Recent Posts
Topic: Katrina Help
Obesityhelp.com would like to thank all of you that have responded during this time to help fellow weight loss surgery patients with their needs. We realize how hard it can be to find plus size clothing, supplements and other needs during this time and are trying hard to make sure these needs are met. We've had a great response from our vendors wanting to help our members and thank them also for their kind donations. If you want to help with clothing donations, food, volunteering please contact someone at the email or phone #'s below. Also for help please contact someone below.
Here are the List of places to Donate too or Volunteer...
Important contacts are:
Katherine Kreis RN, BSN
8561 Florida Blvd #32
Denham Springs, LA 70726
Diapers,Formula for the Babies,Personal Items such as toiletries.
shampoo,toothpaste,soap,towels,toilet paper
Clothing of any kind large or smaller sizes,shoes,can goods,ect...
===========================
Aimee Hortman
CHRISTUS Schumpert Bariatric Center
925 Olive Street
Shreveport, Louisiana 71104
~ ~ Aimee ~ ~'s Email Address: [email protected]
Needed are Vitamins all types and Protein Powders and Protein Bars
===========================
Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute/NooMee! Foundation is a bariatric surgeon's office. They are taking donations of bariatric supplies and supplement. They can't store clothes. If you want to donate clothes to someone in the Baton Rouge area, email me at:
[email protected]
Send bariatric supplies and especially supplements to:
Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute/NooMee! Foundation
777 Hennessy Blvd. Suite 612
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Office contact:
Genie Kruszynsky, office manager: [email protected]
No clothes can be accepted here, sorry.
============================
Tonja Campbell
105 Decatur Ct.
Bossier LA 71111
Plus size 28's, and other plus sizes for the shelters.
============================
There is a shelter in Lake Charles that is housing victims from New Orleans.
Lake Charles Civic Center
900 Lakeshore Drive,
Lake Charles, La 70601.
Phone: (337) 491-1256
If you mark the box
Items for Katrina Storm Victims, the post office should be more than happy to drop it off with the Red Cross there.
They will only except:
Food, bottled waters,pillows,mattresses,toiletries such as
shampoo,toothpaste,soap,towels No Clothing excepted at this location.
============================
The address for the American Red Cross office in Lake Charles is:
American Red Cross
Services offered: Providing shelter to evacuees at the Lake Charles Civic
Center and Burton Coliseum.
How you can help:
Monetary donations - Make your check out to American Red Cross, put "Katrina" in the memo line. Mail checks or drop them off at:
American Red Cross
3512 Kirkman St.
Lake Charles, LA 70607-1836
To volunteer please call the American Red Cross office at 337-478-5122.
If the phone is busy, please try to call back later.
I would mark the outside of the box.......supplies for Katrina Storm Victims. We have been taking things straight to the civic center because
it was announced on TV that items could be dropped off there.
==============================
Salvation Army
Services offered: For clothing:
Salvation Army
418 Broad Street.
Lake Charles, LA 70607-1836
(337) 721-8068
Salvation Army
3020 Legion Street
Lake Charles, LA 70607
(337) 433-4155
How you can help:
Monetary donations - Make your check out to the Salvation Army, put
"Katrina" in the memo line.
Salvation Army
PO Box 17166
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Volunteers needed to process incoming clothing at the Broad Street location. Non-perishable foods donated at the Legion Street location.
=================================
The Baton Rouge Area Foundation
402 N. Fourth Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(877) 387-6126
http://www.braf.org
=================================
Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
c/o Division of Administration
1201 North Third Street, Suite 7-240
P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
http://www.katrina.louisiana.gov
================================
Salvation Army
P.O. Box 4857
Jackson, Miss. 39296-4857
(800) SAL ARMY
http://www.salvationarmy.org
===============================
Salvation Army
7361 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
http://www.braf.org/page25288.cfm
===============================
You can mail or ship non perishable items to these following locations Below, which are REALLY delivering services to folks in need....
