Just wanted to share.....

Just an article I read this morning on NBC30.com and wanted to share. Finally, a step in the right direction for the cause. Phyllis HARTFORD, Conn. -- Jacqueline Ezell says she felt like she was drowning as she was rushed to the hospital four years ago. At 288 pounds, doctors had already diagnosed her with diabetes, glaucoma and high cholesterol, all side effects of obesity. Now, they gave her more bad news: her heart was enlarged. "I couldn't breathe," Ezell said. Doctors gave Ezell two options. She could go on a waiting list for a heart transplant, or have weight loss surgery. She chose the surgery. The Preston woman told state lawmakers on Tuesday that she went from a size 26 to a size 6. The surgery also helped lower her cholesterol, and she was taken off the heart transplant list. Now, the only medications she needs are for her heart condition. "There's nothing I can't do now," she said. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would require insurance companies to cover the surgery for severely obese people. The surgery can cost between $20,000 and $35,000. Under the legislation, only people considered "morbidly obese" -- with a body mass index of 30 or more -- could get coverage for the surgery. A doctor would also have to deem the surgery medically necessary. Some health care plans in Connecticut offer coverage, but many major insurance companies are offering it only as an option. Keith Stover, a lobbyist for the Connecticut Association of Health Plans, said that health plans are concerned about the surgery's risks, whi*****lude death. "What we're starting to see is an increase in what we would consider at best, unnecessary, and at worst, unsafe, surgery," Stover said. "Many plans decide the best course of action simply is to exclude coverage." But many physicians said the long-term benefits of weight loss surgery outweigh the risk. Gastric bypass surgery can help cure obesity-related health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and even diabetes, said Dr. Jonathan Aranow, director of the Middlesex Hospital Center for Obesity Surgery. It can also cut down on the long-term cost of medications, he said. "The surgery pays for itself in under three years," he said. "There is no question that there are cost savings." Rep. Anthony D'Amelio, R-Waterbury, said he has concerns about the surgery because two people in his district died after having it. "I would rather see people try to do it the harder way, exercise and eating properly," he said. "I know it's a struggle ... I think it's the safest route." The committee must vote on the bill before March 24 if the bill is to go to the floor of the Senate and the House. Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, who leads the committee, said lawmakers plan to discuss it further during meetings this week. "We're talking about people's lives here. For some people, this is the only procedure that works," Crisco said. Deborah Sicaras, 36, of Wethersfield, said she's one of those people. She has tried Weigh****chers, Jenny Craig, medications and liquid diets, and teaches ballet, tap and jazz four days a week. She was scheduled for surgery Tuesday, a little over four months before her insurance plan is renewed and coverage for surgery eliminated. But she postponed the operation to testify. She wanted to make sure lawmakers heard from her. "I'm one of the fortunate ones who will be able to have this surgery in the very near future," she said. "I can't do this by myself. I need assistance. I've dieted my whole life."

THANKS FOR POSTING THIS!!!! Hugs Kathy K

*Rep. Anthony D'Amelio, R-Waterbury, said he has concerns about the surgery because two people in his district died after having it. "I would rather see people try to do it the harder way, exercise and eating properly," he said. "I know it's a struggle ... I think it's the safest route."* Anybody know how to contact this guy? I'd like to give him what for....I wasn't aware that there was a harder way than actually REARRANGING your insides through major surgery in order to loose weight. Another uneducated legislator 'speaking for the people'...

I was real pissed off when I read this article this mornning in the paper. What makes this guy think that we don't have to eat right and exercise? Sure there are probably a few people who don't, but from what I see, most of us need to exercise and struggle with the eating right every day. I agree, I'd love to give this guy a piece of my mind! Pam

In case anyone wants to speak out to this gentleman: Email: [email protected] Address: 64 Wellington Avenue, Waterbury 06708 Residence: 203-574-3434 Business: 1-800-842-1423 Capitol: 1-800-842-1423 Hugs, Maggie

Lisa Go for it! Speak up to that guy who do not understand what it like to struggle weight problems, tried everythings for diets and cannot compare to that people who died for this surgery. It depend on who the doctor and have alot of experience to do this surgery. I did not like this comment too! Hugs Kathy K

We should all write to that Rep. I didn't realize that rearranging your insides and changing eating habits the way we have to is the easy way out. Some people just really tick me off by saying that. Sadly he is obviously not researched the procedure at all. On the brighter side, at least it is getting seriously looked at and hopefully others won't have to fight the battles that you had to Phyllis. Thanks for sharing this. Hugs, Maggie

Thanks Maggie for the contact information. He really pissed me off, I just e-mailed a letter to him informing him of what many of us go through. I encourage others to do so... Pam

Ya know.. it is just another form of people's ignorance. Do you think he's done ANY research on this surgery? No.. probably not. I find that people that ARE educated about it are actually sympathetic and understanding of the process. I can tell you now, EASY is not in my vocabulary. I'm still struggling, the way I used to before surgery, but I don't have 100 lbs. keeping me down anymore. Yes, that much came off "easily" if you don't consider the mental struggle of eating a certain portion every day and getting all your protein, water and vitamins in first and foremost a problem. Anyhow, a good point in the story.. since surgery I have cost my medical insurance a LOT LESS money. I used to go to my Dr. 3-4 times a month, and sometimes 5-7 times a month b/c my health was so bad. I was a walking time bomb. Since surgery.. I have seen her TWICE.. in almost a year.. TWICE!! Can you believe that? And that was only to renew my "Happy Pills" and pain in my stomach which turned out to be nothing. That's got to be a HUGE savings to any insurance company right there. I'm pretty sure that my surgery has been paid back, in the fact that I haven't needed to see the DR. in almost a year. I do feel bad for people that really NEED the surgery now, b/c their chances are less to get it b/c of the popularity and the "little" people that ARE getting it. Just my 2 cents. Michelle

Hi, This was a good story but let's give credit where credit is due: Not to Channel 30, but to The Associated Press' staff writer Noreen Gillespie, who wrote the story. That should have been included in the post. Thanks, Heather