I didn't use Dr Shinn's program for pre-op, but I did do my surgeon's plan. My insurance wanted 6 months of Dr supervised diet OR a 3 month interdisciplinary program. I opted for the 3 month through my surgeon's office.

I think doing the pre-op through your surgeon's office gives the benefit of learning about WLS from the expert in the field - instead of just a General Practitioner. I learned ahead of time about expectations, nutrition and the psychological side as well.

It also gives you the benefit of asking questions ahead of time and getting very educated information. I'm all for the surgeon's pre-op program. It was the best choice for me.

Good luck as you go forward in your journey. You will definitely start feeling better soon after your surgery.

I have been trying to get WLS since 2002. My first choice is the Lap Band and I even switched health plans back then so i could get it paid for.  Imagine my anger when I learned that PEIA doesn't pay for this procedure, nor do they plan to anytime in the future.

I think it is ridiculous, since, if one is to believe all their marketing, they are all about "healthy West Virginians". If that were true, they would seek the widest array of tools possible to assist us in our journey to health.

I am extremely disappointed that evidently I will have to have the only surgery they will pay for, the RNY.  Why should PEIA make the decision as to which surgery is the best for me?

If you have coverage with PEIA, please write and tell them to offer the widest array of surgical weight loss tools possible. WLS is NOT one size fits all.


thanks

Hi Everyone!  If you only attend one meeting each year, make sure it's in December!  This month, we're having our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY! The Beckley WLS Support Group meeting will be held on MONDAY, December 17, from 7:00-9:00pm at Raleigh General Hospital on Harper Road, Beckley.   Guests are welcome and everyone is encouraged to attend!  (Our meeting location changed a few months ago.  If you haven't attended in a while, please see the directions to the new education building and meeting room below.) This month:  CHRISTMAS PARTY!  Everyone attends for a night of fellowship with friends, old and new.  Bring along your spouse or significant other.  Everyone is asked to bring a dish (appetizer, finger food, casserole, dessert, etc.).  We'll have plates, cutlery and napkins.  If your dish requires any extras (such as chips for dip, crackers for cheese, etc), please bring it along.  If you don't have time to cook or don't remember, don't worry!  If you have been to any of our parties of any kind, you know there is always plenty...so come anyway!  The turnout in 2006 was wonderful.  We hope to see lots of familiar faces! CLOTHING EXCHANGE:  You are welcome to bring any clothes that no longer fit you to give to others that might be able to use them. You do not have to bring clothing to take clothing, and bringing clothing is not required. Restaurant cards for Dr. Shin and Dr. Stickler's patients (as well as some other area doctors) will be available for anyone who needs one.  Directions to the new meeting room:  It is a new building behind where our old one used to be (this building has been torn down).  You will see a wheelchair ramp and some steps leading to a glass door.  There is a sign that says "Education Center."  It will be fairly obvious once you are there.  There is parking to the rear of the building, as well as in the main parking lot.  This is a permanent change of meeting place.  You can view our monthly calendar by visiting our support group website at http://www.geocities.com/beckleywlssg/  Hopefully, 2008 meeting dates will be available before the meeting. Looking forward to seeing you Monday!  Beth ------------------------------ (If Raleigh County Schools are cancelled due to weather the day of our meeting or the following day, the meeting is cancelled also.) ------------------------------ If you would like to receive an email-reminder for the Beckley WLS Support Group Meeting, please email us at [email protected].  

Today is 51 weeks since surgery and I weigh 167, I now have a normal BMI.  My wife and I were talking the other evening and she asked me what my expectations were a year ago and if I had thought I would be where I am now. Of course the answer was NO. I never thought that this would be possible in just a year.  Highest measured weight was 375. First consultation with surgeon 359. Day of surgey 324. This morning 167. I have more energy and feel like I am 25 yrs old, probably better than I did at 25. I know I am healthier than I have ever been. No more medication of any kind, only vitamins, No more CPAP, high blood pressure, GERD or any of that stuff. Women are a lot more friendly, which is nice, but I am a happily married man and want to stay that way. But it is nice when women give you that smile. Well I am starting to ramble, bottom line is life is good. pan head

What do the holidays mean to you? Cathy Wilson gives support group holiday tips for those struggling with food this holiday season in the latest issue of OH Magazine. The issue with the avocado on the cover offers nutrition answers from Melania Behrens; Taking Financial Complications out of Cash Pay Surgery by Nikki Johnson; Healthy Hair and Skin Throughout weight loss by Christine Gerbstadt, MD; and an article on Extreme Makeover's Heidi Ecker's plastic surgery makeover after weight loss. The magazine would not be complete without Jeremy Gentles' Fitness Q and A and recipes for success. If you are already a subscriber to this bi-monthly publication for the low cost of $25 for six issues, your magazine is on its way. If you have not yet subscribed, call toll free 1-866-297-4966 or click on the purple word Magazine above. If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please email Annie at [email protected]. OH Magazine is a great holiday gift for someone on their weight loss journey!