I'm a 25 year old female weighing in at a horrible 279.6 pounds with a BMI of 49. I've struggled with my weight for the last 4 years after having my son. I've spent the last 2 years really trying to lose weight: HCG diet, calorie counting, my fitness pal, Body by Vi, Special K shakes, protein smoothies, regular clean eating, walking, the gym, even tried pole fitness and I just cannot get this weight off. I'm very concerned now because I have headaches every day, awful lower back pain, walking up steps by time I get to the top I'm dizzy and out of breath it's BAD. I've been researching the Sleeve for the past 4 months and am comfortable in my decision I just need to know where to start a PCP first or Bariatric surgeon first?

I would start by checking to see if your insurance covers the procedure and they will often have preferred Bariatric Centers to go through. Then you can make an appointment with the surgeon and they will guide you through the remaining steps.

Ok thank you for your response. I have BCBSNC with a $1000 ded, $2000 out of pocket maximum and 30% Co - insurance for bariatric surgery after my deductible.

Ok thank you for your response. I have BCBSNC with a $1000 ded, $2000 out of pocket maximum and 30% Co - insurance for bariatric surgery after my deductible.

I went through my bariatric center and they did everything for me. They requested the letter from my PCP and set up every single appointment. All I had to do was show up to them.

After I asked my PCP if I would be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, he referred me to the bariatric clinic at Loyola University. We had been discussing for a while that my back problem was actually a front problem, It was just time to do it if I wanted to ever see any improvement in my health. I am now 12 days post op, and I am already feeling better.

Here's the issue I run into I'm a single mother so I do not have a pcp I have medicaid insurance through the state that covers paps and my birth control shot and that is it. I didn't make enough to pay for full health insurance but made too much to qualify for full medicaid.

But as of now I have BCBSNC should I look into getting a PCP or go through the Bariatric office. I have already completed the wls seminar and am just waiting on my insurance card to fax in my new patient packet and schedule my consultation.

But as of now I have BCBSNC should I look into getting a PCP or go through the Bariatric office. I have already completed the wls seminar and am just waiting on my insurance card to fax in my new patient packet and schedule my consultation.

I would just go directly to the bariatric center that you are interested in. They will tell you exactly what to do from there on out. They have a full process and can get you in touch with any and all other physicians/specialists that you need for this.

Good luck

Okay woo woo thank you so much for your advice