Good Afternoon Everyone,

My Name is Francine, im currently exploring my options with weight loss surgery. I am currently 5ft 4inches 315lbs. Severely overweight. Looking to get some feed back and support from people who have had the gastric sleeve procedure. What are the steps I need to take to get this thing going. I feel a new life on the horizon.

Have a Great Day!!!!

I haven't had surgery yet but I just want to say Hi and I know you will get lots of good information from the wonderful people on this site. Good luck!

Summer

Well, if you are going to try to go through your insurance, that would be the very first step. Contact your insurance company and find out what their requirements are and whether or not you might meet them. Also, research research research. Once you are able to meet with a surgeon, they will likely have some advice on which type of WLS might be best for you, but it's good to come armed with the information beforehand. Learn about the pros and cons of each type of surgery. Factor in how much weight you need to lose and what other health issues you might have. Even if you haven't made up your mind before you meet with a surgeon, at least you will go in being able to have an intelligent discussion about your options.

Yes -- First, find out if your insurance covers bariatric surgery. Some do and some don't, it depends on the policy that your employer has selected. IF your policy does not cover bariatric surgery there ARE other options so don't give up.

At your height/weight (which would put your current BMI at 54), if your insurance does cover surgery I am sure that you meet the weight requirements. Most require either a BMI of 40+ OR a BMI of 35+ with 1or 2 comorbid conditions (such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type II diabetes etc).

Then, research online to see what all surgeons/programs are in your area. Once you find one that looks good, make an appointment to go in. They will check your policy and let you know what all requirements that you have to satisfy in order to be approved by your insurance. Once you have settled on a surgeon they will pretty much take it from there as far as getting you through the steps toward surgery.

In the meantime, read read read as much as possible. Try to spend a couple hours a day reading on here, there is so much great information and super helpful people here.

Good luck!!

like others have stated.... research your insurance plans coverage. find an approved clinic or doctor and pick up that phone. many insurance plans require some additional requirements such as a 3 to 6 month medically supervised diet. start reading all you can on here on what you can expect your surgery to be like.... read read read. best of luck and keep us updated...