New to the board...

Hello everyone. My names Heather and I'm new to the forum. Someone from another board I currently spend time on pointed me in this direction. I'm 23 years old and currently have found myself hitting a brick wall as far as the weight loss battle goes. I'm 5'6" and weigh 315 pounds. I feel trapped and ashamed at times. I have seriously been thinking about getting the operation for about a year now. I'm currently uninsured so I have to jump on board with one of the health companies like Humana or Blue Cross Blue Shield. I don't know which, I'm still researching a lot. I use to be very active, I love the theme parks yet because of my weight have held myself back. I don't enjoy IOA or the other parks anymore because I feel as though people are looking at me and thinking that I'll never fit in the seat. I really don't like that feeling. I've tried many diets throughout my life (I weighed 160 pounds at age 8). Nothing has worked or had lasting results and I've found myself regaining the loss weight and additional pounds atop of that. (As if gaining the weight back wasn't enough!) There are a lot of reasons why I really want this surgery. I want to live to see tomorrow, I want to be a good mother and an active wife who can keep the relationship going (well when I get into one..I'm a dreamer what can I say?). I live in the Winter Springs area and am basically here on this forum for information and support because my mother and father, brother and sister sure aren't going to be there for me. They hate the idea of giving up their tastey treats and such (yup my entire family is obese!). So, hello!! ^_^

Hi Heather, Welcome to the forum! You'll definately find a great deal of support here. I had my surgery almost 6 weeks ago and was on a liquid diet for two weeks before that. So, in 8 weeks, I've lost 41 pounds. It hasn't been the easiest road, but I definately feel better. I, too, am 5'6" and started at 311 pounds. I love IOA and couldn't fit into the seats any longer. In fact, airline seats have been a problem, too. I think it's great that you are considering the surgery. It's definately a life changer, though I'm not really there yet. Everyone says it's worth it in the end. I have Humana HMO with my employer and they covered it 100%. I'm not sure what BCBS's policy is, but before you decide, call around and see who covers 100%. Feel free to ask lots of questions!! Laura

hey sweetie welcome to the board! im also 23 years old and im in the central florida area, if u need someone to talk to email me anytime, this board is full of wonderful people, we're having a get together at the altamonte mall next weekend, we would love to have u there!!!! talk to u soon

hey sweetie welcome to the board! im also 23 years old and im in the central florida area, if u need someone to talk to email me anytime, this board is full of wonderful people, we're having a get together at the altamonte mall next weekend, we would love to have u there!!!! talk to u soon

Hi and welcome to the board Heather. I too was 307 pounds and 5'5". It took me 2 years of seriously thinking about the surgery. My husband did not support it at first but after the surgery he was proud of me. The rest of your family might be jealous when they see you loosing all of the weight. I am currently at 256 pounds and next week will be my 3 months post op. This was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I had Aetna POS and it took 9 months to get approved. Most ins companies require you to have 6 months of physician supervised weight loss. I think I heard on the boards that BCBS of florida is not going to cover the surgery after 1/1/05. Hope this helps your decision. This was the best thing for me. I had Lap RNY. I chose that because I was back to work in a week. Keep us posted. Christine -51

Hi, welcome to the board. I have found so many wonderful people and support here. I know you will also. My surgery was 8/3 and today, I feel wonderful. One day at a time, one baby step at a time. I have BCBS and they covered me. I too have heard they will not becovering after 1/1. I have also heard they will be. So you need to make calls and ask lots of questions as to what is and is not covered, as well as requirements. Good luck to you, Marla

Hi heather! You and me sound exactly alike (except I am 24 and 338 lbs) I know how it is with the whoel family thing. My parents are the same way. My fiance is only 145 lbs but he eats horribly. he is one of those freaks with good genetics. If you ever need a friend or support I am here for you. I am still looking for a doctor myself. let me know if i can help in any way!! kim in lake mary

hey sweetie just like i told heather, i am also around your age (23) and in central florida, we are having another get together next saturday the 28th at the altamonte mall, we'd love to see u there, email me if u want more info

Thanks everyone! ^-^ I was surprised to log onto my Uncle's computer, check my e-mail and find it filled with responses all ready. Haha...it feels nice to see mail in there that aint spam. Hmm, a liquid diet? Not my thing but if I would have to do something like that to prove this is the only way I'm ready to fight. Trust me I've done them all from drinking a tablespoon of vinegar before each meal (which worked....I just started drinking 3+) to good o'l Slim Fast. Driving to the Altamonte Mall ^^ I can do that. It would be nice to meet others who have had or are going to have the surgery. I feel more confident and that this is the right move when I hear from other people. And kim your practically a hope and a skip away from me lol.

the get together is the 28th (saturday) at noon, the tables will be marked with balloons, we'd love to see u there!