I'm sorry. It's awful when you have decided to make a healthy change and there are roadbloacks. A few thoughts... Have you asked your HR department if an additional rider to cover the surgery can be purchased? Is the exclusion (under no cir****tances or only "if deemed medically necessary") read your policy and look for loop holes like that. Can you get on a spouses or family member's policy? There is always the self pay route: Here's a few links to finance companies http://www.medicredit.com/               http://www.p-f-s.com/ http://www.cogentfinancialgroup.com/     http://www.thfusa.com/?d=041805CA http://www.mymedicalfinancing.com http://www.surgeryloans.com http://www.citerrafinancial.com/ http://www.capitalonehealthcarefinance.com/ Also I had some insurance issues too and went to Ensenada, Mexico for my surgery so I can relate. Going out of the country is not for everyone but it was the best gift I ever gave myself. I'd be happy to share my experience (or check out my blog link below for my story) Best of luck to you. Keep us up on your progress! ~Michelle

The Fourth of July holiday is just around the corner. This will be my 7^th year I have presented a Power Point presentation on the 4^th of July to those in my email database of which is now over 1000 people. If you would like to receive this FREE presentation please contact me at [email protected] This year’s theme is honoring our American Soldiers… Again this is a free presentation that I send out yearly…

Hi! So, are you having your surgery on June 30?  I lived in Fairbanks for 15 years and am living in Soldotna now.  FMH is probably OK.  There are a lot of good doctors in Fairbanks.  For such and out of the way place, go figure. Just wanted to say Hi!  and good luck! CCEE

I can answer a few of your questions about Doc Searles.  He DOES do Lap RNY and band and he has superb teqnique...in fact if your insurance covers it he can even use the DaVinci robot to do the surgery, super cool!  He used to be Doc Todds partner and has plenty of experience with RNY though he is "newer" to the Band.  I haven't had any problems though, and he hits the port every time I need a fill.  He did NOT require a 6 month diet for myself or the other people I have refered out to him.  I had my initial consult on Jan 16th and was banded on Mar 20, would have been sooner but I had trouble getting all of my pre-op tests done here in Fairbanks.  I was also a "lightweight" (sure didn't feel like it, lol!!)  I do know that he doesn't give you an easy time if your BMI is under 40 though, even for the band.  He doesn't have much of and aftercare program for us bandsters, I'm not sure about RNY.  The staff is very helpful and always willing to answer questions when I call.  If they can not answer he is prompt to call back with an answer.   Kari

I just found out that Carnie Wilson is going to be the chef on CMT's new reality television show, Insider's Inn.  Read more and see an interview on my blog!http://luvsexytrstno1.blogspot.com/2008/06/carnie-wilson-on-another-reality.html