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Hi all, I have been lurking around for a couple of months and finally decided to go ahead and post and tell you a little about myself. My name is Melynda. I wanted to have this surgery about five years ago, but my insurance at the time with the State of MS would not cover anything dealing with obesity. I have since gone through a bad time, losing a job and have had a hard time finding another one. (People don't discriminate) Anyway, that brought me to considering having the surgery and going through voc rehab. I met with my Counselor and he told me the steps I needed to take: get a referal with Dr. Blake and go from there. He did not tell me at that time that Voc Rehab does not cover the pre op visits. I thought they did. I am now over $1,000.00 into this and responsible for the bills with no job or insurance. I am scheduled to see a Psychologist on Monday and almost backed out when the nurse called to tell me to bring $220.00 with me to the office visit. I decided to call Dr. Blakes's office and see how far I am into this, whereas no one has explained all of this up to this point. I decided to go ahead and keep the Psych appointment since my next step is going to the Obesity Clinic. I found out that Dr. Blake is now booked until May for surgery dates. If anyone out there can write back and tell me their experience with the obesity clinic and whether or not I am truly close to the end of these pre-op visits I would appreciate any feedback you may have. Also, any experience dealing with Voc. Rehab would be helpful. I would be glad to keep sharing my experiences with you as I go along, also. Thanks.

Hey Melynda, I am a little confused about your post. Have you seen Dr. Blake at all??? I have my first consult with him on April 13 - I made the appt in Nov. or Dec. so it is a LONG wait. I asked about making the other appts I need, Psych, nutrition, etc. and was told NOT to make any appointments - that Dr. Blake would schedule me with the drs I needed...... So I am not sure what is going on with you. Let me know.... Arlies

Hi Arlies, I'm sorry I didn't clarify my post better. I met with Dr. Blake last December 16. It was a three month wait between being referred by my Family Doctor and the actual time I first went to see Dr. Blake. They then sent me to an appointment at the Pulmonary Lab first, in January. Now, they have me scheduled to see the Psychologist this coming Monday. Then, the Obesity Clinic on Feb. 16. After calling to question how many more visits I will have to make, they told me Dr. Blake was not scheduling anymore actual surgeries until May. Hope this helps. Melynda

Hello, I had my surgery on November 25,2003. My Insurance has covered it, but the greatest thing of all my start weight was 211. I am now down to 168. I no longer have to take my insluin shots. Im on one pill daily at night. Every day I can tell a diffrents in my body and my hubyy loves it. Even if you do have to pay some honey it is worth it., I have been on every diet that God has let be made. I have about 48 more pounds to lose and then im gonna have some plastic surgery done i hope. please email me if you need anything and i will be glad to help. Maybe we can exchange phone numbers and talk in person. Lots of Love and cheering for you. Ellen Jones Tupelo, Mississippi