Hi All,

Went to a seminar on Sat. and am beside myself to get started!!! I am looking at doing this in Fredericksburg, am Tricare insured. From the things I have read here this week I can't figure out if I should be optimistic or doubtful.

I sent in the packet of info that Dr. gave out, I just can't figure out what the next step is. My PCP and Oncologist had requested some test for me last week that the Bariatric folks might request so.......I had results sent to their office also. I am ready to be doing something. I am 5'2' 240lbs. BMI 44 and have health issues. The foot pain keeps me popping pain pills.

Any info you guys can give me on how this is supposed to unfold please do so.

Thanks just for being here!!!

Niterun

Hello. It's different for every person but here are some general suggestions:

1. Call your insurance and get them to send you the paperwork on what is required. My insurance had a photocopy of the policy that they shot me out in the mail.

2. Find out if there is a bariatric surgeon or hospital w/a bariatric program that you are interested in. Since you are so close to DC (I use to live in Fburg!) you might want to check out some of the bigger hospitals out there. I now live in St. Louis and my hospital has a whole weight loss surgery center and as soon as I went to one of their seminars they hooked me up with an insurance specialist and they walked me through everything.

Having a center or at least a surgeon w/good secretaries and staff members b/c they can help dealing with all the paperwork. You might also want to find out if your insurance requires you to go through a Bariatric Center of Surgical Excellence.

3. Start doing what you need to do -- psych eval, dietician eval etc. Before you go and spend a bunch of money doing that though -- find a place to have the surgery b/c you need to do the dance between what your insurance wants and what your surgeon wants.

And that's it. Mine was super easy -- the program I am going through really has it together.