I just read this on the Yahoo news site. We should be sure our voices are heard when it comes to this type of legislation, we are the ones *****ally understand what this is all about. Write your Congressman and send a copy of this to them. You know that our legislators will be under a lot of pressure from the insurance companies to NOT pass this type of legislation, we need to be sure we apply pressure that convinces them that our vote counts!!! d States Consider Obesity Surgery Coverage By NOREEN GILLESPIE, Associated Press Writer HARTFORD, Conn. - A proposal before Connecticut lawmakers would require insurance companies to cover the surgery for people with a body-mass index of 30 or more if a doctor deems the surgery medically necessary. The BMI is a widely used formula based on height and weight. The Connecticut proposal may not get off the ground this session because lawmakers are struggling to define under what medical conditions the surgery should be covered, said Sen. Joseph Crisco, a Woodbridge Democrat who chairs the legislative committee looking at the issue. The debate is not unlike others across the country. Georgia lawmakers are considering a similar bill this year. And in Louisiana, 40 state employees were chosen last year from 1,200 applications to get the surgery on the state's dime. The standard surgery, which can cost between $20,000 and $35,000, involves using staples to separate a small pouch at the stomach's top from the rest of the stomach, greatly limiting the amount of food that can be eaten. The procedure also involves bypassing much of the small intestine so that less food is absorbed into the body. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama recently stopped paying for the operations while it decides how to handle claims; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has also decided to stop paying for the operation. In Connecticut, many major plans offer coverage only for large numbers of employees. Others are considering offering the coverage for an additional charge. "What we're starting to see is an increase in what we would consider at best, unnecessary, and at worst, unsafe, surgery," said Keith Stover, a lobbyist for the Connecticut Association of Health Plans. "Many plans decide the best course of action simply is to exclude coverage." But many physicians say the long-term benefits of weight loss surgery outweigh the risk. Gastric bypass surgery can help cure obesity-related health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and even diabetes, said Dr. Jonathan Aranow, director of the Middlesex Hospital Center for Obesity Surgery. It can also cut down on the long-term cost of medications, he said. "The surgery pays for itself in under three years," he said. "There is no question that there are cost savings." Last year the federal government opened the door for Medicare coverage of gastric bypass surgery. But some lawmakers and insurers are also worried about risks. State Rep. Anthony D'Amelio, R-Waterbury, said noted two people in his district died after having the operation. Complications strike as many as 1 in 5 patients having the surgery, and it is believed that for every 200 patients, 1 to 4 will die. Estimates are that more than 100,000 people will have the surgery this year. "I would rather see people try to do it the harder way, exercise and eating properly," D'Amelio said. "I know it's a struggle ... I think it's the safest route." But for some patients, the hard way hasn't worked. Deborah Sicaras, 36, of Wethersfield, has tried Weigh****chers, Jenny Craig, diet pills and liquid diets; she also teaches ballet, tap and jazz four days a week. "I'm one of the fortunate ones who will be able to have this surgery in the very near future," she said. "I can't do this by myself. I need assistance. I've dieted my whole life."

Rhonda Britten will be logging on to ObesityHelp.com tonight 7 p.m. pst/10 p.m. est (and central times in between) to answer members questions regarding eating, relationships or anything else that is appropriate to ask Rhonda. This is an exciting one time chat, so tell your friends and I will meet you in the chat room tonight!

Ronda Einbinder
ObesityHelp
Public Relations Manager

If you are not a subscriber already, you will want to hurry and subscribe so you will not miss out on this issue of ObesityHelp Magazine. The inspirational stories continue, as readers learn about actor Ron Lester and his obesity battle that led him on his own journey that began at 508 pounds until his current weight of 173 as told by staff writer Niloo Sarabi. Rick Mark is assisting others to Liv Lighter as program manager of Liv Lite in Los Angeles and a post op bariatric surgery patient himself. Do you know what psychologists look for when conducting a pre-op psychological evaluation? Dr. Barbara Maxwell explains what is needed for this very important step in the surgery process. Due to popular demand, Susan Maria shares some of her favorite easy to make recipes. So log onto www.obesityhelpmagazine.com to subscribe so you can chat with your friends about your favorite OH article. You can also subscribe by calling 1-866-WLS-INFO ext. 359.

Ronda Einbinder
Public Relations Manager
ObesityHelp :type:

Have you ever had a difficult time getting emergency medical care because you did not have access to an emergency vehicle that could accommodate your size?

If you have had such an experience, and you are willing to share your story for an upcoming article in Obesity Help Magazine, please contact staff writer Barbara at [email protected]. When you write, please include your name, state, e-mail address, your phone number (if you do not mind being contacted by phone), and the best time to call.

Thank you!