New here and don't know where to start..

 I'm new and could use some help and guidance. 
The past 2 days I've spent reading through some threads here and talking with a friend who had VSG 7 months ago. I don't feel like I even know where to begin though. 
Anyone willing to help a newbie out?

I'm more than happy to help. What specifically do you need help with? 

 Thanks! 
Do I need to call my PCP first or find a surgeon first? Or.. do I call my insurance first? 

Also, does anyone know what the usual routine is for Aetna (PPO) patients is? Does it take a long time from the time you decide to have the surgery, to the time they give you a date?

You need to contact your insurance to see if WLS is covered. Mine did not cover any. That would be the best place to start.
If they don't cover it then it would be self pay and that is a whole differnet ball game. I went to Mexico for mine.
Julie

 I've done that! It IS covered, luckily!! Thanks for the tip though. :)

 Now that you know it is covered, you should have asked them what they require to have it done.  For my insurance I had to have 6 months of uninterrupted diet with either my private physical or someplace like weigh****chers, I had to have a BMI of 35+ with 2 serious health conditions (sleep apnea and diabetes would be two examples) and I had to have documented weight history with my doctor for the last 5 years.  I think there were some other things too that I'm not remembering right now but it took me a year to get approved for the surgery because my primary care doctor was not documenting the proper things each month.  There is a form that I got from my nutritionist that I had the doctor fill out each monthly visit that had all the information the insurance company needed.  Do not assume that your primary doctor knows what to write down.  They may think just writing you a letter at the end of the 6 months is good enough (and so did I) but that wont work.  I had to start the 6 months all over again which set me back a long time.

Try to find the most experienced surgeon in your area with the best success rate.  Ask them how many of these operations they have done.  

Best of luck to you.

You are so lucky!!! Then I say go to your PCP and see who they recomend or if there is a weight loss center in your area go there.
Julie

 Thanks. Yeah, SO thankful for that. 
Guess I've got phone calls to make in the morning. 

You can also use this website to find a surgeon. At the top of this forum there is a hyperlink called "Find a Surgeon"

Anything you need to know is right here.

Best,

Sharon

Also, find out from ur insurance if u need a refferral to see a specialist or not... I didn't, but i know many ppl do and if u don't get one they won't cover ur visit to the surgeon! Other, than that, I think u've got a good start in ur answers above... good luck on ur journey... keep us posted