Question:
what is the first step!!!

I dont even have a clue as to where to start or anything. What do I need to do to even find out if I qualify? Do I check with my insurance first? Do i check with my PCP first? I saw some of the pics and results and now I really want to do this... I know there is some discomfort but the way I look at it is no pain no gain... it cant be worse than childbirth and I survived that. Please help me get started in the right direction or advise me as to where I can maybe get a video on this so I can involve my family in it and help get there support on the matter. I know they want to help but they are skeptic about surgery...diets have failed and I am a big depressed no self-esteem person and want to feel better about my looks and my self.    — Charlotte R. (posted on October 5, 2000)

October 5, 2000
Welcome! I have just recently started my research into WLS, too. Like you, the before & after pictures inspired me, but also made me motivated to find out all the medical information I could. Definitely go into the AMOS Library files and learn all about the different procedures, the post-op effects and nutrition requirements, et. Know ALL of this information when you go for your first doctor's visit. It will show the doctor how committed you are to your decision. My biggest concern was that my insurance would not cover it. So I searched AMOS for others who used my insurance carrier and asked what their experiences were. To my suprise I found out that not only does my insurance cover it, but they do it with very little resistance! Go to the top of the AMOS page & click on the insurers link to view comments from other AMOS members on how your company has handled prior WLS requests. Once I found out that my insurance would cover the surgery I began researching surgeons. The American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) webpage (www.asbs.org) can give you a list of surgeons, both board certified and not, in your area who perform WLS. You can also look for AMOS member comments on surgeons here on the AMOS site. Once you have all that information, go to your primary care physician & discuss your reasons for wanting WLS and ask for him to submit the insurance paperwork & referral to the surgeon. All insurance companies work differently, so the process may be different for you than for me. Because I use military Tricare I have to see my PCP, ask for a referral to the military endocronologist who will recommend the surgery and decide whether it must be done in a military treatment facility or if I can be "farmed out" to the civilian community. Either way I have researched the surgeons in both communities and have several good options. From then you will get all the required lab work, psychiatric work-ups (if necessary - my ins. doesn't require this but many do), family history documentation & previous weight loss information will be gone over, etc. Then you & your surgeon will work out a plan that is best for you. Good Luck with your journey! Make sure this is the right option for you. I find myself ready to jump on the operating table tomorrow, but keep reminding myself that in the long run I will be healthier and happier if I have done my homework and research and know all that I can before I make this life-altering choice. With Love ~
   — Laura B.

October 5, 2000
P.S. The organization I have gone through provides a video & written literature on WLS primarily focusing on VGB and RNY. This helped me when I had the discussion with my family just the other day. You can call 1-800-323-THIN for more information and to see if they have a surgeon in your area. They also have a website at: http://www.drrossfox.com/home.html
   — Laura B.

October 5, 2000
Hi Charlotte, the first thing you need to do is research the different surgery types. Decide on which surgery you want. There are many and they vary greatly. A few of the common ones are: Fobi Pouch, Rny Proximal, Rny Distal, <a href="http://www.duodenalswitch.com">Duodenal Switch</a>, VBG. Once you decide on which procedure you want, look for a surgeon. Check with your insurance to see which doctors are in your group & check to see if this is a covered benefit. If not, and you still want to go ahead, there are surgeon's who accept self-pay patients. But the most important thing is to chose the surgery you can live with for the rest of your life, not the surgery that your insurance suggests you have. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Here's my <a href="http://www.mywls.com">Home Page</a> if you want to read about my experience. Good luck in your research!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 5, 2000
I called BTC at 1-800-282-0066 and requested an information packet which had a brochure and a video describing the RnY surgery. It helped my family understand the surgery better, and I have also loaned it to other(obese)people since my surgery who saw that I had lost a lot of weight and wanted to know how I did it. Even if you don't live close to a BTC hospital (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Texas), you can still get the information packet as a starting point for your research. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

October 5, 2000
Research should be your first step. Read and look at websites until you think you are an expert on WLS. The Mayo clinic has great diagrams, and there are a zillion websites out there. I would also suggest you do a complete diet history. Starting from now, work your way back to a time when you didn't diet. Mine stopped at age 10. Be specific, and write down what diet you did, was it Dr. supervised, how long were you on it, How much did you lose, how much did you regain. This is a powerful weapon. Think about your co-morbidities. Do you have joint pain, back pain, heartburn, difficulty breathing, severe snoring or sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, are you on meds, do you have depression? This information is also very powerful in establishing that WLS could releive some of these conditions. Good Luck to you.
   — Cara S.