What would you tell a politician who could help you???

Hi Friends! It's me again, your trusty pest, continuing to ask you for info that will aid in my lobbying the government on a local, state and national level to eliminate obesity discrimination AND to make insurance coverage for surgical weight loss a mandatory benefit. Even though I'm in Alabama I am working to lobby all 50 states. It's pay it forward time..........can you please, please help me by answering this question. If you could sit face to face with anyone in power and make a difference.....what would you say to them about WLS and how it will change or has changed your life? Hugs, Rona Your Bari-Godmother

I am one of the biggest proponents of GSB. I had my surgery back in October 2003. I am alive and healthy and that is all that needs to be said. I applaud your efforts, but do not think that you will have much luck if you try to lobby all 50 states. I think that local and state government has the best opportunity to impact changes for individuals. I do not agree that surgical weight loss should be a mandatory benefit, but I do believe we need to strive to end obesity in the US. Healthcare isn't even a mandatory right in the US, so why would WLS. I would suggest that your efforts would be better served in getting the government to provide 1) more and better information on ways to combat obesity (GSB is only one and probably the last option should consider), 2) provide easier, less costly options to nutritionists, 3) psychologists, and 4) fitness professionals and facilities. Also go after the health care insurer and show the benefits that people that have been derived from people who have improved their fives through life changes, including WLS. We don't need any more Florida's where the insurers are starting to block WLS as an option. I also think that the government needs to crack down on the profit mongers who are providing mis-information and those people taking advantage of the "net carb" craze. I just love politics. Sorry for the verbage but where there is passion I speak up. Rob