for victims of my unrelentless harassment:

Okay everyone.....I have been such a pain in the patootie to so many people in my quest to obtain wls, I'd like to update everyone that I am making progress and if all goes as planned, I will be able to have my lap RNY in either March or April. I have gone to two support group meetings and they are great, but I wish there was one specifically for pre-ops...I feel so alone sometimes. Each time I go (to the support group) I am blown away by the number of lives changed by these surgeries. So, here's my updates...if y'all don't remember me, I'm the fat whiney chick that's self pay and have been searching for help with this procedure or a cheaper doctor. I have found (through the committed, awesome OH members) a couple of leads. I have found that doctors in Arkansas are much cheaper than in Missouri. I found a couple of doctors that are just under $20,000 (paid up front) and a couple of doctors in Mexico that are $12,000 and $15,000. I have been emailing patients of all of these doctors and have spoken with some former patients on the phone. My husband will not fly and wants to be there when I have my surgery, the drive to Mexico would be a little much so we have compromised. I refuse to put this surgery off another year and am committed to having it before summer. My husband and I agreed that I would spend until March trying to raise the final few thousand I need for surgery in Arkansas so that he could be there with me...but if by March, the money is not in sight, I am flying to Puerto Vallarta with a friend to have surgery with the ever popular, Dr. Joya. He's really big with the OH members on the south of the border forum and is only $12,000!!! I think it's a shame that no one here will work with me for anything close to that amount, especially when medicare reimbursement isn't much more than that, but oh well....no crying over that which I cannot change. For me the good news is, either way....I have a plan. I appreciate all the help I've received along the way and hope at some point I can help someone else. I find it very beautiful that the thing that has made so many outcasts (our battle with obesity) has brought so many people of so many various backgrounds together. Who'da thunk it? I hope to have more time to become very active on this board and it support groups but right now, I am trying to watch 3 forums (arkansas, south of the border and home sweet home) and trying to work all the overtime that I can to pay for my surgery while census is up at the hospital (I can't remember if I told you guys that I'm a nurse)...anyway, thanks for all the support! Victoria

Victoria... I'm sorry that you are not getting the go ahead for the trip to Mexico but at least you are finding some surgeons in the Arkansas area that are workable. For some folks they just have a fear of flying and nothing you say is going to make that change til they are ready. Unfortunately for you it is hindering you getting the surgery in a quicker fashion..... You are never a bother at all so post away... that is what we are all here for! .... I went to the Springfield SG last night at St. John's and it was packed... alot of postops and alot of preops... I am going to be making some suggestions for facilitating these groups to make things flow a bit better... that is right up my alley...*g*.... Wishing you nothing but the best my dear... let me know if there is anything that I can help you out with! Elizabeth~

I admire your determination. You will be VERY successful once you have had your surgery. If you do wind up going to Mexico make sure you have follow up care lined up for here in the states. I can't wait till you are posting about your weight loss. Wayne

Prayers coming your way! I pray that you will get the money for this surgery and that it will be by March. Remember you are not a fat, whiney, chic!!!! You are someone who is seeking a doc who is going to change your life forever. You will always be welcome on this site. You think positive, you will make it. God bless, Penni

Hi Victoria, You are very inspiring because you are have a very resilient attitude. I wish I had half of your resilience. I often worry that if I'm not approved for WLS, if I'd have what it takes to fight for it. You should be very proud of yourself for not giving up in the face of adversities that you have been dealing with to get your surgery. I have every bit of faith that when you finally get your surgery, you will be very successful. I'm so happy that you finally have a plan that can work for you. Now hopefully you can let some of your anxieties rest! Here's to continued luck for you! Cassandra

Victoria Sounds like you have a plan!! I'm sorry that you've had such a tough time getting your WLS. Maybe your husband could go to his PCP or someone and explain his flying fear and get some medication to relax him a little bit for the flight. Just a suggestion!! It was nice meeting you 2 meetings ago at the Springfield support group...please keep us informed with your progress. Take care, Kelli

Victoria Sounds like you have a plan!! I'm sorry that you've had such a tough time getting your WLS. Maybe your husband could go to his PCP or someone and explain his flying fear and get some medication to relax him a little bit for the flight. Just a suggestion!! It was nice meeting you 2 meetings ago at the Springfield support group...please keep us informed with your progress. Take care, Kelli

Home page for OH has a flashing banner advertising lap-band surgery in San Antioinio TX for $10,950. Check it out. Kathy