attemps have been on my own, my gyn has diagnoised me with polycystic ovaries and said it will be hard for me to loss weight if i starve myself, I think this is my only chance at having a normal life where I can walk up one flight of stair without my heart feeling like it's trying to escape out of my chest, i have asthma which decreases my activity tolerance and I gain more weight. I don't have low self esteem about it or anything it is just I'm worried about my future health, I'm only 28, what will I weigh at 30, i was wearing 154 lbs. in 1992 and in 2002 i weigh 251    — deniece M. (posted on September 20, 2002)

September 20, 2002
For my initial appt with my PCP, I took lots of info with me. I researched my ins company's criteria on-line and printed out the requirements for getting the surgery approved. I also brought with me a 4 page typed diet history going all the way back to when I was 17. I listed every type of weight loss effort I could remember - only 2 of which would be considered "supervised by a physician". I also typed in there my family's history of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, joint diseases - everything I could think of - AND I added a section about the daily life functions I couldn't perform due to my weight (such as cleaning, going up and down stairs, tying my shoes, etc). I brought all that stuff in a nice folder for my Dr. and an enthusiastic attitude - he KNEW I was serious! I kept a copy of everything for myself, and had another nice folder for my first appt with the surgeon. Hope this helps - Good Luck on your journey!
   — Kim A.