I know it's not much, but I'm excited to say that I have taken the first step, officially!

I spoke to my general family doctor today and asked for a referral to a surgeon. I had already picked out where I wanted to go, based on references from a couple of friends, and research that I had done on my own. But something that I didn't know prior to reading the brochure I was given today, is the surgeon I have chosen, is in a Center of Excellence for Bariatrics! YAY!

I was a bit disappointed though, thinking that this would be the first of my 6 month medically supervised diet. Turns out, the bariatric center works closely with a weight management center. So they want all of their patients to go with the weight management center for their diets, and they walk you through the process and all the hoops that the insurance makes you go through. This program though, costs $120, which covers education, materials, and other miscellaneous stuff. Insurance pays for the appointments though. So that's not too bad, but still... ugh.

So, I'm on my way!

I think I impressed my doctor though. I don't think she was prepared for me to know so much already about the surgery, the options (Lap band VS Bypass), and the lifestyle changes required before and after surgery.

Next step is to call the Bariatric Center and get scheduled for a Seminar and follow up appointment!

I also got a prescription for Wellbutrin to help me stop smoking. So wish me luck with that!

Oh, and I've lost 6 pounds this past month! YAY ME!

If you can find it, the Smokenders program is a very successful quit smoking program. I was a very heavy smoker for 15 years, but Smokenders help me quit in 5 weeks and I never, ever wanted another cigarette. Good luck!

Congrats! Your on ur way!

I know it's not much' date=' but I'm excited to say that I have taken the first step, officially!

I spoke to my general family doctor today and asked for a referral to a surgeon. I had already picked out where I wanted to go, based on references from a couple of friends, and research that I had done on my own. But something that I didn't know prior to reading the brochure I was given today, is the surgeon I have chosen, is in a Center of Excellence for Bariatrics! YAY!

I was a bit disappointed though, thinking that this would be the first of my 6 month medically supervised diet. Turns out, the bariatric center works closely with a weight management center. So they want all of their patients to go with the weight management center for their diets, and they walk you through the process and all the hoops that the insurance makes you go through. This program though, costs 120, which covers education, materials, and other miscellaneous stuff. Insurance pays for the appointments though. So that's not too bad, but still... ugh.

So, I'm on my way!

I think I impressed my doctor though. I don't think she was prepared for me to know so much already about the surgery, the options (Lap band VS Bypass), and the lifestyle changes required before and after surgery.

Next step is to call the Bariatric Center and get scheduled for a Seminar and follow up appointment!

I also got a prescription for Wellbutrin to help me stop smoking. So wish me luck with that!

Oh, and I've lost 6 pounds this past month! YAY ME![/quote']

Congrats on taking the first steps and on the weight loss you've had already!!

You are off to a great start! The journey may seem long and the hoops may seem endless, but keep jumping through them one at a time...you'll get there before you know it!

congrats on your first steps to a new and improved YOU!