[sloopy]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been doing all the research on gastric bypass and plan to discuss it with my PCP next week. I guess I'm a little concerned that my doctor will be against the surgery and my dreams of a new "thin" life will be crushed. I'm 32 years old and 300 pounds. I'm pre-diabetic and have high blood pressure and high cholesterol both of which I'm on medication for. I've calculated my BMI to be 43 and about 144 pounds over my "ideal" weight. I was planning to ask my primary doctor for a referral, but do you think it would be better for me to go see a bariatric surgeon directly?

Thanks for your help!

sloopy

[ChuppyGirl]

Welcome on board Sloopy. Good for you. I think you're a good candidate for the gastric bypass. I had all these sybtoms before I did the surgery last April except for the diabetese.

I've lost 35lbs within 7 weeks I'm very thankful to God that he guided me to this life rescued procedure. I'm now lighter, my self esteem is bigger, I love to socialize with people, I love to play with my children, my marriage life has improved.. believe me it's an open door for a much happier and healthier life that will never shut if you carefully follow the guidlines.
I'm not so sure how things would go with your Doc in the states. I did mine in my home town Kuwait.

feel free to ask any question. we're here to support.

Good Luck

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, and thank you for joining us.
I hope you'll feel at home here.

Have you checked out the requirements of your insurance? If not, you should look into that, too. I think you need a referral from your PCP to the surgeon in many cases, but I can't say. There's also the option of attending info meetings on WLS surgery, I believe, so see if there's any being held in your area by bariatric clinics or the surgeon of your choice.
If your PCP is not cooperative, maybe you should think of finding a PCP who is, since post-op, you'll need both your surgeon and your PCP on your support team.

Good luck with your search, may your journey go well.
(((((((HUGS)))))))

[fr1endly2]

Welcome to the boards. I think you might be surprised at your doctors view on the topic. I know my shocked me that he was supporitive of my
discussion for the bypass surgeon. He was always of the mind you dont need meds to help you just eat right and excercise yet he was so supportive of my choice. HE also referred me to the best LONG ISLAND
surgeon and im thankful for that. Just wait and see your doctor might surprise you. MINE felt that if this surgery gave me a better quality of life
(or any surgery) then its worth doing. IF he isnt supportive maybe its time to find another doctor that will support your choice at this time.
GOOD LUCK and i look forward to getting to know you more thru your posts!
hugs

[cabbie]

Hi Sloopy and welcome! I agree with all the above. I am in the process of getting it all going and now just waiting for the insurance to say make a date. I called my insurance to see what was required and I didn't need a referral and then I called one of the top surgeon's in-network and started that way. During that time I informed my pcp and my rhumetologist about what I was looking into and my pcp said he thought I would be a good canidate. So try not to be to scared to approach your pcp but call your insurance first cause you might not have the choice. We live near Charlotte,NC and there is a whole new Bariatric Clinic/program that has just started and they have opened a whole new wing just to handle bariatric surgery. You will be surprised how much more common this whole subject has become in the healtcare field. I know I was. Good Luck! Any questions everyone here is great for answers! I have found out so much in my short time on these boards and can't say enough about the people here! They are all awesome!
Courtney

[Pillows]

Hey Sloopy I have lost 49 lbs in 8 weeks and don't regret this decision at all. My excess body weight has been reduced by 30% already and lowered my BMI from 49 to 41.3 in this short period of time. The first while is rough, but it does get better as you start to tolerate more foods and have more options. Best of luck
Janae

[sloopy]

Hi All,

Thanks for the welcome's and well wishes. Sorry for the delay in responding, but my original appointment with my PCP got postponed. Anyway, I finally did meet with my PCP this morning and she was thrilled that I was ready to make this huge step. She referred me to one of the top surgeons in my area and I'll be having my first consultation with him later this week.

And so the journey begins!

sloopy

[SHH]

Hi Sloopy, and welcome.

I did not need a referal from my PCP to see the surgeon, but I did need a letter from her with a six month diet history, and her support of my having the surgery. When I went to see her, she told me she was not for or against the surgery, just wanted to make sure I had done my research and knew what I would be going through.

As Doc said, check your insurance requirements. You, too, may need the six month supervised diet. Many insurances require this. If yours does, it is best you start seeing your pcp right away. He/she may already have some months charted for you.

Good luck to you. Keep posting. You will get some great support here. S

[Kat]

Conratulations on the first step Sloopy and welcome to the board. There are some great people here and there is nothing that you can't ask or say about your journey pre and post.
We even have our own Dr. Sanae who is wonderful and generous with her time.
Can't wait to hear of your progress.
Kat

[CraigT]

Hang on Sloopy....... Sloopy Hang On.....


Just couldn't help myself.