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Topic: Have you made a USER NAME?
Many people don't realize or won't until they try to access their profile that you must now have a username. This is something new, unless you've just recently made a username, you don't have one yet. If you haven't made a username please take a moment to log out and create one. This can be done easily by following these steps.
***Keep in mind you must have your first and last name you currently use to log in to create your username.***
Make sure you are logged out first:
1. Go here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/login
2. Locate the box that says "Already a member?"
3. Locate the text that says "I am a member, but don't have a username. Click Here" and click on that link.
4. You will then be prompted to enter in your First Name, Last Name, and Password. These areas would be the current log in information that you have been using.
5. You will then also be prompted to enter in a User Name. This is the new part and will be unique to you. So please select the User Name that you would like to have associate with your account. Tip - Your User Name should be what you would want the public to see associated with your account
6. Then click the button that says "Create Username".
You will then need to sign in with your newly made Username and Password, instead of your First Name, Last Name, Password that you used to log in with.
Things to remember:
The user name is NOT what will show up on your profile page or on the message boards. (This will come in future updates) Once you've made your user name you can always change what's viewed from the message board or on your profile by logging into "my account" then going to "general info". Once in the general info area, the name that appears in the first and last name blank is what shows up on your profile and the message boards. You change it here and then "update". This is also where you can change your password by entering it in twice and update.
If you are unable to log in after doing the following please Email us for help.
Amy Williams
Obesityhelp Member Services
***Keep in mind you must have your first and last name you currently use to log in to create your username.***
Make sure you are logged out first:
You will then need to sign in with your newly made Username and Password, instead of your First Name, Last Name, Password that you used to log in with.
Things to remember:
The user name is NOT what will show up on your profile page or on the message boards. (This will come in future updates) Once you've made your user name you can always change what's viewed from the message board or on your profile by logging into "my account" then going to "general info". Once in the general info area, the name that appears in the first and last name blank is what shows up on your profile and the message boards. You change it here and then "update". This is also where you can change your password by entering it in twice and update.
If you are unable to log in after doing the following please Email us for help.
Amy Williams
Obesityhelp Member Services
Topic: What is wrong in NM??????
OK, I went to PCP to talk to he about WLS. She said she would give me a refferal to a surgeon, I just needed to make sure that he was in my network. SHe said that all I need to qualify for WLS is to be 100lbs overweight, she acted like it was no big deal to get the insurance to cover it. I asked her if she has had patients of hers that went to have WLS, she said yes.
(I have BC/BS NM) Called them, as usual the gave me vague answers to my questions. I asked them about Dr.s in thier network the rep said that BCBS-NM only covers DR's in state. SOOOO... I did research on OH and found Dr. demarest, Fry and Terry, I called thier office and asked about WLS, well, the woman I spoke to said that no one does surgery in NM because IF you end up living through it you will have compilications the rest of your life. So, why is it that Medicare is considering covering it then, if everyone who gets it dies or is damaged forever? I am so frusturated!!
I am sick and tired of the media telling me that I will die because I am fat, and the only hope that I might have is wrong to want also. Help what do I do? 
I am sick and tired of the media telling me that I will die because I am fat, and the only hope that I might have is wrong to want also. Help what do I do? 
Topic: MEDICARE PROPOSES NEW COVERAGE POLICY FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY PROCEDURES
MEDICARE PROPOSES NEW COVERAGE POLICY FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY PROCEDURES
On November 23rd, 2005, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed national coverage for Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 for open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding under certain clinical cir****tances and when performed in a facility meeting evidence-based standards for bariatric surgery. For the full story, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1733
Here is a chronology of what has happened up until now.
July 2004 Medicare removed language that said obesity is not a disease
Nov 4, 2004 A Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee meeting was held to review evidence related to the benefits, risks and costs of bariatric surgery in obesity.
Feb 7, 2005 CMS posted a transcript of the meeting
Nov 23, 2005 Medicare proposes coverage
Why This Is Important
Traditionally, what Medicare decides to cover has a powerful ripple effect through the federal-state Medicaid program and in private, commercial insurance. Medicare endorsement has a powerful effect on all payers in the health care system. So even if someone is not a Medicare patient, they may potentially benefit!!
Medicare is accepting public comments about the national coverage of bariatric surgery for Medicare patients under the age of 65. . Now is your chance to show your support. Tell the government how much you have been helped by weight loss surgery. You have until Dec. 23rd to send an email to:
[email protected]
Tell her how your life has changed, how your co-morbidities have disappeared or just tell her that you have had the surgery, are successful and support the Medicare proposal.
For an excellent guide on how to respond to Medicare, visit the Obesity Action Coalition Website. http://www.obesityaction.org/advocacy/medicare.php On that page is a link to "A Patient's Guide to Advocating for Improved Access to Weight-Loss Surgery Under Medicare." This publication will guide you through formulating a response.
For the sake of all of those who are struggling to obtain insurance Coverage, do it today!!!
Thanks Richard! I'll pass the info on to my Mom. 
Topic: OH -- Hot off the Presses
Have you received your new issue of OH Magazine? This special Family Issue features the personal journey of radio DJ Blair Garner on the cover. Readers will also learn how to break the family cycle of obesity written by our medical editor Dr. Terry Simpson. Do you have trouble making family fitness fun? Jeanna Waln lists ways to get out and exercise with the family. Is the family dog putting on some extra pounds? Find out what you can do to help your beloved pet by reading Nikki Johnson's article. It is a new year and a new you. Virginia Alexander lists six top fashion tips for 2006. So, if you are already a subscriber your magazine should be arriving any day and if you have not yet subscribed it is very easy to do. You can subscribe online at http://www.oh-magazine.com or call 1-866-297-4966. The cost is $25 per year for a bimonthly subscription.
Ronda Einbinder
Public Relations Manager :type:
Ronda Einbinder
Public Relations Manager :type:
Topic: RE: Kinda new but kinda not
Do you know about our Yahoo group online support group?
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ABQNBB/join
We also meet twice a month...
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