I am also new to all of this and I think it would be great if we kept each other informed. I live in Birmingham, Alabama and I too have a doctor that is new to me but my friend has used her for years so i know that she is supporter of the Bariactric procedures. I have also attended a seminar and I chose a surgeon at the hospital where I work. I know that my insurance BC/BS Alabama Preferred covers the procedure but I am going to have to do a 6 month supervised diet. Other than that...keep the info coming and we can all go through this process together.