I have a problem with surgeons making GOALS. I'm at 154lbs and am happy at my weight. I'm in a size 10 womens pants. My surgeon said I should be at 130lbs. I would be too SKINNY at 130lbs. Donna

Sheryn, I've only heard of instances of insurance covering plastic surgery if it's medically necessary and well documented. If the excess skin interferes w/ personal hygiene; causes skin breakdown or rashes/fungus; causes muscle pain or separation, etc... Otherwise, it's considered cosmetic surgery and has to be paid for out of pocket. My mother works for BCBS in Texas and has seen this company turn down pt's for breast reductions even though the required documentation and pictures they submit clearly show how much the surgery is needed. Check with your doctor's or surgeon's office and let them inquire to your insurance company. NEVER deal directly with an insurance company re: most matters. Allow your doctor to do this. He knows what the insurance company will require in order for him to get paid! Good Luck!

I don't believe in goals. My surgeon told me I should be around 130lbs. OH MY GOD!! I'm 154lbs and look good Everyone tells me. If you get down to 130lbs you'll be too skinny and they are right. I wish these surgeons would not put goals on everyone. Hugs Donna

Melissa, I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. I hope and pray things will get better for you. Fortunately, I learned in one of my seminars that divorce can be an unfortunate side effect of this surgery because the spouse does not know how to respond to the weight loss and new attitude, look, and changes of the other spouse. My husband and I are still together but believe me he had his share of problems dealing w/ the new me. I did not really change that much personality wise. I became a little more outgoing and less in his shadow and in my own limelight and he couldn't stand that he was no longer the sole center of attention. His attitude about my clothing also became an issue. I am and have always been a pretty modest dresser. I wore big, loose clothing and long skirts and dresses. One day, I tucked a shirt inside my pants and put on a belt. You should've seen his reaction. He got over it; because it was either get over it or get over me! I'm not sure what you and/or your husband's issues are; but you can survive this! You WILL survive this. This would be a great time for you lose the weight again. You can re-direct your energy and focus to yourself and your kids. Don't become an emotional eater/over-eater. When you feel angry, or feel like emotionally eating - work out or do some other type of physical activity to take your mind off everything. Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself. You have to be strong for yourself and your children. Take advantage of the time your children will need to spend with you by taking them for a walk, play a game of soccer, or anything physical. Spend time w/ the kids preparing and cooking healthy meals. You'll have fun and feel good about the time your spending with the kids. Take your anger out on a soccer ball, or pretend that carrot you're chopping his his head! I don't know. But I hope you see my point. You can still be a stay at home mom and earn income. If you like kids then start a child care business in your home. It doesn't cost much to get started, a CPR class (and you can find a free or low cost class at the Am. Heart Assoc., the local YMCA/YWCA, fire dept, community college) and there's one other class you may have to take. Check with your state. The government will even pay you or provide some supplies for your business. Do your homework and you'd be surprised at how little it may cost for you to become your own boss. Besides, you can even keep your own children at home with you without paying for childcare yourself. Fight fair in your divorce, but go for everything! Childsupport and the house would be great assets. Don't let this (divorce) be another excuse for weight loss failure. The best revenge is living AND looking great. Be positive and always prayerful. Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself emotionally eating and worrying. Use this to your advantage. I hope you take everyone's advice and do wonderfully! You had this surgery to feel and look good about yourself. Don't let him take that from you! Your children will need you now more than ever so you need to stay focused and strong for yourself and them. Find a support group and surround yourself with friends and loved ones. Don't throw a pity party for yourself. Your going to have a gamut of emotions to deal with, but don't drown your sorrows in food. You can get through a divorce! Who needs credit cards! Let him be responsible for the debt. It may be better that he take them anyway so you don't ruin your credit by depending on them to get you through a tough time and incurring debt you can't pay and making more problems for yourself. You can come out of this a winner if you just stay focused. Think and plan carefully. You are responsible for yourself and your precious kids. Don't panic! God is there for you - so always be prayerful. We are here for you. I am here if you'd like to email me. Surround yourself w/ support and positive people. Avoid nay-sayers. Misery loves company. You can do this! You can email me if you like. God Bless! Charlotte sorry no picture posted - haven't bothered to figure it out yet.

Hi Melissa, So sorry to hear about all that is going on in your life. We all get down times, even those of us who are close to or at goal. Try to remember you came into this surgery for a reason. Sometimes we forget that and stray, but the reason is still there. I have learned that everything happens for a reason.... even if we don't know what that reason is in the beginning. I have faith that you will soon see that reason, and it will become crystal clear to you. The path getting there is a difficult one to travel in the beginning, but it does get easier. Keep the faith! Hugs, Susan