deestudentrn

So I have been looking into WLS for a little over a year now. Originally I was looking at Lap band, but then came across the sleeve and have decided I like the sleeve procedure much better. However, WHERE IN THE WORLD DO I START?! Do I find a surgeon and meet with them? Do I meet with my PCP first and go from there?? Do I go to the surgeon first and then contact insurance company? or contact insurance and then move forward with the dr appointments. I will give my stats and info at the bottom here to give a better understanding! Also, anyone have experience with using BCBS IL? & do most people have to have this procedure done as an inpatient or can it be done outpatient? I just started nursing school and was hoping to have this done before I start clinical's when I will have to be moving patients. I am a PCT at a hospital and time off work wont be a problem. Any info would be GREAT! Thank you! BMI: 41.5 Age: 20y/o F Weight: 257

I start clinical's the second week of Jan 2013! However I start lab Nov 2012. I don't think there will be much lifting in lab, I think it will be more along the lines of vitals and such. If my insurance requires a 6 month sup diet I will probably be stuck waiting till after nursing school to have the surgery NOT WHAT I WAS WANTING! My school is year round and our longest break is winter break for 2 weeks. I graduate Oct. 2014. It seems like the dates between school and insurance things just aren't in my favor. I will be calling this week to get more information though. fingers crossed! srs82871 & amazon13 ... thanks for the information!