Question:
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SURGERY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

I AM 23 YEARS OLD AND I WEIGH 350 POUNDS. I EAT SWEETS ALOT THAT IS MY WEAKNESS:(.. MY INSURANCE WILL GO IN EFFECT IN EXACTLY ONE MONTH TO THIS DAY AND I AM SO AFRAID THAT WHEN I GO TO THE DR AND ASK ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY HE WILL SAY NO WAY. THE ONLY TIMES I EVER WENT TO THE DR ABOUT MY WEIGHT WAS FOR DIET PILLS... THIS LAST MONTH WAITING FOR THIS INSURANCE IS KILLING ME. I REALLY NEED SOME HELP UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT SURGERY TYPES, HOW TO DEAL WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THINGS LIKE THAT. PLEASE E MAIL ME AT [email protected] OR [email protected]    — April P. (posted on July 2, 2001)

July 2, 2001
You do thorough and exhaustive research - go to www.google.com and type in Weight Loss Surgery. Or go to the links listed on this site. And wade through all of the archived questions and answers and messages. Do a search VBG, and RNY, and DS - all the different types. And have a consultation with a Surgeon who does more than one type. If he only does one, get a consult with a second one as well. And most of all - be educated, informed and ready to make the best decision for YOU - not one based on other people's opinions and on what it popular among celebrities at the moment.
   — Cathy J.

July 2, 2001
April...Yes, do everything that Kathy said. The more you know, the better. So much information is available here and on other sites, read it all...but bear in mind, that sometimes the Insurance Company will make the decision for you. I can identify with how you are feeling now. I was also still in research mode when my pcp told me that my medical group only contracted with one surgeon locally and that the only surgery he does is the rny. I was a little annoyed that I wouldn't be able to choose the surgery type, but when I began researching this surgeon, his statistics (fatalities, complications, etc.) and spoke with some of his previous patients, I was very impressed. Now, one year post-op, I know that this was the right surgery for me and that I got the very best surgeon to do it. Unfortunately, I have read about others here who haven't been as lucky as I was. I guess what I am trying to suggest to you is this: do your research and understand the different surgeries, but don't become too set on the type of surgery until you have all the information from your insurance company on what they will approve.
   — Anne G.