I have looked into having weight loss surgery for over 2years. I weight 220lbs 5'4 tall. have tried every diet. Atkins, weight watcher, slim fast etc etc...My BMI is 35.2 I have hypothyroid for the last 2 years on medication. My doctor increased my dosage to help me with weight loss. but still gaining, I have Humana insurance , but I don't know how or where to begin the process. due to gaining weight I am experiencing knee pain. Can someone please guide me what is the first step I need to get process rolling. Thanks in advance .

I went to my primary doctor who referred me to a bariatric surgeon. I immediately called and had a consult with the surgeon who felt I was a good candidate for lap band surgery. Met with his assistant on the way out of the office and had a list of testing that had to be met before I could get a surgery date.

You should definately check with your insurance company ASAP...seems as though many of them require a 6 month doctor supervised diet (mine did), along with all of the testing, before they will consider approving you for weight loss surgery.

Hope that helps...and good luck!

It was rather simple for me, I went to True Results - on my first consulation they did everything and it ws such a painless process. If you don't have a TR, see what type of Bariatric Center might be in your area. In my opinion, it is much simpler than going through your PCP or any other physician.

Find a bariatric surgeon near you and go to their free seminar. They can then tell you exactly what to do from that point if you still feel you need weight loss surgery.

Depending on your insurance (and if you are using insurance) you can either go to your primary doc for a referral or you can look up docs under your specific insur. carrier. If you are self pay, a quick search for bariatric surgeons and your location should yield some results. Most bariatric offices have seminars where you can go to learn more about the band. Some even require it prior to your first appt.