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Newbie here... in the research phase

Hi everyone,

I stumbled across this forum in doing my research, I have pretty much made up my mind about having WLS and I have decided that I think I prefer the gastric sleeve. Any thoughts on that?? I am terrified, and ready lol. I go to see my PCP tomorrow 11/7 to talk to her about getting the ball rolling. I am interested in hearing people's stories from the beginning of their journey. Why you decided to have WLS, why you chose the type of WLS you did. And I want to hear about the good, bad, and the ugly. Any information, tips, thing that "you wish you knew before surgery" tips, just as much information as you are prepared to give me lol.

my name is Ali, some of my stats are as followed: I'm 5'2" at 284lbs... I'm 32. Some of my reasons for wanting to have wLS are:

I want to be healthy, I want to have a healthy pregnancy. I want to stop letting my weight dictate my life and what I feel comfortable doing. I want to feel confident in my own skin, I don't want to be afraid of social situation, memories and pictures. I want to get married and look good on my wedding day and in photos. I want to fit comfortably on an air plane, paint my toes, get up and down without struggle. Have energy, workout, be able to make, maintain a life style change! This has been a long time coming for me. I have always pushed off the idea of WLS, out of fear, or pride, or embarrassment. I always thought oh I can do it myself. Yes, I lose weight, very slowly might I add, but I always gain everything I lost plus more. Every year I gain more and more weight. I am honestly at a point where I can longer make excuses for needing help. I need help. I am addicted to food, I have issues with food, I am ready to face it and make a change. Though i am terrified, I am ready.

So, yeah, that's where I am.

Ali

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited by iamworthy

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Hi Ali! I'm a newbie too and just one baby step ahead of you in the process. I saw my PCP 10/26 and she referred me to the weight loss surgery program I'll be dealing with. Currently waiting on them to call me to schedule the consult.

I'm also terrified, but excited.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am terrified too but ready. I'll keep you posted on the journey. It's a long process to get to where we want to be. Please add me! Do you know if your insurance covers?

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My plan covers anything that is considered "medically necessary," and my rep lead me to believe it wasn't exclude I didn't want to ask my HR person at work because everyone at the office is a gossip and I'm not ready to talk to anyone but close friends/fam/hubs abt it. I'm actually calling my insurance today to make 100% sure because I'm still nervous and I don't want to get too emotionally invested and then its not covered. At this point I would probably be devestated though because I'm already 99% committed to the idea. :unsure:

I completely understand. I too have not told anyone at work, just one co-worker but we are close. Just my moms and hubs knows. My insurance does cover, at least that is what I have been told, I am calling tomorrow to make sure as well. Get something mailed to you in writing. Good luck! Let me know what ends up happening. I hope it goes smoothly for you!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone,

I also came across this forum while researching. I already spoke to my PCP about it and he referred me to a surgeon and I'm attending a seminar tomorrow! What should I expect? I was diagnosed with PCOS and it's been so hard to lose any weight even if you're doing everything right. It's incredibly frustrating and I don't know what to do anymore and my PCP said that this surgery would definitely help so I'm definitely going based on his recommendation. I switched my insurance because the surgeon I want only takes one type of insurance and once I receive my member card and packet I think I'll be able to schedule a consultation with her. I'm very nervous about this but I'm also excited at the same time!

I'm 26, I'm 260 lbs and I''m 5'4" and this is the heaviest I have ever been and I just seem to keep gaining.

I would just read through posts but I thought I would get a little more involved and try to get to know more people that might be experiencing some of the doubts, questions, and anxiety that I might have. It's good to know that there are so many nice people in this community! :)

okay what your asking , is a long long long answer. Id recommend checking out my blog and starting off from the beginning, it may answer some of those questions, its a bit blunt, there's no adds or anything. but maybe it can help. you its posted below.

Good luck, ask all the questions you want etc.

People are here to help.

heres a link to the beginning as well.

http://cuttingthefatwithaknife.blogspot.com/2014/10/day-one-niceman-cometh.html

Just wanted to say I love your blog so far, I look forward to reading it further :)

happy Llama sad Llama... big fat mama Llama.

Ali,

I am going to my pcp tomorrow for a physical and want to at least start a discussion about starting the process. My insurance states that I have to have 6 months of supervised attempts at weight loss. It is a hard decision to make but have started researching in the last week or so. I have seen so many be successful. I can usually lose about 20 to 25 pounds but then gain it back. I haven't really talked to any of my family or friends about it. Would like to make a decision before I do. Just found this blog and it is very insightful.

Good luck!

Jane

  • Author

Ali,

I am going to my pcp tomorrow for a physical and want to at least start a discussion about starting the process. My insurance states that I have to have 6 months of supervised attempts at weight loss. It is a hard decision to make but have started researching in the last week or so. I have seen so many be successful. I can usually lose about 20 to 25 pounds but then gain it back. I haven't really talked to any of my family or friends about it. Would like to make a decision before I do. Just found this blog and it is very insightful.

Good luck!

Jane

Jane,

I don't know your stats but I understand what you mean about it being a hard decision. I knew about 6 years ago when I was at 230-250 that I need to look into surgery. I was prideful, determined I could do it on my own, and embarrassed. I decided then i would do it in my own and here I am 6 years later worse off than I previously was. So, it is a hard choice to make, but once your mind is right it's a choice I have heard a lot of people say they don't regret and that they wished they would have done it sooner. I had my PCP appointment 11/7-- went very smooth. They usually just give you the referrals. As long as you have documentation of trying to lose weight and your insurance covers it, I don't see where you'd have a problem. I was on weight watchers, and I asked them to sent me my statements from when I was on those. I am like you. I will lose weight when I try. Only to gain it back then some. Let me know how it goes. Good luck and keep in touch!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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