Center for LIFE Outreach Center
121 Saint Landry Street
Lafayette, LA 70506
atten.: Minister Pamela Robinson
337-504-5374
===============================
Mohammad Mosque
65 2600 Plank Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
atten.: Minister Andrew Muhammad
225-923-1400 225-357-3079
==============================
Lewis Temple CME Church
272 Medgar Evers Street
Grambling, LA 71245
atten.: Rev. Dr. Ricky Helton
318-247-3793
=============================
St. Luke Community United Methodist Church
c/o Hurricane Katrina Victims
5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75223
atten.: Pastor Tom Waitschies
214-821-2970
=============================
S.H.A.P.E. Community Center
3815 Live Oak
Houston, Texas 77004
atten.: Deloyd Parker
713-521-0641
=============================
Thanks for all your efforts to help reach our member during this time. Remember no donation is too small, if it can help just one person that's all that matters.
Amy Williams
Member Services Manager
Here are the List of places to Donate too or Volunteer...
Important contacts are:
Katherine Kreis RN, BSN
8561 Florida Blvd #32
Denham Springs, LA 70726
Diapers,Formula for the Babies,Personal Items such as toiletries.
shampoo,toothpaste,soap,towels,toilet paper
Clothing of any kind large or smaller sizes,shoes,can goods,ect...
===========================
Aimee Hortman
CHRISTUS Schumpert Bariatric Center
925 Olive Street
Shreveport, Louisiana 71104
~ ~ Aimee ~ ~'s Email Address: [email protected]
Needed are Vitamins all types and Protein Powders and Protein Bars
===========================
Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute/NooMee! Foundation is a bariatric surgeon's office. They are taking donations of bariatric supplies and supplement. They can't store clothes. If you want to donate clothes to someone in the Baton Rouge area, email me at:
[email protected]
Send bariatric supplies and especially supplements to:
Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute/NooMee! Foundation
777 Hennessy Blvd. Suite 612
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Office contact:
Genie Kruszynsky, office manager: [email protected]
No clothes can be accepted here, sorry.
============================
Tonja Campbell
105 Decatur Ct.
Bossier LA 71111
Plus size 28's, and other plus sizes for the shelters.
============================
There is a shelter in Lake Charles that is housing victims from New Orleans.
Lake Charles Civic Center
900 Lakeshore Drive,
Lake Charles, La 70601.
Phone: (337) 491-1256
If you mark the box
Items for Katrina Storm Victims, the post office should be more than happy to drop it off with the Red Cross there.
They will only except:
Food, bottled waters,pillows,mattresses,toiletries such as
shampoo,toothpaste,soap,towels No Clothing excepted at this location.
============================
The address for the American Red Cross office in Lake Charles is:
American Red Cross
Services offered: Providing shelter to evacuees at the Lake Charles Civic
Center and Burton Coliseum.
How you can help:
Monetary donations - Make your check out to American Red Cross, put "Katrina" in the memo line. Mail checks or drop them off at:
American Red Cross
3512 Kirkman St.
Lake Charles, LA 70607-1836
To volunteer please call the American Red Cross office at 337-478-5122.
If the phone is busy, please try to call back later.
I would mark the outside of the box.......supplies for Katrina Storm Victims. We have been taking things straight to the civic center because
it was announced on TV that items could be dropped off there.
==============================
Salvation Army
Services offered: For clothing:
Salvation Army
418 Broad Street.
Lake Charles, LA 70607-1836
(337) 721-8068
Salvation Army
3020 Legion Street
Lake Charles, LA 70607
(337) 433-4155
How you can help:
Monetary donations - Make your check out to the Salvation Army, put
"Katrina" in the memo line.
Salvation Army
PO Box 17166
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Volunteers needed to process incoming clothing at the Broad Street location. Non-perishable foods donated at the Legion Street location.
=================================
The Baton Rouge Area Foundation
402 N. Fourth Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(877) 387-6126
http://www.braf.org
=================================
Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
c/o Division of Administration
1201 North Third Street, Suite 7-240
P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
http://www.katrina.louisiana.gov
================================
Salvation Army
P.O. Box 4857
Jackson, Miss. 39296-4857
(800) SAL ARMY
http://www.salvationarmy.org
===============================
Salvation Army
7361 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
http://www.braf.org/page25288.cfm
===============================
You can mail or ship non perishable items to these following locations Below, which are REALLY delivering services to folks in need....
