Getting to know each other...

Becky, this is a great idea! 1. I considered having the surgery for the very first time about four years ago. I decided against it because our insurance, at the time, didn't cover it, and I couldn't afford it. Then, I considered it for just a few short months once I learned our insurance began covering it in Jan. '05. During the summer of '05, I started the process of my WLS journey. 2. Absolutely. It's funny, immediately after my surgery I remember telling people that I probably wouldn't. 60 pounds lost now, and I see how my body is reacting. I'll definitely need my arms, breasts, tummy, and thighs done! My insurance told me that after 18 months, we qualify for panni removal, so I might pay for the difference so that I can have a full tummy tuck and lower body lift. Then, I can take a 401K loan for my breasts and arms. 3. EVERYONE! I haven't kept my surgery a secret, so almost everyone at work knows and is very supportive. My boyfriend and the kids are all very, very supportive. I'm blessed 4. Pink Thanks! Charity

Hi, I haven't been to this board very much, but I think I will come here more often from now on... 1) How long did you CONSIDER having surgery before you actually did it? I seriously considered it just about six months. 2) Do you think you will have surgery to remove excess skin when you are finished? Yes, whatever my insurance will pay for. 3) Who are you biggest supporters? My husband and all my relatives and friends. I had no negative comments at all! My sweetie was worried, but in favor overall. 4) What is your favorite color? Red and black. I like to wear jewel tones mostly, not pastels. Have a great day! Pat

1) How long did you CONSIDER having surgery before you actually did it? I first considered it after a chance meeting with a cashier at a convienience store-I just over heard her talking-saying she used to weigh 282 pounds (exactly my weight) and had lost through WLS-she looked great and it got my wheels turning. I then looked online, found this site-and did some Dr. research-just took it one step at a time-with lot's of prayer to my "higher power" Jesus Christ. I asked Him to either help me get it or let me know it wasn't right for me by blocking my way. Anyway, here I am. 2) Do you think you will have surgery to remove excess skin when you are finished? Yes, whatever my insurance will pay for. (if anything) 3) Who are you biggest supporters? My husband, and my Lord Jesus 4) What is your favorite color? Don't have one-I guess I like all of them.

Good Idea 1) I first thought about weight loss surgery in March 05, but my insurance did not cover it. I then took another job in June 05 and their insurance did cover it. I met with the doctor in Sept and had the surgery in Dec. 2) I would have plastic surgery. Like most people I have lost and gained weight so many times I can't count them all and never had the problem with saggy skin. I have more to lose this time (I weighed 280, down to 240 and a goal of 150) and I am afraid I will have saggy skin. I mainly had the surgery to feel better (inside and out), but I would like to look good also. 3) My husband, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and co-workers. Everyone has been great and very encouraging and supportive. 4) Purple Jen

1) How long did you CONSIDER having surgery before you actually did it? About two years. Six months seriously. 2) Do you think you will have surgery to remove excess skin when you are finished? Yes 3) Who are you biggest supporters? Everyone has been great. 4) What is your favorite color? I like bright colors Take care Scott

1) How long did you CONSIDER having surgery before you actually did it? I considered having surgery in 2001 and was approved in 2002 but back out because I didn't have a support system. I was afraid to go through it alone. What I know now that I didn;t know back then, I probrably would have went on with or without support. 2) Do you think you will have surgery to remove excess skin when you are finished? I am hoping that I don't have to have it and that my skin will bounce back. If my insurance pays for it and I seriously need it then I may consider having it done. 3) Who are you biggest supporters? My co-workers! They have been wonderful and so supportive especially my Manager. She compliments me everyday. They look out for me every minute. My parents were my worse supporters but they were there for me at the hospital the day of my surgery (I give them that credit) along with my co-workers. 4) What is your favorite color? orange JaNae 338/282/175

I had thought about for at least 4 years and then I got serious and went to see the Doctor,,,,then waited another 8 months. I was done on Dec.20th....I have lost almost 40 pounds. LOL I told my husband I was never going to grow old gracefully or cheaply. So yes I will have any PS I need. there is a law pending that insurance companies have to pay for all or part of any post plastics that need to be done after WLS. So we all need to keep our fingures crossed. My biggest supporter is my loving dear husband. He is so kind and gentle and oh so good to me. Favorite color......hmmmmmm I don't know if I can answer that, I have a closet full of many colors.....more dark and jewel tone than bright colors.

Here are some questions to get us started. 1) How long did you CONSIDER having surgery before you actually did it? My husband and I started looking into it and considering it about two to three years ago. We decided to go for it about a year or more ago. From there, we decided on a doctor but had it fall through due to insurance not covering the hospital he used. We chose another doctor, but he was forced into medical retirement before our first appointment. That was in September 2004... His office staff suggested a change in insurance since we had the selection of several through my husband's employer. We changed insurance in January 2005, and finally got to go to our #1 choice in surgeons!! It all worked out perfectly from there! In the end, I am glad things happened like they did because we LOVE our surgeon! 2) Do you think you will have surgery to remove excess skin when you are finished? I would like to. I think insurance will pay for a tummy tuck. I would LOVE to get my upper arms done, but I'm not sure that I will do it because of the costs involved. We started trying to start a family in 1999, and any extra money we have once I have lost my excess weight will go to further fertility treatments or adoption. I probably will not spend money on PS. I will get whatever insurance will cover done. Thighs would be nice too. I just keep thinking about how horrible being in a bathing suit will be with the thighs. Ehh. And I LOVE to swim. Oh well, ugly skin or ugly fat. One or the other, right? 3) Who are you biggest supporters? My husband and many of my close friends. Everyone has been really great. I waited until afterwards to let most people know just so that I would not have to listen to them trying to talk me out of it. I think it was a wise decision. 4) What is your favorite color? Blue...but I have been tending to lean more toward girly colors lately.

2 year - extensive research ( during my 1st surgeon visit, at the end, he asked if I was in the medical field I asked so many ?) Surguery to remove excess skin - absolutely - I have 180 lbs to lose (not any more - now it's 120lbs) - and I know reconstructive surgery is in my future. My DH, My children, my friends, everyone has just been great! RED Amelda