Beginning my very confusing journey alone. Family and friends bewildered at my choice and less than supportive. husband supportive but also, doesn't truly understand why I cnt just work out. figuring out all the requirments and paperwork and which dr to use and all...hard to do alone. someone to chat with would be nice. I feel like a deer in head lights. ready to do this but also in need of some support...

Where are you planning on going for your surgery when you're ready?

You've definitely come to the right place! Where are you from? That way perhaps a member in your area can provide some recommendations regarding surgeons/program, etc. Also, the search function is wonderful. You can look up so much information on so many sleeve related topics.

My family was not super supportive when I first mentioned my decision to pursue surgery but have since come around as I shared not only my reasons for having surgery but also just general information on the surgery itself.

You've definitely come to the right place! Where are you from? That way perhaps a member in your area can provide some recommendations regarding surgeons/program, etc. Also, the search function is wonderful. You can look up so much information on so many sleeve related topics.

My family was not super supportive when I first mentioned my decision to pursue surgery but have since come around as I shared not only my reasons for having surgery but also just general information on the surgery itself.

Are you getting sleeved in the States?

Im in Russellville, but not from here. (its VERY small town that I recently moved to..so lost!! lol) My seminar and surgeon of choice are in Little Rock. Dr. Eric Paul. Arkansas Bariatric Surgery. I have blue cross through my husbands labor union so when I called them they weren't very helpful as far as EXACTLY how to obtain what I need to be covered. im hoping the seminar answers some of these questions but im thinking they'll be a lot of people there so getting any individual help will be out of the question. Besides for what ive read online I am in the dark. As far as specifics it sems to vary from dr to dr and insur company to insur company. im just ,massively overwhelmed with wouldn't be so bad if I just knew what I needed and how to do it so I could start the process. :/

Hey girl! Don't worry people will come around. The insurance company is always hard to deal with because usually the phone ppl just have no idea. Try using the website or just ask to speak to a manager they know all the rules. Don't be afraid to be pushy!! cheers and congratulation you are making a great choice for your family

The seminar and the surgeons practice may be a wealth of information for you. My surgeons practice has been doing this for a long time and the woman that deals with the financial end of things really seems to have a good grasp on what each of the insurances require. You are definitely right though, things do vary from dr-to-dr and insurance-to-insurance. It seems as though an awful lot of insurance companies are requiring the 6 mth medically supervised diet.

So I should probably start looking for a dr right? or is it a nutritionist I see for the supervised diet?

Contact Dr Paul's office tomorrow. They may have a medically supervised program through their office.

Do you have a PCP? you can ask for a referral

I grew up in Dover, about 10 miles north of there and moved about 2 years ago to Florida. I don't know much about that doctor, when I was in Arkansas I was going to use Dr. Lambert in Batesville for RNY but things didnt pan out he is an excellent surgeon, but have been told he is no longer doing surgeries. I know the hospitals in LR are amazing and good quality. I'm sure when you go meet your doctor they will have group meetings and my surgeon even has a Facebook group for his patients to use as a sounding board and support group!

I wish you luck, I'm sure you will find this site a huge help and great resource!

My experience, like many great comments here suggest, is that the seminar will provide you with a lot of information to alleviate some of the anxiety you are feeling. In my case, I had an advocate provided to me by my surgeon's office and she was the one who dealt with the insurance companies. They (the advocates) are usually very familiar with all the plans and know exactly what the requirements are. Wait to see if the surgeon you have chosen will provide you with this service. It will make you life A LOT easier. Good luck!

thank you everyone!!!! I appreciate all the help. I tell ya, without this site idk what id do. everyone is so lovely and supportive

I've been overweight all of my life so it infuriates me to hear that being overweight is just "mind over matter" or "lack of exercise". I've lost and gained back hundreds of pounds since my teen years and there is very little I do not know regarding nutrition and healthy eating, I had the surgery in February and can honestly say it is only now that I know what it is to be "full" after a meal and what it is not to be haunted by yummy food, what it is to be normal. I know I've done a lot more damage to my health over the years on all of the various different diets, diet pills, chemicals and fasting. You deserve to do this for you.

I can relate to your husband not completely understanding, mine wasn't at first either. However when I took him to the appointments with me and he had a chance to here why the doctor thought the surgery was a good idea he did a 180 degree turn. He is nervous about the surgery, but now excited and on board. Maybe involving your hubby (if he is willing) in your appointments may help him understand. Good luck!

I went to college in Russellville before I moved to NWA. I'm getting sleeved by Dr. Roller in Fayetteville. Everything is in house there as far as nut and drs. And labs go. Good luck with wherever you go!

Russellville has grown quiet a bit since I left!