need ammo to convince doctor/family

I need to have ammo to talk with my PCP and my family (who are fighting me) as to why having this procedure is less risky than my continuing to be morbidly obese (BMI 48..256lbs...5 feet). Do you know where I could get a cheat sheet list of things I can say to them to convince them that it is less risky for me to have this surgery than continue on a road that will surely lead to type 2 diabetes and death. thanks Lauren

Hello Lauren Why not to bring your family to come support group to listen other people said about this surgery and they can ask post -op or pre-op people there. I brought my mom to go Gathering party last March because I know she will be very worried but she met people there and listen what they said. She is very support me for this surgery and understand this surgery will help my health more better than where I am now. Did you find the doctor who will operate on you yet? Hope to meet you and your family on Sept 11 for Ct dinner in Middletown. That will be perfect for your family to see all people there and listen what they will say about this surgery. please email me if you have any question or need support from me. Kathy K

Tell me about this CT dinner? its the first Im hearing of it. Where is it? What time? I need directions? Do I bring anything? How much does it cost? ....Details hon, I need details. I promised my mom I would help her with a tag sale that day, If it does not interfere with that we will all come. And guess what, we ALL know sign language, you will have 3 people to talk to.

Hi Lauren, I am bringing my friend Robin who is an interpreter with me. She goes for Dr Bell for this surgery. You can ask her about this surgery because She will have an lap rny surgery from Dr Bell. Great It sounds like a blast time! The Ct Dinner will be help at the Cantine Ristorante in Middletown...... Sept 11 2004 at 400 pm $11.00 per person includes buffet, soft drinks and tip Let me know how many people can come so I will let Deb Mcphee knows . She set up this party for all of us SMILE! Kathy K

Hi Lauren! Kathy has a good suggestion. Bring your family (or one person who is close to you) to a support group meeting. My mother was completely against it, and I've brought her to several meetings and it's helped tremendously. Good luck!

Hi Lauren I think the best ammo for you is to bring them to a support group meeting. There they can ask all the questions they need too and there will be live and well people there to prove to them that this is not something we take lightly. As far as the dinner goes, you can look at the older post of 8/10/04 and see the info for the dinner there. Hope this helps. Good luck. Luis

Hi Lauren, As everyone else has mentioned, taking your family to a support group and/or a seminar is a great way to get them informed and on your side. As far as your PCP, talk to him/her about the surgery and see their reaction. I did not expect my PCP to support my decision, but he was very supportive, and even reccomended a Dr who has operated on some of his other patients. If your PCP is not supportive, find a new one, because you will probably need a referral if you want the insurance to pay for anything! Carmen