Center for LIFE Outreach Center
121 Saint Landry Street
Lafayette, LA 70506
atten.: Minister Pamela Robinson
337-504-5374
===============================
Mohammad Mosque
65 2600 Plank Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
atten.: Minister Andrew Muhammad
225-923-1400 225-357-3079
==============================
Lewis Temple CME Church
272 Medgar Evers Street
Grambling, LA 71245
atten.: Rev. Dr. Ricky Helton
318-247-3793
=============================
St. Luke Community United Methodist Church
c/o Hurricane Katrina Victims
5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75223
atten.: Pastor Tom Waitschies
214-821-2970
=============================
S.H.A.P.E. Community Center
3815 Live Oak
Houston, Texas 77004
atten.: Deloyd Parker
713-521-0641
=============================
Thanks for all your efforts to help reach our member during this time. Remember no donation is too small, if it can help just one person that's all that matters.
Amy Williams
Member Services Manager
Topic: HB Harley Mama!
The Birthday Patrol is here to honor our very own:
Dianne K of Western, MT
Gail McQueen of Jacksonville, FL
Harley Mama of Wheeling, WV
Michelle Ma Belle of Wallingford, CT
MomOf4 of Pulaski, TN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... YOU GO, DEAR FRIENDS, IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!
God bless you and may all your wishes come true!! 
& {{{HUGS}}} & 
Melissa Mermaid & All Your AMOS Pals
P.S. Click on "Birthday Patrol" (profile link) to find out how to sign up for the Birthday Patrol. Customarily, only those who actively sign up for Birthday Patrol are acknowledged by a post on their birthdays. There is no other system available to us for gathering this information. Birthday Patrol is NOT an official OH project.
P.P.S. VERY IMPORTANT: If you have ALREADY REGISTERED for "Birthday Patrol," please double-check the list to make sure you're on it; the computer has not always been kind!
The Birthday Patrol is here to honor our very own:
Dianne K of Western, MT
Gail McQueen of Jacksonville, FL
Harley Mama of Wheeling, WV
Michelle Ma Belle of Wallingford, CT
MomOf4 of Pulaski, TN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... YOU GO, DEAR FRIENDS, IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!
God bless you and may all your wishes come true!!
& {{{HUGS}}} &
Melissa Mermaid & All Your AMOS Pals
P.S. Click on "Birthday Patrol" (profile link) to find out how to sign up for the Birthday Patrol. Customarily, only those who actively sign up for Birthday Patrol are acknowledged by a post on their birthdays. There is no other system available to us for gathering this information. Birthday Patrol is NOT an official OH project.
P.P.S. VERY IMPORTANT: If you have ALREADY REGISTERED for "Birthday Patrol," please double-check the list to make sure you're on it; the computer has not always been kind! 
Topic: Magazine sneak peek? and WIN a great new book!
Hi!
For those of you have been wondering about the name change to ObesityHelp Magazine... wonder no longer! OH Magazine is here, and with it comes more fun and information than ever!
We invite you become acquainted with our new and improved publication by checking out www.oh-magazine.com! While you are there, look around a bit and get to know our re-designed website. Check out our great new features like free-for-download web-exclusive articles.
Be sure to click on the "Contests and Fun" link. The current contest features the practical and enlightening new book Plan C: The Medical Reimbursement Plan, by Certified Tax Preparer and WLS patient Sandra Lynch. I have the prize copies sitting by my desk as I type, and I can tell you that this book will be an extremely valuable addition to anyone's library who would like to have some of the mystery taken out of US tax code! As someone seeking treatment for a medical condition, obesity, you may be eligible for tax reductions you did not know about. However, the book will be especially helpful if you have to pay (or had to pay) for your WLS or reconstructive surgery out-of-pocket because you don't have insurance coverage. Don't miss your chance to win a copy.
You don't have to be a subscriber to enter and win the contest, so click on through and enter whether you are a current subscriber or not!
If you have been considering subscribing but have been putting it off, now is the time to act, because between now and the end of September you can get a special subscription rate of $20 for 6 issues.
