Gina A - I OWE YOU!!!

I have been meaning to send this email for the past couple of weeks! Because of your actions, I am going to reap the benefits of WLS! I also work for Harrah's and appealed three times (after they initially quoted coverage!) in the fall of 2004. I finally gave up and was shocked to see that it was a covered benefit for 2006. After reading one of your posts, I realized that it was because of you that they changed their coverage to include WLS. Of course, United still has me jumping through hoops (they will only allow surgery at one of their Centers of Excellence and the closest one to N.O. is Dallas!) but I know that it is going to be a reality for me. You will never know how grateful I am. Just one of the many lives that you have given new hope to, Lisa

I wish you only the best on this remarkable journey that you are about to embark on. This post has literally filled my eyes with tears and my heart with happiness. I am so grateful to know that because of my quest for WLS, my anger, my fight, my determination, my never give-up attitude, made a difference in someone's life. I know it will make a difference in alot of Harrah's employee's life's, I just wish they knew that I went to bat for each and everyone of us, not only for myself. There are so many people at Harrah's that can truly benefit from this remarkable surgery and be given a second chance at life. Lisa, you will be given the chance to live the life that you deserve. Don't cheat yourself. Go ALL the way and give it 100% even though at times it may seem hard, YOU can do it!!! It is all worth it. Every tear, every pain, every dumping episode...has ALL been worth it. If someone told me to describe this journey in a few words I would have to say "I LOVE IT ALL!" If you need anything as you go through this life changing event just shoot me an email. 282/150(surgeon's goal reached in 9 Month's)/139.8(today's weight)/125-130(my goal)

Hi Lisa. I work with Dr. Chung in Lake Charles, Louisiana in Gina's hometown (Hi Gina - you look great - showed Trent your pics a few days ago!), and we are currently in process of gaining COE accreditation. Give us two more months and by April, should be complete. I am so thrilled that Gina and Gary have been able to stick to their beliefs and fight for what is right for all patients. You will change countless lives. I hope you are very proud of yourself, cause I have bragged to many people already about you both!

Marcie, Thanks for the kind words, you are so sweet. I'm glad you showed Trent my pics. You look great yourself. Good job. Gary and I have ALWAYS stuck to what we believe in and I believe that is what has made Gary and I pave the way for other's. It's very heart warming to know that because of Gary's fight and my fight we have made Harrah's realize that there are people out there that need help to live the life they deserve. I have no regrets being self pay and I will forever be grateful to Gary for teaching and guiding me along the way. He proved to me to never give up that someone was always there besides me and that means alot to me. So, keep on bragging on me and Gary. I wish I could wave my magic wand and shout it out to the world that WLS truly changes and enriches life's. Gina 282/150/138.9/125-130(my goal)

Gina, I know of at least a dozen employees in New Orleans who are interested in WLS. And I am sure there are many more I don't even know about. And that is just in New Orleans... just think of how many people will be able to pursue this dream of a healthier and happier lifestyle at each of the 48 properties Harrah's now owns! It is truly remarkable what you have done for them. Since many of them will never know, I am thanking you on their behalf! I am also thankful to OH for giving us this forum. What a blessing! Marcie, I am hoping Oschner is becoming a COE. If it doesn't happen soon, I may be calling you!

Gina, Do you know what ever happened to Corny? I would love for him to be able to be afforded the same chance that we were, but I don't know what happened to him after Rita. Seems like everyone is MIA. And thanks for the complement - the pic on my profile is actually from about 3 years ago or so. I am 25 pounds lighter than that now and off of my previous 12 pills per day for diabetes. Who would have thought - there is a "cure" for diabetes??? I'm living, walking, breathing, screaming-it-from-the-rooftops, proof. Like you, I was self pay (thanks BCBS) and it was worth every cent! Keeping you and your grandfather in my thoughts. From the times I have met him - he is a wonderful person with the same incredible spirit you have, not soon forgotten.

Gina is the best. And my best to all of you. Let your co-workers know and don't let them get away with any nonsense. We should go after Walmart next. Gary Viscio RNY 7-1-03 -172lbs

And Gary - I OWE YOU, TOO!!! Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication in this fight for what should be a no-brainer for insurance companies. This surgery not only makes for healthier people, it also saves lives! Thanks again, Lisa

Great news! Gary, how about working on BCBS PPO FEP

Sure, email me the info. Gina and I are about to work on an advocacy group, possibly with OH. Not sure yet. It will be a real advocacy group, I have recruited a few surgeons, friends, patients, my wife who actually worked with local 201 here and got them to change their plans, but it is a small plan. Weill keep you posted. I'd really like Wal-Mart to do something but considering that they're being sued in almost every state by Attorneys General and they DO NOT CARE I doubt it would go anywhere. Gina you really do look great. I got a call from a patient Kim K, who looks unreal. You both should come and visit us up here when it's warm. She'll be coming this fall. We'll have a party. Take care. Gary