Lexington Now -- Louisiana SOON?

Howdy Bayou Buds! There will be a Louisiana delegation at the upcoming OH event Oct. 27-28 in Lexington, Kentucky. It's a little more than a month away, so wanna come? Mardi Gras in October will be making strong statement for Louisiana and Cindee (Luvin Life) and I would love to see more of you. Now, let's plan for the future. There's a strong "chain" of groups -- some formal, some informal -- and while they all aren't officially OHLA, they are a sign that bariatric support is alive and well in Louisiana. I would love to see a two-day OH Event in Louisiana next year and it would be a great way to spotlight the legislation facing Louisiana that would mandate coverage of bariatric surgery. So, North Louisiana - from Shreveport to Monroe; CenLa -- Alexandria-Pineville and Ball; South Louisiana -- Lake Charles to Lafayette, Baton Rouge to Slidell/Covington and Metro Nola: Let's get together and let's be heard. I need your ideas, comments and support. Onward! Frances

Frances, I seriously can't wait to meet you and I can't wait to meet anyone else coming. I hope more will be joining us! Amy

YEAH!!!!! I feel pumped up now!!!!!! I'm bummed that I can't go to Lexington, but I just started Grad school ( a long time dream come true) and I just can't take the time................but, I'D LOVE IT IF THERE WAS A LOUISIANA CONVENTION...........just not in July or August (lol, don't want to scare anyone off with the heat!) I hope that this can happen! Oh, and I hope you are feeling better Frances..........I simply adore your spirit! Kendra

Hi Kendra Yes, I'm feeling better. Congrats on starting grad school. That's awesome. I'm sure we can work to bring something here and I'm glad to know you are interested in participating. Onward! Frances

Hello Fran I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. I will keep you in my prayers. Onward. Fred

It's me, it's me.....YUP...standing in the need of prayer! Thank you, FredFriend!

Hi Frances: I hope you are feeling better!! I don't travel, but would like to be involved in whatever happens here in LA. If you have anything scheduled in the New Orleans area, I would be interested. There's just no way I can get to Baton Rouge on a weeknight. Also could you share any information you have on the proposed legislation? I did some research and could only come up with some mention in 2003, but nothing more recent. Are they just still trying to pass the same legislation that failed to pass in 2003? Thanks, Angela

Hi Angela, good to hear from you. If we get a Lexington-type event to Louisiana, it would be a 2-day convention affair on a weekend. Hopefully, there will continue to be more local offering for support like the stuff we do at night in Baton Rouge. The legislation isn't proposed -- it's pending and hasn't been written yet. What has been written is a study resolution by Sen. Sharon Weston Broome. The resolution is in a "study" stage and this makes it far from a done deal. This is good, however, because it gives us time to circle our wagons and make a game plan. If all goes well, the resolution to mandate the coverage of bariatric surgery will be proposed for the next legislative session. I hope that makes sense. Frances

Sure does..thanks for the info. Although I am not really much into the political arena, these are the things that will make it easier for everyone to at least have the chance of overcoming obesity in our lifetimes. We all should take the chance to make our voices count, not only for ourselves, but for all the other people out there that are coming behind us. I just spoke to someone this weekend that really needs to have WLS, but has BCBS of Louisiana, who will not cover the surgery. It really is obscene the amount of money we all pay into the insurance companies and when they have to pay any little bit in return, you are treated like you are trying to steal from them. I was so lucky to get approved for surgery quickly (well...after the 6-month diet and all) and without having to be turned down and appeal and such. I just found out today that my surgery in confirmed for 10/23!!! I really hope that you are feeling better. You are such and inspiration to us all. Thanks, Angela