Share Your Favorite Recipe with OH. Do you have a favorite post -op recipe? Did you have a favorite recipe that got you through the first few days after surgery? Would you like to share these recipes with your fellow ObesityHelp members? We are collecting healthy recipes that may possibly be featured in an upcoming issue of one of our ObesityHelp Inc. publications. If you are interested in sharing with your friends, please email the name of the recipe, ingredients and cooking instructions, along with your name and indicate if you are pre or post-op to: [email protected].

Ask the surgeon, simply go to the link at the top of the mb and click the link to Dr. Babnieaus surgeon chat free starting in just a moment. Thanks and have a great evening. Larry Irvin Member Services Manager Obesityhelp.com

Julie, It's my understanding that with your BMI, TriCare will easily cover surgery for you. The only real bit of info to remind your doctor is that according to the NIH, people with over 100# to lose are statistically unable to lose the weight and/or keep it off. That's why it's an approved treatment for obesity. Also, do you really need to have a referral? I was under the impression that the surgeons there in Great Falls can take care of all of that for you. I had mine done in Great Falls, and the surgeon's office took care of all the insurance issues. Take Care and Good Luck to you. Linn

Hi Tina, I wish I could help you more, but this is what little I can tell you. First of all, you really do need to exercise, but start out very slowly. Maybe start by taking laps inside your home. Exercise does increase the heart rate and BP, so going at it slowly might help with the headaches. Try to take a certain number of laps and increase it by a set amount each week. Any exercise is better than none. The person above suggested weigh****chers. Any program like that would be helpful if you can afford it. You might just buy the South Beach Diet book and go by their diet suggestions. From what I understand, it is very similar to how I eat now after weight loss surgery. Also, if you truly don't eat some days, that is not good for you. The body thinks it's starving and won't allow you to lose weight anyway. A better thing to do would be to plan 3-6 small balanced meals keeping your calorie intake under 1200 a day. It keeps the metabolism moving and helps with nutrition. Do you really not have insurance, or is it that your insurance doesn't cover surgery? Do you work? I know there are other websites specifically for people who don't want to have surgery, but I just don't know what they are. I happened along this one purely by accident. There have been many people who have been able to successfully lose weight following the programs that were mentioned above. The trick is to decide that you need to change your life habits for good, and then to do it. Remember that I have had surgery, but this is how I eat on a daily basis. Breakfast: 1 Low carb yogurt Snack: 1 serving (according to the box) cream of wheat or 1 packet oatmeal. Lunch: 4 oz cottage cheese and fruit, or 3 oz can of tuna and about 3 saltines and some fruit, or 3-4 oz meat and veggies. Snack: sometimes I have one, usually not. Often a sugar-free pudding (4 oz size) Dinner: 3-4 oz meat and veggies I know that the small size of the meals may not satisfy you, but you might just give it a try. Hope this helps you some, Linn

2 more days to buy your tickets at the current low price for LA heres what it includes: I'll be there who's w/ me? OH National event for 2004 Los Angeles California October 29 to 31, 2004 Universal Hilton Time is running out to register for this year's event. Cost is only $60 if you register by October 15 Registration After October 15 will be $75 You can register for one day if that would work better into your schedule: Friday night only for $25 Saturday for $30 Sunday for $30 If you are registering for only one or two days you must e-mail the registration information - name, address, phone, e-mail address and credit card information to: [email protected] You will receive your registration packet when you arrive and check in with ObesityHelp Here is our Convention Schedule -(subject to change) Friday: Chapter Leader (support group leader) training begins at 1:00 to 5:00 You must make reservations for this event with Monica Registration will open at 3:00 PM Vendor Booths will be open at 6:00 PM Grand Masquerade Ball starts at 7:00 PM to 11 PM 8:00 to 8:20 PM - Hear from Susan Maria with all of her cooking hints Live Music by Planet 80's Appetizers will be served Saturday: 8:30 AM - Vendors will open for you to visit them 9:00 AM - General Session and Welcome 9:10 to 9:30 - Bariatric Advantage Information 9:40 AM to 1:00 Break out Classes You can choose the class and topics that interest YOU 1:00 to 1:45 PM - Lunch will be served 2:00 to 4:30 PM - Break Out Classes 4:40 to 5:00 PM - General Sessions and drawings Classes you can choose between (subject to change) The "new me" coping strategies When thin is too thin - Anorexia and Bulimia Finding my Open Door Head Hunger Sabotage, Depression, Anxiety, and other post op demons Will I think I'm crazy? The Psychological evaluation and other pre op concerns. Massage and Relaxation Boundary Issues Building Self Esteem Lap band Procedure Information pre and post care Nutrition Post Care When the honeymoon is over - prepare for the longest plateau of your life Pilates for post care Cooking with Susan Maria Sticking with the program once you have lost The A B C's of Weight Loss Surgery Success Empower your mind Abuse and weight gain A, B, and C's of Nutritional needs Post op Exercise and Fitness Class Cooking on the GO Weighing less and moving more - how to pick up your pace The Most Important Change you can make is the quality of your life Learning to think like a thin person Life without scales Journey to OZ - Following the path to weight loss surgery Weight loss in Wonderland - advice from a caterpillar Visit with one of the following Doctors Dr. Katzen - Plastic Surgery Dr. Terry Simpson - Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Ramsey Dallal - Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Korman- Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Richard Lee - Plastic Surgeon Dr. Leport - Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Jacqueline Jacques - ND Dr. Quebbeman - Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Dallal - Bariatric Surgeon Sunday: 8:30 AM - Vendors will open for you to visit them 9:00 AM - General Session - on time drawing!! Don't be late. 9:15 to 9:35 - Vitamist will be sharing information about their product 9:40 to 10:00 - Lancaster Hospital Presentation 10:05 to 10:30 - Questcore will be sharing information with you 10:35 to 11:00 - Round table discussion 11:00 to 11:30 - Special Guest Performers 11:30 to 12:15 - Lunch is served 12:20 to 12:50 - Fashion Show time - come and cheer for you favorite stars 12:55 to 1:30 - Awards and weight spell up 1:30 to 2:00 - Closing and drawings Hope to see you all there!