My first post: Chicagoan Southside/Southburbs

Hi all!

This is my first post.  I am a lifelong Chicagoan--south side/south burbs, HFHS, UIUC, and a Cubs fan.  Go figure...

I am strongly considering the VSG with Dr. Lutfi at St. Joseph's in Lincoln Park.  I have gotten a chance to meet with him and the team, and I was very impressed.

As far as I can remember I've been thick to just plain fat, and I'm tired of it.  My BMI now is 43.  I have lost lots of weight in the past, but I always seem to gain it back and more.  My genes lend me to being a big woman--most of the women on both sides of my family are overweight to super morbidly obese.  Diabetes and hypertension run rampant in my family.  I just made "dirty 30" and I want to make some changes to myself; this is one.

What's holding me back right now is the support of my family--they don't seem to be too big on me having SURGERY.  I am very close to my family, and their opinions mean the world, but this is something I have to do for me.  I'm sure they'll get on board eventually...I hope.

The biggest question I have now is...how do life insurance providers look at you?  Is this considered a "pre-existing condition?" 

Welcome to the greatest on-line support group in the world.

you are doing this for you, not your family. You don't say, but are you married?

There is a VS board on OH, you might want to visit it too.

I can't answer your question on life insurance, but I would think, once you lose weight, itis no longer a factor if you can get life insurance or not.

Please continue to pursue your dream. We are always here for you.

LISA

Thanks for your response!!!  I have checked out the VSG board, but I thought I'd say 'hi' to my fellow Illinoisians first!

I am not married; I am in a long term relationship with a great young man.  He is so-so about the idea of surgery.  I think he likes me 'juicy,'  and is kind of worried that I'll get too thin.  LOL.   You are absolutely right about me doing this for me, but I'm used to having my family's support.  As I said, they'll get onboard at some point.

I'm hoping to lean on you all for support, and hopefully make new friends!

WELCOME! We all have been there with the same feelings that you have had with being obese. This is a great site to research all surgery types. There are a number of doctors in the Chi-town area that is doing VSG including my doctor and the doctors with the Kane Center. You need to start educating yourself so you can in turn can educate your family.

Your question about insurance - if you are employed or change jobs you will have life insurance even with a pre existing condition - you are covered. You might want to post your question on the insurance board if you are not employed at the time and want to purchase insurance on your own.

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

So great to "meet" you!   Hope to get to know you better in the future.

We have ALL been where you are, with your feelings.

Life insurance is tricky.  When I smoked, I was givien a very high premium (I was also morbidly obese, but they did not mention that).  Once I quit smoking (for over a year) they tested my blood to be sure the nicotine was not present, but then told me that they would not lower my premiums because I was Morbidly Obese.  Now that I have lost 90 lbs, I am still in the "obese" category, but have not had the gumption to ask them aobut a premium decrease, thinking that they would state that surgery was a reason not to lower them.  Now that I am over 3 years out, I should ask them.  I will let you know.

Again, welcome!