OK I have some questions and I really need some answers. I have been considering Gastric Bypass for a little over 3 years now and I think the only reason I haven't done it yet is because my friends and family tell me it isn't worth it. But I'm not so sure of that anymore. I'm 26 years old I have a 3 and a 7 year old. I weigh in at 347 pounds. I am miserable, I can't work because of the pain the weight has caused my body but yet have been denied disability 2 times b/c they don't think my weight causes me any problems and I can work. I have high bp and cholesterol, severe joint pain all the time, asthma, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic depression, and I just can't handle this weight anymore. I have tried dieting, exercising to the point I can't move for the next 3 days, and I have been struggling with weight my whole life. When I was 12 I weighed 260 pounds but gradually over the years with having my kids and depression turing to food for comfort I gained and gained. People don't want to be around me b/c I am so cranky all the time. It is hard to explain to people that you hurt all the time, you can't lead a normal life, you feel like crap because you really can't be part of your children's life like you want, and then it gets to the point that it hurts so bad just to get out of bed. Then the emotional sets in and you feel worthless, depressed, and alone because those around you just don't understand. Anyway, my questions are: 1: (To those who have had the Lap. RNY) Was it worth is? Did you have any complications? If so what were they? 2: Has anyone ever had surgery from Dr. Robert Shin in Charleston, WV? If so were there any complications or problems? Do you know if he accepts WV Medicare/Mountain State Health Plan? 3: Is the pain horrible afterwards? 4: Did anyone have cosmetic surgery afterwards? How bad was that pain? Was is worth it? My weight has held me back from ever having a life and I don't want that anymore. I want to be around to see my kids grow up, I was a full life, I'm tired of hiding myself from life. Well any replies will be greatly appreciated.

THE ONLY PLACE I KNOW OF IS THE WEBSITE BELOW.  HOPE IT HELPS. JOY http://www.medicare.gov/

Dr. Dennis Hurwitz would like to invite you to join him online for a free plastic surgery informational webinar. Registrants for the webinar will receive a free copy of Dr. Hurwitz book, The Total Body Lift.  This is a great opportunity to learn what to expect from post weight loss surgery and how dramatic the results can be.    

When: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 7:00PM EST
Topics: Total Body Lift with Examples of Actual Cases (Photos Included), Q&A time with Dr. Hurwitz

Click the link to sign up for the webinar and your free book:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/840257470

For additional information on Dr. Dennis Hurwitz:
Online Content - Total Body Lift Surgery
ObesityHelp Profile - Dr. Dennis Hurwitz
Website - HurwitzCenter.com

You may also be familiar with The Hurwitz Center due to various media features such as The Today Show, Discovery Health, Inside Edition, The VIEW, and many other news affiliates around the world.  Or perhaps you've been to one of the many ObesityHelp events that they have been a sponsor and speaker at. 

Dr. Hurwitz is scheduled to speak at the following up-coming ObesityHelp events:

• Pittsburgh, PA  - July 19^th 2008
• Philadelphia, PA – October 4^th, 2008
• Los Angeles, CA – October 25^th, 2008

Our yearly exercise and fitness issue is now available!! We are excited to introduce you to four remarkable OH members, our very own Fit and Fabulous Four! I had the opportunity to interview all four of these remarkable people (Sherry, Sheila, Brian and Geoff) who with amazing determination met some remarkable fitness goals. This issue also features an article by Kathleen Nickerson, PhD called Exercise It Does a Brain Good; other articles include Exercise how to leg extensions; preparing for your contouring surgery; intimacy and sexuality after weight loss; and recipes for success by Michelle "Eggface" Vicari. If you are already a subscriber, your issue should be arriving any day; if you have not yet subscribed to OH Magazine, at the new low price of $19.95 for six bi-monthly issues, please click on the purple word magazine above or call 1-866-297-4966 to subscribe today!

I never got a human when I called, I always got a recording.  They were good about returning calls though.  Leave a message if you haven't already.