18 months post op & I have a new life, love, body & self esteem! Having the surgery was one of the very best things that I have ever done for myself! I would, still, do it again, tomorrow!!!! No regrets, what so ever! I can hardly express how wonderful my life is, now, compared to 18 months ago! After meeting more then my share of the wrong men, The Lord has given me a precious gift of love & happiness. That gift is named Rick. He would have loved me when I was 100 lbs heavier. (Unlike most men!) He tells me that he loves, cherishes & adores me!!!!!! I know that alot of people will be shocked to hear my news. We have only been dating for 5 weeks...... However, we have everything in common & we are madly in love...... Our faith is strong & we are listening to God! He is telling us to take this relationship 'all the way!' Rick & I picked out my engagement ring this weekend. It is gorgeous! Almost 2.5 carats!!!!!!!!!! I actually picked out my own diamond. They had 4 of them shipped in for me. Then I selected my engagement/ wedding ring setting & now they are creating my ring for me. Wait till you see it!!!!!!!!! We also picked out Rick's wedding band. It is beautiful, too. I am in Heaven. Rick asked my Dad for his permission to marry me, last night!!!! My Dad is so happy for us!!!!! They are, now, calling each other Dad & Son!!!!! I am so happy.... God has really blessed me!!!!!! Rick & I sat 3 of our children down & told them about our engagement. Rick is going to talk to his oldest son today. The kids are pretty excited about it. Although, Cat says that the kids think that we are going 'too fast!!' HMMM.... I can see where people would think that. Yet, we both KNOW that God is at the center of our relationship & is giving us His blessings! On another note, I have been turned down for my breast reduction! Can you believe it? Apparently, DDD is not big enough!!! Aetna says that I must have 915 grams removed from each breast! Am I crazy, or is that almost 2 lbs per breast? I am considering an appeal. They did, however, approve me for a panny. Rick & I have decided that I should go ahead with the full abdominoplasty. Because, we believe that the muscle tightening will help with my back pain. I hope that the scarring won't be very bad. Also, I pray that the pain will be tolerable. That will cost out of pocket almost $4000.00. Rick doesn't want me to have any plastic surgery. He is content with me just the way that I am. I, on the other hand, really want my back to stop hurting. For this reason, Rick totally supports my decision to have surgery. I had originally wanted to have 3 areas liposuctioned, as well. The abdominoplasty with 3 lipos would have cost over $10,000. For some reason the lipo scares Rick & Catherine. So, I have decided to put that on hold for now. The surgeon's office is trying to schedule me for the Fri. or Mon. after Thanksgiving. I am considering waiting until the beginning of Jan., when my business is slower..... Another big decision. I want to have it done ASAP, so that I can heal & we can plan our wedding/ honeymoon/ future! But, business wise, I would be smart to wait until Jan. Any suggestions on that one? We were in a car accident, yesterday. It was not Rick's fault. The teenage boy failed to stop, pulled out right in front of us & Rick drove right into the side of the boy's grandmother's car. Rick handled his self with such a calmness. I learned alot about his personality from that & I was very impressed with him. I, on the other hand, called the police, got his tag #, Vin #, driver's license #& ins. info. Together, we handled it very well.. I had my digital camera, so I even got pics of the intersection & vehicles. Just another thing to deal with.... Well, I have gotten very long winded here.... So, I will end this for now. May God continue to shine His bright, white light of love down on us! Peace out! Don't give up. Have faith. Life is GOOD...... PS, I have a new picture on my profile!!!! Lovin' life, Karen

Patti, I am awaiting approval, myself.... Is your ins. paying for an abdominoplasty or just the panny??? Good luck & thanks in advance for your answer!!! Karen

Ethel, You and I have the same surgery date. I have lost 105 and too have not lost any since 11 months post op. I still would like to loose another 15 but cannot seem to, my problem is I do the same exercise each day and need to change but I love walking. I have read that some go to weight loss programs to try and get the rest off. One problem that I seem to have is I have found myself snacking on wrong food then not eating a proper meal so I am going to start writting down what I eat and see what I can change. Do not feel like a failure look at your past and present and see how far you have come. kc

I have a large amount of skin hanging off my arms to the point that I have 3 rolls or creases on them ( I have lost 152 pounds). I have had no luck at getting a rash, which I know sounds funny, but I have to have a rash to have surgical procedures covered, which I am sure you all know about. I have heard of using certain products to create a rash, has anyone heard about this method or tried it? Any input would be appreciated. thanks

My insurance told me I would benefit from the loss of 30 pounds instead of 100. they say by the loss of 10% your weight is enough to make your health problems better. What a crock. I don't know how to go about an appeal. I went and got new letters from my doctor since my lab test are showing a decline in my health from last March. Any ideas out there. I have cigna. They also told me to go on a doctors diet and exercise program. I signed up for Optifast it is almost $4000.00 then they would consider it. I have 43 body weight index.I dont think they will do it if you are under 40? I am not sure. I need help. Thanks Sondra