Hi ya from the Texas Board

Hi- I am from San Antonio, TX and am considering moving to your beautiful state. I am pre-op b/c the 2 policies we had were ironclad with exclusions so why bother to stay here in the 1000 degree heat waiting for something that isnt gonna happen. I guess I am wondering what the pros and cons of Colo. life is for you guys.....Any advice on cost of living and whether you found it easy to get approval for WLS? We would be living in Colo. Springs or Denver...BTW---There is no place on earth more gorgeous to me than Estes Park...we vacationed there when I was a kid for close to 12 summers in a row and it holds some special memories for me---Take care--Kim

Hey Kim, Let me start by saying that Colorado is beautiful. But compared to the cost of living in TX it will be a big shock when you come out here. For instance a house that would cost you maybe $100,000 in TX will cost around $275,000 here. Colorado Springs is not as expensive as Denver the cost of houses is more reasonable, still a little more than you would pay in TX but not as much as Denver. As far as WLS it all depends on your insurence provider when you get a job. Unfortunatly more and more providers are excluding WLS from thier plans, that is everywhere in the US not just in TX. Not to discourage you by any means just an ugly reality. Now the WLS in Colorado are wonderful. There is a hand ful that I would not let my dog see (that is everywhere though) but we have some very skilled and knowledgeable ones here as well. Most seem to be in the Denver area, and we have many people from Colorado Springs who come up to have the surgery. There are some in other areas that are wonderful as well. Ultimatly moving is a personal discision, and has to be right for you at that moment. There are pros and cons to moving to Colorado, just as there are to every state in our wonderful country. But if you choose to move out here the WLS community is like a big family, we all support each other whether if it WLS related or not. So you won't be moving here with out friends. Good luck on your disicion, and keep us updated so we know how you are doing. Leslie

Hi Kim! I used to live in Killeen, TX when hubby was stationed at Ft. Hood. When we moved here it was like a whole new world. I live in Fountain, which is just outside of the Springs. The cost of living situation just depends on what you are used too. I imagine you pay a whole lot more for housing in San Antonio than we did in Killeen so it's all relative. But Fountain and Colorado in general are growing very fast. For example, there are tons of new houses going up all over Fountain and so for fun hubby and I wanted to take a look at them and see how much more new houses were going for in our neighborhood now. The houses we looked at were smaller than our house (which was built 6 years ago) but costs $40,000 more than what we paid for our house almost 3 years ago. Jobs are also hard to come by lately. But all that being said I would live here over TX any day -- jmo. And there is LOTS to do here, and it is really only hot in July and August. Hope that helps. Michelle

YEEEHAAAA!! I lived in Houston for many years before moving to Colorado. I asked to be laid off from my job of 12 years so that I could move here. I left everyone behind and said "You can stay down there and sweat to death and then have the ****roached eat you...as for me, I am moving to Colorado!!" I love it here. The dry climate is easier to deal with as far as comfort goes. The humidity, however, was great for the skin. I just got back from Vail this weekend cause it is just a few hours away. When I lived in Texas, I would plan all year just to be able to come to Colorado for a weeks vacation. Now, I can drive 20-30 minutes and be in the mountains. I love it here. Not to say that I don't miss the Texas people, because there are none like them. Great people. And there is no Mexican food like Texas food. (Can you tell I am pre-op??) That will be very limited when I have surgery. The cost of housing is shocking and we have state tax. I don't think Texas has added that. But it is all worth it. Never plan to move back, only because of the weather and the BIG bugs!! There are some great doctors up here. I want Dr. Snyder to do my surgery. (I actually want the DS and Dr. Snyder MAY add this...will know soon) He is a great surgeon and has great support groups. Other great doctors, but I really like him. Hope you get to do what is best for you.