Hi, my insurance is bcbs and when I went for a consult with a plastic surgeon they told me there was NO WAY that bcbs would cover a tummy tuck or panniculectomy. How dod we get them to pay for this? I do not have a rash but I would love the extra skin removed. However there is NO WAY I can afford it. How are you all doing with this? Why will they pay for it for some people but not others? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND! Melanie

YOU ARE REALLY DOING GOOD I HAD THE VBG AND WITH THAT SURGERY YOUR WEIGHT COMES OFF REAL SLOW. IT WILL BE A YEAR FOR ME ON MAY 5TH. EVEN THOUGH I LOST ONLY 70LBS. I'M SO HAPPY. SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. AND IT WILL COME OFF. (FROM YOUR MAY SURGERY SISTER). ROBIN

Hi Natalie, Good for you! It is so important to share our "experience, strength & knowledge, & hope". It is so much better to get support from someone who's "been there, done that got the T-shirt". How many times have most of us gone to some kind of dr, support group, or whatever for our obesity and it is run by someone who is really CLUELESS because they have not "walked the walk". You will be an inspiration! Best of luck as you continue this journey. Pam RNY 5/13/04 268/157 below goal & maintaining

B - Protein Drink S - No-FAt Yogurt L - Chilli S - Veggies - Carrots Sticks if they look good in Cafeteria D - ??? Yesterday was kinda a gross. I have allergies pretty bad and something bloomed in the previous 24 hours. My reaction when I go outside is I get a bunch of draining all at once in the back of my throat which makes me gag and vomit. So dinner last night didn't last long. I started back on Allegra-D now. You would have thought years of doing this would have me talking it every year starting around mid-March ... but Noooooooo.... I have re-learn the lesson every friggin year. Doh!

Let's see.. I did a little over 3 miles on the treadmill and some pilates ball exercises for my abs. Oh, my car died on Saturday before Easter, so I have been walking to catch my carpool. It's just a tad over a mile. It's nice to get a quick walk in first thing in the morning.