Newbie living in Dallas - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

jkadiva · 11-04-2009, 08:08 AM

Hello all, for the past two weeks I've been reading everyone's post everyday. I love this site.

Thanks for being there for those of us that are making one of the most important decisions of our lives.

I'm 23 years old, 303lbs and 5'3. About a month ago I went to the doctor for a minor issue, and he looked at me and said, "you gain 5 pounds since last year," I got really happy, cause I was like ooooh just 5. But the look on his face was like a stab in my heart. He continued saying, " You need to lose weight fast."

Guys, this made me cry. All my life I have been overweight, and I have gotten comfortable with it so much that I was happy that I only gained 5lbs. This is aweful. At that point I knew I needed to do something.

Last year this time, I was approved for for the Lapband, but I convinced myself that I didn't need it and as long as I stayed at the weight I was I would be ok.

Now I am determined that a change has to come. My ankles hurt when I walk, I hate eating in front of skinny people, and I will soon be ready to have a family.

Lapband is not for me, I need something that will not only work fast, but stop me from eating my life away.

My first appt with my surgeon is Thursday 11/05. I look forward to my new journey and hope it goes by fast, because I'm ready now.

Does anyone know how long it takes for Aetna's pre surgery program?

Again, thank you all for your help and encouragement! The best of luck to everyone.

Corrine · 11-04-2009, 08:13 AM

Welcome to T-T.

I'm sorry, I can't help you on the Aetna thing but I'm sure others can.

Anyway, pull up a chair and enjoy our forum. There's a wealth of knowledge and experience here.

TxHunni · 11-04-2009, 08:15 AM

You are so young and have so much ahead of you. I wish a doctor had been that eye-opening with me when I was 23.

Welcome to the boards. Everyone here is nice and quite helpful.
I'm in the Dallas area too. Who is your doctor?

jkadiva · 11-04-2009, 08:21 AM

My Surgeon will be Dr. John Alexander.
PCP is Dr. Hardeep Rai, out of Carrollton

TxHunni · 11-04-2009, 08:42 AM

Sounds like we could be pretty close. Did you know there are support groups around the area?

Amilea · 11-04-2009, 08:45 AM

Hi! and welcome!

I'm in Dallas too and had a consult with Dr. Alexander. Unfortunately they do not contract with any insurance so I had to pursue other options. But the staff was very nice. They did want to schedule my EGD and psych eval right away and the charge for that was $200 (for his fees since he is out of network for all insurance). He's very funny and kinda looks like Robin Williams when he talks

Glad you finally decided to post. I lurked for a long time too. But I have found a lot of comfort and support here. I hope you will too.

BrandnewMe · 11-04-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkadiva

My Surgeon will be Dr. John Alexander.
PCP is Dr. Hardeep Rai, out of Carrollton

I had my surgery at Baylor-Carrollton! It was with Dr. Castro and he was great! His offices are in Dallas but he does surgery out of Carrollton.

Best of luck with your preop process. I don't know how Aetna works but I hope it goes well for you!

I live in Arlington by the way.

LoriAnn925 · 11-04-2009, 10:43 AM

Welcome to TT. I work in Dallas, and live in Arlington. There are lots of us Texans here

jkadiva · 11-04-2009, 12:20 PM

Hi LoriAnn, thanks for the insurance information on Dr. Alexander, I had no idea he was out of network. I just confirmed with this office. Aww well, looks like I have to look for a new surgeon.

BrandnewMe · 11-04-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkadiva

Hi LoriAnn, thanks for the insurance information on Dr. Alexander, I had no idea he was out of network. I just confirmed with this office. Aww well, looks like I have to look for a new surgeon.

Dr. Manuel Castro does the surgery out of Baylor-Carrollton. his offices are in Dallas though.

You should be able to call your insurance and get a list of the bariatric surgeons in the area that take your insurance.