AaronRene12

Sorry for the double post guys, forgot to delete this account...

Please Delete.

I've just started this journey, however I've planned out the situation as far as who I'm telling and who I'm not telling. As far as work, they know I'm currently looking for a surgeon, however I told them it was for something different. My job isn't really somewhere I want to be once I start the new me, so (while I've been planning to leave earlier this year) I will be leaving (hopefully) 6(ish) months post op if not much sooner. As far as my family, the people I will tell/have told will be those I can most count on to be my support. The first person I've told was one of my uncles who is more of a spiritual advisor to me. I hope to have him with me at the seminars and everything. The other person I've told so far is one of my aunts, who had a gastric bypass, she has helped me find a doctor and is helping me start getting ready for pre op. I will be telling a few more people (mostly family) however, the people I don't want know about it right now include my mother (we're currently not speaking and I dont want that negativity around me while I'm working this out), my grandparents (simply so they don't freak out or freak me out on the day of), etc. If people do find out its no big deal, it's not going to change anything, I just want the majority to find out after. I'm someone who always second guesses my self and usually doesn't follow though (due to the 2nd guessing) so the only people I want to talk about it with are those who are as dedicated to helping me as I am to my self.

Hey all, Been lurking for about a week, had some issues creating an account, but that finally over and I'm ready to get started. (a little background about me first) I've had weight issues all my life, I'm a male, currently 21, and if i had to guess weight i'd say around 450+. Ive tried many types of diets, most of the times it will work until about 20 lbs, then i start gaining again. I currently have 2 jobs, and spend most of my extra time working with music (I'm a musician), but am looking forward to putting in the time towards a better me. I've not yet consulted with a doctor, to be honest, my current doctor has ruined my view of most doctors. If there is anyone in the chicagoland area that could help (I'm looking for a doctor, but will also be looking for a surgeon) it will be greatly appreciated. If there is anything you would like to know about me, feel free to ask. Thanks!

Just got off the pone with northwestern. Scheduled an appointment for their seminar (Dr Nagle) (recommended by a friend who had a gastric bypass). Any suggestions on what to take with me? Also should I go to multiple seminars or are they basically all the same. What should I look for? Any advice that helps will be greatly appreciated. @gottobeme I still have your advice in mind! Thanks all.

Good luck! I'm just getting started on this long journey (which seems like its taking forever). Let me know how everything works out.

Happy belated birthday! Its great to see that you have a strong support system and also someone who's been through something similar. I know you will reach your goal.

Quick Question for everyone. I will be calling my insurance today to see what information i can get, however, I'm not entirely sure what to ask them. Anyone have some suggestions for what i should ask? (BCBS IL)

i hardly go to the movies, but as someone who COULD be a touring artist (not like famous or anything, but opening up for some famous people), i usually don't travel anywhere i can't drive.

Fist off, thank you to everyone for responding. It means a lot. I read your post shortly after you posted, and still don't know how to respond in a way that will show you how much I appreciate your post. It nearly brought a tear to my eye. After so many put downs for some family members your words have came across more powerful then anything anyone else has ever told me, and it's stuck. Your statement just blew me away. Shortly after reading it I finally told an uncle of mines about my plans and he will be with me at the consultations. Thank you! This is good advice, and i will be following it, Thank you! You guys are great! This is something that i didn't think of (and i work a lot with marketing/brand image/perception) It only makes sense. Thank you! Is there anything you would of changed about the staff or the doctor? I will be making some calls on monday to try and get a consultation. Thank you!