Hello

I just wanted to say that reading all the encouraging words here is a great help... I have made the decision to have bypass surgery..I am tired of being large...I am limited to the Doctors that can perform the surgery due to my insurance. I have triCare Prime and I do not think there is going to be a problem I fit their criteria.. my PCP is wonderful .. and had the referral in the works... the bad part is that I will have to do this basically alone .. and I will have to travel from Eugene to Portand to have it done as that is the closest surgeon for me.. I cannot wait.. I have a thin person inside of me that is wanting to be free..

Renee - congratulations on your decision. I am curious why you can't see Flanagan in Eugene? Is it because he doesn't accept your insurance? I'm not familiar with Tri-Care. As for travelling for surgery, I did that too - only to Mexico. It really pays to have a friend or family member go with you, though. Especially for the drive home....hopefully you can scare up a friend to go along for the ride! Keep us posted on your journey and when you get your date! Dina

BTW - if anyone didn't realize it, this is Dina - not the Train 6. It wouldn't sign out of that training profile when I went to post. Finally got it fixed! Dina

yes it is because he does not take my insurance.. in fact his office said that they are not going to be taking insurance any more.. which sounds strange to me.. Tricare is an insurance you get when you have been in the military or were a military dependent.. My ex husband was once in the Miltary... as forhaving someone with me.. I wish... I have no one..really.. well except for my cat.. I have a couple of good friends.. but they live here and when I have the operation I think it will be to far for them to go.. I don't know what is going to happen. I am still in the referral stage.. but my insurance will cover it .. cause I fit all their criteria thank you so much for you kind words.. (smile)

Renee: I also traveled to Mexico to have my surgery (same surgeon as Dinka's), but got great pride and joy from doing it that way. You're about to go on the greatest journey of your life. You're about to do something to save your own life. Even if you had people with you, they wouldn't understand, they wouldn't be walking in your shoes. Muster whatever courage you need to take this great big step, knowing you're really the only one you need. Congratulations on having your insurance cover the surgery, and on making the decision. Be strong! You're gonna kick butt afterward! -Lesa, Portland, OR (1/21/04)

I have already weathered alot of things in my life.. this will be like a walk in the rain.. I know that there will be good days and bad days.. but as far as I am concerned every day that leads me to a thinner me.. will be a good day.. in the last 2 years I have almost died twice.. once with a septic gallbladder.. ( means I don't have to worry about that(grin) and last year with blood clots.. I think the good Lord is watching out for me.. (smile)

Renee, You might consider coming to a support group that is held in Portland before your surgery. You will then meet people here and an establish a support group for when you do come all the way here to have your surgery, and maybe even make a new friend here to be there for you after surgery. Just an idea.......Best of luck to you! Who is doing your surgery? I am looking into Dr. Hong at Dr. Patterson's office. Nadine

I would love to go to a support group.. but I can't go to one in Portland.. it is to far from where I live.. I live in the Eugene Area..and have so little money to drive as far as Portland... Dr Deveney in one of the Doctors that my Insurance will cover.. there are not many..