Question:
I have read everything that I can, but what are my steps to getting started and how?
This topic scares me to death, but if I am to remain alive, I need help in getting started. I need something written down for me to follow as a guideline. Plus I need the emotional push and support. Thanks. — Sherri R. (posted on October 8, 2001)
October 8, 2001
well the first thing did was read everything i could about the surgery and
found out if my insurance company covered it.. and then i made up my mind
that i was going to do and i found doctor.. i was blessed cause my doctor
has info meetings every week i went one.. i met him and staff and knew this
was the doctor for me.. at the info meeting the dr told everything i needed
to do and gave me a packed(EVERY DOCTOR IS DIFFERENT)one thing u need to
know is do EVERYTHING the dr tells u.. it will go much faster if u do
that.. have all the paperwork.. u dont know how many women dont do that..
and that have to wait months..
— Tabitha K.
October 8, 2001
Many surgeons require that you attend a lecture or seminar. This is a
great starting place because you can learn what that particular surgeon
does. This website has steps you can go through to help with finding a
surgeon, I believe it's the first link "your journey" at the top
of most of these pages. Also, I recommend you read the Q/A and message
board here regularly just to see what people are going through. Also use
the database to do searches for answers to all your questions as they come
up. There are other webstites that are helpful too. If you need a little
help finding all those things, email me, I'll walk you through it. I say
start the process and see where it takes you, you can always back out if
you change your mind along the way. Nobody will push you to do this before
you're ready.
— kcanges
October 8, 2001
Buy a book, barb thompson has a great one. Attend some support group
meetings, see the before pictures and listen to the folks. Invite a post op
to dinner, note they eat healthy in small quanties. Read the profile
updates here of how folks are doing. What your feeling is normal, I was
scared silly and figure I was dead with or without surgery. I was honestly
surprised to wake up in recovery and have done great. Read my profile it
describes my confusion and post of activities. I feel like a teenager!
— bob-haller
October 8, 2001
I know how you are feeling. It is perfectly normal to be nervous. You
seem like you have done your research and the question is....do you feel
comfortable with what you have learned and about the permanant lifestyle
changes you will need to make. If so you need to find a good surgeon in
your area and start with a consultation. See how you feel after that, I
know my Dr. had me get mental clearance from a therapist before surgery
maybe talking with someone will help you to clear up your fears and make
the decision. All I can say is this is the best thing I have ever done for
myself. Im 7 wks out and 44 lbs down its unimagainable! It could be you
too! All the best. Feel free to email me if you need further support!
Melissa
— Melissa S.
October 11, 2001
There are not that many steps.
1. Make sure you're willing to do your part and this is what you really
want.
2. See your doctor/PCP ( if you're and HMO) if not find a
bariaritric they will take it from there and help you
w/ what you need.
3. Get approved by insurance ( many think this is the hardest part!
4. Stay on this website for support/anwers.
That's bascially it in a nutshell.
— Cindee A.
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