Question:
How do I begin with my plans for surgery?

Hi im 37 and obese i know im at least over 400 pounds, I live in NC but i just dont know where to start looking? Do i see a regular doctor first? Or a surgeon. Please can anyone point me in right direction?    — duncanonyou21 (posted on April 15, 2005)

April 14, 2005
The 1st place to start would be with your PCP and then you should call your insuance company to make sure that this is a covered benefit. Also start doing as much research as possible on this (and other) sites. Good Luck!!
   — Jessica D

April 15, 2005
pcp? My insurance will cover it but i ran into a snafu today as they are mailing me the prepacket info but they want 5 yrs of documented over weight problems and that i dont have?
   — duncanonyou21

April 16, 2005
I am not sure where in NC you live, but I just had surgery with DR. Cook at surgery Weight Loss Clinic in Hickory. They helped me ever step of the way. When I contacted my PCP they told me to go ther first and would help me with the steps. I contacted them. Got a packet within days and sent it back and they sent me back a check sheet list. They were all very imformative and helpful. I love my PCP but only had to visit her once during the whole experience. Dr. COoks office took care of everything. Hope this helps You can call them at 1-866-720 -5577. I had sugery on 4-11-2005. I am doing great. Melanie
   — mbcarter

April 16, 2005
Hi Kurt, I hope you were able to find out more information. The PCP is your Primary Care Physician, the one you go to for every day things. He can refer you to a bariatric surgeon or you can go on-line and find out who is located near you and everything about their reputation, procedures, etc. They generally have a seminar for those interested but unsure if they want it or not or just to find out more information before the surgery. Most places keep you well informed of the risks, the procedure and the changes you will have to make after surgery. My hospital was St. Vincents in Cleveland, Ohio and they have an excellent web site if you want to look there for information. When you find one and you get an appointment be sure to take a list of questions with you so you can ask everything while you're there. I did and it helps as I usually forget something until I'm gone from the office. If you need more information please contact me and I will help you or get you to the right place for help in your area. Good luck to you, Kurt!
   — Dianne M.

April 17, 2005
anyone near hickory or lenoir have a PCP to recommend
   — duncanonyou21

April 23, 2005
Hey Kurt, Just saw your post about where to start - and I just want to say how important it was for me to hear from my doctor who recommended WLS to me that there are 6 commonly (and approved) forms of WLS done today, and that I should thoroughly research all of them and determine which one I felt most comfortable living with for the rest of my life. I've got some good links that may be of help to you: http://www.gr-ds.com/generalinformation/comparison.html http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/m-surgerytypes.phtml www.duodenalswitch.com If you have insurance coverage, very cool! BUT - let me just encourage you to really do your homework - choose your surgeon carefully - be sure to check out their CV and credentials, as well as published work. Talk to post-ops, attend local support group meetings. Let me know if I can answer any questions, okay? Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride