Where to start??
Hello! I'm new here and here's my situation. I have insurance with my company, BCBS. I've just never really been the type to go to doctors or anything so I'm not sure where to start. This is my first time having insurance in my life! The times I've gone to the doctor, I had kidney stones, I wouldn't have gone if it weren't for the pain. The time before that was when I broke my arm in the 8th grade. I'm 27 now, and I want to get healthy. I know that bariatric surgery would be one of the things I'd need to do to get my life in order. My question is, where do I start?! Do I need to pick out a physician, then have them tell me to go to a surgeon? Or is it all done directly with the surgeon? If so, where can I see what surgeon does the surgery here and takes my insurance? I'm sorry if I seem a bit naive about all this, I just honestly don't know. I want to start 2011 off right, get this done as soon as I can so I can start going down that road to a healthy lifestyle. Also, what would be my best bet as far as the different surgeries? I'm okay with it being a slow process, but I'd rather have it be a little quicker as well. I'd like to take as little time as possible away from work, I love my work. I than you all for your responses. I'm an open book, so if you need to ask me anything, don't hesitate.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Hi Luis,
First off....I would contact my insurance company (N or Human resources dept. ) and see if WLS is a covered option for you. Then if you have a PCP...go to them and see if they can recommend a bariatric surgeon. Then contact that surgeon and go to their Seminar. That is where I started out my journey more than 5 yrs. ago. At the Seminars you will learn all about the different surgeries and then you will find out which surgery is the right "fit" for you and your lifestyle. Good luck as you begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle and I wish WLS had been around when I was your age.
Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian
First off....I would contact my insurance company (N or Human resources dept. ) and see if WLS is a covered option for you. Then if you have a PCP...go to them and see if they can recommend a bariatric surgeon. Then contact that surgeon and go to their Seminar. That is where I started out my journey more than 5 yrs. ago. At the Seminars you will learn all about the different surgeries and then you will find out which surgery is the right "fit" for you and your lifestyle. Good luck as you begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle and I wish WLS had been around when I was your age.
Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian
GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CAN NOT CHANGE; COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS THAT I CAN; AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE !!!! THIS IS MY DAILY PRAYER.
Vivian Prouty Obesity Help Support Group Coach "LOSE IT 4 LIFE"
Weight loss surgery is a big commitment (any type). I agree with vivian your insurance company is the place to start. Many companies do not cover WLS, and the ones that do may limit the types that they cover.
I'd recommend that you start your search for a surgeon after you figure out which WLS you'd like to explore. Many surgeons have become "1 surgery specialists" and the reality is that one surgery just doesn't fit every need. You should do a bit of your own research, and then at that point you can figure out which surgeon you should go to for an evaluation.
The first surgeon I went to tried to convince me that the RNY was the "best" surgery for me, thankfully I decided to get a second opinion and got the DS instead!!!
Scott
I'd recommend that you start your search for a surgeon after you figure out which WLS you'd like to explore. Many surgeons have become "1 surgery specialists" and the reality is that one surgery just doesn't fit every need. You should do a bit of your own research, and then at that point you can figure out which surgeon you should go to for an evaluation.
The first surgeon I went to tried to convince me that the RNY was the "best" surgery for me, thankfully I decided to get a second opinion and got the DS instead!!!
Scott
I found OH before I had my surgery. I checked with my insurance company. I didn't have any co-morbidities. So, it looked bleak for them paying for WLS. From what I understand, gastric bypass and lap bands seem to be covered by some.
I started doing my homework. I read posts on every WLS board. I went to a lap band seminar. I soon determined that the sleeve was the best for me. I had my surgery in Mexico. I was self-pay. It just felt like the best decision. But I spent many long hours gathering as much information as I could. I drove my husband crazy! It's your precious life. Do your research. Then make a decision that's right for Luis.
You might want to post again and ask if there are any OH leader meetings in El Paso. Or New Mexico. OH has conferences at various cities.
Best of luck on your journey!
Janet
I started doing my homework. I read posts on every WLS board. I went to a lap band seminar. I soon determined that the sleeve was the best for me. I had my surgery in Mexico. I was self-pay. It just felt like the best decision. But I spent many long hours gathering as much information as I could. I drove my husband crazy! It's your precious life. Do your research. Then make a decision that's right for Luis.
You might want to post again and ask if there are any OH leader meetings in El Paso. Or New Mexico. OH has conferences at various cities.
Best of luck on your journey!
Janet
My health. My responsibility. This day. Every day.
----Dr. Connie Stapleton, my recovery conscience
"If you're going through hell, keep going!"
----Winston Churchill
"Kindness is the new black."
-----Mally Roncal
----Dr. Connie Stapleton, my recovery conscience
"If you're going through hell, keep going!"
----Winston Churchill
"Kindness is the new black."
-----Mally Roncal
I highly recommend you purchase the book "The Experts Guide to Weight Loss Surgery" by Garth Davis. It is available on Amazon for $10 and is a great way to get started. Be sure and thoroughly research all the surgeries to make sure you pick the correct one for your situation. I recently had to have a revision and you don't want that to happen to you. Best Wishes on your journey to a healthier life!
Most Active
Recent Topics
