I am new and need support....

Hi my name is martha I am 25 years old and have to have surgery. I live in orlando and I dont have many options for doctors. I have cigna HMO and Dr. Kim from celebration does not take it. I am desperate to find a doctor preferably close by like daytona or tampa. Please if any one can help let me know. I am kind of scared because i have 2 kids. A 7month old and 3yr old, but as I read some of your stories I get my hopes up. Please dont stop sending your stories they really help me alot. I am so glad I found this website. I would like to find support in all of you because I know I will have to go through the samething you all have gone. Take care to all of you and good luck.

Martha, Good luck to you in your journey...I am not the best person to give advice now...I'm 3 days post-op and am in incredible pain. I think the truth was a bit sugar coated, so I wasn't prepared for the pain...and I do have a HIGH pain tolerance...so... I would NEVER discourage anyone from doing what they need to...I was in a position that I didn't have an option, so I would never make anyone else reguess themselves. I'm just in a lot of pain right now. Sorry I couldn't be more assistance...maybe in a few days if I'm feeling better, I'll send a POSITIVE message! lol Good luck and best wished to you!

Hi Martha! Welcome to the group! I am 34 and have 3 kids...12, 6 and 3 and live in Altamonte. I went to Ocala for my surgery with Dr. Overcash, and Dr. Jawad is up in Ocala too. I am so glad I had this surgery done, it has been a wonderful experience for me even though I did have stricture at 6 weeks. I am almost 11 months out and I am down 154 pound...4 pounds below goal. Don't be a stranger. Tracey

Martha, I don't know of any doctors in Daytona or Tampa but my husband and I both have Cigna HMO and live in Clermont and we travel to see Dr. William Overcash in Ocala because Dr. Kim didn't take us either. You may want to call his office. We are both scheduled for surgery 1 week from today but all of my experience with him has been good and everyone seems to have nothing but good things to say. His office number is 352-368-2828 if you would like to call.

Hi Martha, This is a good place to learn, ask questions and make friends who understand what you are experiencing. There is an OH conference on Saturday at the Double Tree Hotel at Universal Studios. If you can make it, I know you'll come away with plenty of good information. All the best, DN @ GOAL LadyBodFit.com

Hello Martha! I believe my doctor, Dr. Barry Haicken of Largo takes your insurance. You can contact him either thru the website: www.drhaicken.com or call 727-586-3751. Hope this helps and good luck. ~Roiann

Hi Martha Welcome! I had a co-worker who had it done by Dr. Jawad in Ocala. She liked him. I'd recommend you meet with a couple of doctors and interview them. If I had to do it again, thats what I would do... (hindsights always 20/20). Good Luck!

Hi martha Im heather 28 I live in orlando. I am attempting to start helping out witht he Orlando support group meetings. i'll be glad to meet up with you for lunch or something to help answer all your questions. I had a wounderful experience and would do it all over again. let me know how I can help you. there are too very good DR's in ocala that most of everyone I kow used. Best wishes and dont be shy to ask for help

Hi Martha, I live in Deland. My doctor is Dr. Joel Sebastien w/ East Coast Bariatrics in Daytona Beach. We have an awesome program here!!!! If you want to chat about this program, email me. Good Luck and keep smilin' Hugs, Jen W.

I scanned several of your replies and I noticed someone mentioned Ocala. I live in Jacksonville and took a friend to see Dr. Jawad in Ocala and he's wonderful. Both she and her sister had gastric bypass by Dr. Jawad. I'm doing lap band here in Jacksonville as bypass is a bit too drastic for me. So, if I were you, I'd check out Overcash and Jawad in Ocala. I know they take most all insurances but a quick call will tell you for sure. Sorry I don't have a phone number. Blessings to you. I hope you find just the right doctor to do just the right surgery for you.