Newbie here and this is my first post. I am 50 years old and had my first consultation visit today. I've contemplated WLS for several years, but always talked myself out of taking the first step. This was partially my mentality "others lose weight on their own, why can't it?", and partially because I just didn't have the family support I knew I needed, and partially because I was a single mother trying to raise to children and working full time.

I now know that I have tried numerous times to lose weight on my own and have lost some, but then I gain it back plus. You know, the old yo-yo dieting thing. My family is now being supportive for the most part, there are still some who are not on the band wagon with me, but that is their problem, not mine. And finally, my kids are basically grown, one is still at home, but old enough to realize I'm doing something for ME for a change.

As I said I had my first consultation visit today, and I'm very excited. It was all good news!! My insurance should cover the surgery with no problems. My physician requires that I get a psych eval., a nutrition consult, a letter from my primary care doctor that he recommends the surgery, and 3 multi-disciplinary classes. If things go good, I could have a surgery date by the end of June - mid-July!! I work for a school district and this time frame is important as I want to have surgery during the summer. Plus I've been told that TRS is changing insurance companies effective September 1, and the new company requires a 3 month wait time.

The down side of everything today, is finding out my financial portion of the surgery. Because of my deductible, and co-pay I'm responsible for paying over $2,000, just to my surgeon. That does not include the psych eval., nutrition consult, getting a PCP to write the recommendation letter, and hospital!! So much more than what I anticipated, and it all has to be paid BEFORE surgery will be done!!

Well, that's my story...and I'm sticking to it..lol. Any advise, tips, words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated!! Happy Friday to everyone and I look forward to making any and all acquaintances.

It's worth every penny! I paid out of pocket for my surgery, so the $2000 would have been awesome for me. But--that being said--as far as the psych eval, gall bladder sonogram, endoscopy, nutritionist consults, EKG testing, etc....my insurance covered. Most expensive co-pay was endoscopy since it was done on a hospital and they put me under.

I too work for a school district and I did this last summer with the most AMAZING results. If all goes well for you, by this time next year you are going to look like a brand new you! I wish you luck! Love your attitude about "that's their problem", and I hope you keep us posted ????

Welcome to the site... I am ahead of you but behind your surgery date. My insurance requires 6 months Doctor monitored weight loss program. I should be getting surgery around Halloween time frame. Best of luck with your journey!

Newbie here and this is my first post. I am 50 years old and had my first consultation visit today. I've contemplated WLS for several years, but always talked myself out of taking the first step. This was partially my mentality "others lose weight on their own, why can't it?", and partially because I just didn't have the family support I knew I needed, and partially because I was a single mother trying to raise to children and working full time. I now know that I have tried numerous times to lose weight on my own and have lost some, but then I gain it back plus. You know, the old yo-yo dieting thing. My family is now being supportive for the most part, there are still some who are not on the band wagon with me, but that is their problem, not mine. And finally, my kids are basically grown, one is still at home, but old enough to realize I'm doing something for ME for a change. As I said I had my first consultation visit today, and I'm very excited. It was all good news!! My insurance should cover the surgery with no problems. My physician requires that I get a psych eval., a nutrition consult, a letter from my primary care doctor that he recommends the surgery, and 3 multi-disciplinary classes. If things go good, I could have a surgery date by the end of June - mid-July!! I work for a school district and this time frame is important as I want to have surgery during the summer. Plus I've been told that TRS is changing insurance companies effective September 1, and the new company requires a 3 month wait time. The down side of everything today, is finding out my financial portion of the surgery. Because of my deductible, and co-pay I'm responsible for paying over $2,000, just to my surgeon. That does not include the psych eval., nutrition consult, getting a PCP to write the recommendation letter, and hospital!! So much more than what I anticipated, and it all has to be paid BEFORE surgery will be done!! Well, that's my story...and I'm sticking to it..lol. Any advise, tips, words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated!! Happy Friday to everyone and I look forward to making any and all acquaintances.

Hi I'm fairly new here as well, I'm 53 years old and feel this is also time for me,surgery may be August due to insurance ....3 month process. I have been following the post and learning a lot. Good luck to you