I am scheduled for surgery June 21, and am very nervous. I am looking for a support group here in Bozeman. I know I am making the right decision, I am just looking to talk to others who have had the surgery.

Now 6 issues a year for the same low price! ONLY $25.00!!:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance: In our Spring issue: The Incredible Shrinking Handel By Ronda Einbinder Popular radio show host, Bill Handel has always been open and honest with his listening audience. He shares his moment of epiphany in a candid interview with ObesityHelp Magazine. Life Imitating Life By Michael Genadry You don't want to miss this article! Actor Michael Genadry became a fan favorite on the critically acclaimed romantic comedy TV show "Ed". His real life struggle with obesity and his decision to have weight loss surgery crossed over to his television character. Now, he speaks out about the medias views on Gastric Bypass Surgery and writes an article exclusive to ObesityHelp Magazine readers. The Fear of Dying By Michael Schuhknecht M.D. The fear of dying with bariatric surgery is a good behavior, which should be used to promote positive outcomes and not to dissuade candidates from undergoing surgery. Use your fear to help you and not to inhibit you. All in the Family Sandra Callahan and her two daughters make the journey through weight loss surgery together. Ventral Hernia By Paul Cirangle M.D. What happens if you develop a ventral hernia after surgery? What causes a ventral hernia? Just Believe-Dreams Do Come True Last May, Brinetta Thomas did what would have been the unthinkable when she was heavier. She ran 26.2 miles in the Rock and Roll Marathon for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Societ. Body Contouring after Gastric Bypass Surgery By Don Revis Jr., MD, FACS By applying the latest techniques in body sculpting individualized to each patient's specific needs and priorities, your plastic surgeon can help you realize the new shape that is hidden beneath the excess skin that remains after your goal weight has been achieved... The Second Time Around By Chris Morgan Chris Morgan is 14 years post op and hoping for a revision. Origin and Treatment of Childhood Obesity By Willo Wisotsky, PH.D Childhood obesity is now recognized as a chronic health problem that predisposes to obesity in adulthood. Increasing evidence suggests that there is a progression from childhood obesity to adult obesity........ Closing Old Doors, Opening New By Dana Estrada The doors to health open for Dana after a lifetime of struggling with obesity...... From a size 4x to size 4 By Ronda Einbinder Sisters Dawn and Missy shed their weight with the help of the same surgeon, 2 years apart! Susan Maria's Recipes By Susan Maria Leach Obesityhelp Magazine welcomes culinary enthusiast and author Susan Maria Leach as our exclusive expert bariatric gourmet chef. See her great Before and After recipes! Plus: *Ask the Surgeon* Maintaining a Proper Diet* Support Groups and more.......... For more information, please visit: www.ObesityHelpMagazine.com

You are just the best Ruby!! All went great! I am feeling GROOVY! You are so close to your day!!! Woo-hoo!!! Can't wait to see you at the next meeting!

I finally went to one here in Missoula. I was afraid that the folks there wouldn't approve of me going since I had my surgery in Great Falls, but they were just fine. I do think that my recovery has been easier so far than the others since mine was lap and theirs were open, but it was good meeting other surgery patients and sharing experiences. Linn

I plan to file an appeal - although I have no doubt they will deny me. So for the appeal I am going to attempt to hire an attorney. As you can suspect I have financial issues. I am going to be asking for a copy of the policy as soon as I get my regular doctor to get me a copy of my records. (That is proving to be interesting). When I got my reply from the first inquiry they stated it was not "medically necessary". But about the specifics I don't know. I talked to the people at St. Pats but to be honest I got the impression that they might not want to pu**** to hard for me - (they made me feel like they had other people that were a for sure thing.... So.. why help me) type of thing.. Since then I have talked to several other WLS offices and have talked with my husband about having it elsewhere. (diff, city or state)... I have looked into the medical loans but at this point - without knowing for sure if I will have to take my meds after - at almost $350.00 in meds a month a loan payment would be impossible. I know it is like what almost 98% sure that I wont have to take insulin and what not, but walking into a loan like that not knowing.... Knowing MY LUCK?? hehe.. Not a good step... But I am leaving it for the last bit alternative type thing... You help more than you know... Knowing that someone else has been down the road is help..... Even though this site is filled with people in my spot or who have made it past my spot... You responded... With concern... And That helps!!!! Thank you, Paula