We would love to hear from you about the new look and the new name and about the magazine contents. Don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] with any questions or comments you may have!
Best,
Nikki Johnson
Managing Editor
OH Magazine
For those of you have been wondering about the name change to ObesityHelp Magazine... wonder no longer! OH Magazine is here, and with it comes more fun and information than ever!
We invite you become acquainted with our new and improved publication by checking out www.oh-magazine.com! While you are there, look around a bit and get to know our re-designed website. Check out our great new features like free-for-download web-exclusive articles.
Be sure to click on the "Contests and Fun" link. The current contest features the practical and enlightening new book Plan C: The Medical Reimbursement Plan, by Certified Tax Preparer and WLS patient Sandra Lynch. I have the prize copies sitting by my desk as I type, and I can tell you that this book will be an extremely valuable addition to anyone's library who would like to have some of the mystery taken out of US tax code! As someone seeking treatment for a medical condition, obesity, you may be eligible for tax reductions you did not know about. However, the book will be especially helpful if you have to pay (or had to pay) for your WLS or reconstructive surgery out-of-pocket because you don't have insurance coverage. Don't miss your chance to win a copy.
You don't have to be a subscriber to enter and win the contest, so click on through and enter whether you are a current subscriber or not!
If you have been considering subscribing but have been putting it off, now is the time to act, because between now and the end of September you can get a special subscription rate of $20 for 6 issues.
We would love to hear from you about the new look and the new name and about the magazine contents. Don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] with any questions or comments you may have!
Best,
Nikki Johnson
Managing Editor
OH Magazine
Topic: RE: WV PEIA Insurance - Need Info
Dear Janet,
I was denied on my first try with Accordia and I thought I had all of my "ducks in a row". The problem I ran into was not enough record keeping from my PCP.
Have her call Accordia's WLS rep, Vita. She had me fax my info to her and she looked at everything and told me what else I needed.
A quick summary:
12 months of documented weight loss history. Details are very important.
She has to have co morbiditys like Heart disease, GERD, Hi Blood Pressure, Diabetes, ect.. as well as several more.
Her BMI must fall within their range. Vita can tell her if she qualifys.
A psych evaluation that she must pass!! If the Psych Doctor doesnt feel shes ready, they will turn it down.
Less than 3 abdominal surgerys.
Thats all I can remember off the top of my head. Make sure she goes to the seminar where the Doctors staff can look at her records and advise her before the submit to the insurance company.
Good Luck to her!
Jen
Topic: ASBS Walk in Barboursville, WV
On September 24th, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Foundation will present the third annual nationwide Walk from Obesity. The goals of this fundraising event are to reduce disability, death and discrimination of people who are obese through education of the public and healthcare professionals regarding effective treatments. This year the St. Mary's Weight Loss Surgery Center will host the walk at the Barboursville Park from 10:00am till 1:pm. This event will include participants from throughout the tri-state area, and will be the only walk site in the state of West Virginia and the surrounding area. For information and registration contact Joy Nutter at St. Mary's Weight Loss Surgery Center at 304-399-4903 or email Terri Norris at [email protected]. People can get involved by walking, sponsoring someone who walks, or just coming out to show support for people who are taking an active role in battling obesity. Hope to see you there!
Topic: RE: WV PEIA Insurance - Need Info
Janet, sorry your neice has been turned down so many times. Have her write a letter to PEIA. Include any sibling illnesses, grandparents, relatives, any diabetes, strokes, heart attacks. Anything life threatening. Good luck and God bless. Marlene
Topic: WV PEIA Insurance - Need Info
My niece has the WV PEIA insurance and has been refused 3 times. Any suggestions or information she could use to help get the surgery approved.
I don't know all the details...but any info I could pass on to her would be greatly appreciated.
Janet
Topic: Surgery date 9/12/05
I had tried to obtain the surgery in Jan. 2004 with Dr. Strickland's office. in Charleston, WV. However, Tri Care would not consider Lap for the surgery. After a year and over $2,000 with L.A. Weight Loss, I had decided again to try to get the surgery. Right away I scheduled the appointments for the Psyc and Dr.Shin's office in Charleston, WV for the obesity surgery.
The first visit was with the Psyc and that's when I found out that I was Bipolar. I had suspected it due to the serious depression that I was experiencing for the last year. It had been worst that I had ever experienced in my life. Furthermore, my daughter is Bipolar and as I learn and explore more, I realize now why situations in my life were so hard, when it seemed to be easy for others. Enough on that subject. The main subjest is the surgery.
My next visit was with Dr. Shin the obesity doctor. I was so impressed with the organiziational and professionalism of the office. I was very concerned about after the surgery. I realize that I didn't get in the condition that I am in today due to just over eating. I know that I need counseling, education and leadership on the road to a healthful life. Dr. Shin has assured me that I will be receiving just that with his office. They have a wonderful support organization set up with peers who have or are going through with the surgery.
I truly love to exercise, so that is not one of my concerns. Hard to believe by looking at me that in the spring, summer and fall I ride my bike about 400 miles. In and around Nitro and Charleston, you may have seen this 260 lb woman riding a purple bike. I know by the store windows I am not a great sight to view, but one can not keep the way they look from doing the things they love to do. Other wise, I would of missed out on some wonderful experiences and the great feeling I experience from the accomplishment I receive for doing the miles. My longest run was 28 miles. It's finding the places to run the long miles that's the problem, not the riding. After twenty minutes I can go on and on and on. That's with any type of exercise that I do. I also work out at home on my treadmill and total gym. The exercise has helped me keep my weight from reaching over 300 lbs. I am sure of that. Also when people look at me, even the nurses have a hard time seeing that I am over 100 lbs, but unfortunately the scale doesn't lie. I can't explain how excited I am to be able to know that I will be able to race my bike with others and get toned and see the muscles growing. I would love to be a fitness specialist. I know that this dream can come true now.
The first problem I had in trying to get my surgery approved was my Psyc. He wanted me to wait until I was stablized with my medicine. So after he wrote three letters and finally got one that was corrected, Dr. Shin was able to submit my paperwork. It came back denied because my PC doctor did not refer me to the obesity doctor. Well, I didn't want my PC involved with this because when I tried to have this done over a year and half ago, he was totally against it. He was mad at me for quite a while. Now I think the world of my doctor, but this was my decision. This time he didn't give me any problems with referring me to Dr. Shin's office. However, I was still denied two more times before the surgery was approved due to paperwork issues.
It took a great emotional toll on me and I broke down at Dr. Shin's office. Dr. Shin and his staff were so emphatic to me. They gave me so much hope that all would work out and it did. Katie, the manager worked so hard on trying to get me approved. It was a harder task than Tri Care usually is and she was a great trooper. I can't thank her enough for all she did for me. This is a very emotional ordeal and I can honesty say that I was not so easy to get along with. I was determined that this was going to happen and not fall through the cracks like it had
previously.
Finally, Sept. 12th I will be having the surgery. I know this will work, because I am going to take one day at a time and work on doing all that I can to be successful.
The last thing I want to say is that. Dr. Shin and his staff are the best. If you are looking for success, it's more important than ever to find a Dr. and staff that doesn't follow up on you with education, support, and dedication. I know several people who have had the surgery and I have seen two that weighted in the 400's lose around a hundred and nothing else due to the fact that did not have any conseling or followup. One just told me yesterday that he could eat a 1/2 of a gallon of ice cream easier than the foods he is suppose to eat. This is a lifetime dedication. A word of the wise, once you have made the decision to have the surgery, make the decision to live a healthier life. I can't say it yet, but in my heart I know that eating right will be worth it in the long run. Presently my average speed is 11 miles an hour. After this surgery, hopefully I can bike 17 miles and hour or more. Best wishes to all for a wonderful heathlier future.
Topic: RE: Miserable
Leann,
It's normal to worry. Just keep reminding yourself that you did the RIGHT thing for your health. It's tough in the beginning, but it gets better, I promise. Foods that make you sick now will be your best friend in a few months. You're doing GREAT!! Keep up the good work, and kudos to you for being brave enough to make such a life altering decision for your health!!
April
-164lbs
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