Keep moving forward...I've always compared advocacy to managing chronic condition of obesity, can't stop doing what we're doing.

Have you been denied insurance coverage for a GLP-1?

Click the link to submit a Public Comment to CMS in Support of Expanding Coverage for Obesity Medications:

https://www.obesityaction.org/action-center/access-issues/CM SPublicCommentJanuary2025

In November, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a Proposed Rule that would expand coverage for obesity medications under Medicare and Medicaid. There is a 60-day public comment period that allows individuals to submit feedback on the Proposed Rule.

Why YOU should submit a Public Comment:

• Public comments play a crucial role in shaping policy by making voices heard and contributing to meaningful change. OAC advocacy efforts have been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone.
• Your voice can help ensure access to obesity care for millions of Americans.
• Medicare and Medicaid coverage policy sets the standard for other insurers, both private and public.

Submit comments on the Proposed Rule by January 27th at 5 PM.

Yes, there is a consideration made as to whether speaking up will actually get the message through, and that is why it is directed to NBA and TNT verse Barkley himself. I mean ESPN fired Shilling for inappropriate comments, and NBA took away Stirling team for inappropriate comments. Yet, year after year Barkley is allowed to mock not only a disease but women. Trust me there are often battles I don't fight because I do not see the person as open to actually listening, and yes I'm sure Barkley's mind might not be changed but I feel it's worth a try.

I don't think good deeds should excuse bad ones. Shaq is an alumni of Barry University where I worked and received a second degree and it bothers me that participates in the banter and that one of them stops him or say gets him back on the topic of basketball? He's not only offensive to those affected by obesity but to women. And we're just supposes to accept he's joking. No it's not funny. And it's a sports commentary show not a comedy club. 

OBESITY ACTION COALITION (OAC) CALLS ON TNT TO SUSPEND CHARLES BARKLEY FOR STIGMATIZING COMMENTS TOWARD INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY THE DISEASE OF OBESITY

Sign the petition:  http://bit.ly/1ObAbE6

Tampa, Fla. - The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than 52,000 member-strong organization, is calling on TNT to suspend Charles Barkley for his latest weight bias-fueled comments made during a recent Inside the NBA broadcast on TNT.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Barkley has once again taken the low road and targeted women in San Antonio for their weight and size. In 2015, the OAC spoke out publicly against Mr. Barkley's biased comments, and once again, he's unfairly targeted individuals dealing with obesity," said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The OAC maintains a strong stance on weight bias in that individuals affected by obesity frequently struggle with not only the health and physical consequences of their disease, but also with other social consequences. The OAC strongly believes that no person should be discriminated against based on their size or weight.

As a former NBA player and sports personality, Mr. Barkley should encourage equality and respect among society and not look to segment one population because of their size. Obesity is a serious medical condition impacting more than 72 million U.S. adults nationwide.

"My question to Mr. Barkley would be, 'What value does targeting this population bring to your abilities as an NBA analyst? Why do you continue to stigmatize individuals with obesity?' There is simply no value to his comments, and they need to stop - now," said Amber Huett-Garcia, MPA, OAC Chairwoman.

Mr. Barkley repeatedly offends individuals with obesity, and yet, TNT and the NBA fail to see the problem with this. At this time, the OAC is calling on all members and the public to contact TNT leadership and encourage the suspension of Mr. Barkley. The OAC has also contacted the Commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, to encourage Mr. Barkley to immediately apologize for his comments.

Hi,

Here are some tips from veteran conference attendees. Also there will be a Mix n Mingle Friday morning at 10 AM that will allow the opportunity to meet others. But any time you need a break just relax in the lobby, meeting a lot of new people can be overwhelming but I assure you there are others who have been in the same situation, so lots of understanding.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/obesityhelp-community-ti ps-attending-a-conferencehttp://www.obesityhelp.com/articles /obesityhelp-community-tips-attending-a-conference

OneStopPlus combines several websites, it's now called FullBeauty, they have a special occasion dress section. http://www.fullbeauty.com/plus-size-special-occasion-dresses .aspx?deptid=15080

Also Avenue has some special occasion http://www.avenue.com/en_US/plus-size-clothing/dresses/ Might find location in your area.

Catherines http://catherines.lanebryant.com/plus-size-dresses/best-dres sed-guest-collection/4559c17769/index.cat

I've seen it....was very disturbing. Manual lymph massage and compression wrapping are standard protocol, sometimes a compression pump. The information is out there if doctors care to look to find it.

Yes, removing the tissue but that's not removing lymphedema, lymphedema is the condition and will have to be managed for life, and while Mayo Clinic might be knowledgeable in many things, lymphedema is not really one or at least not all the possible causes of lymphedema and treatments...they don't even mention lipedema on their website and it was discovered there in 1940.

I know there are many WLS who also suffer with lymphedema. It's time to act! HR 1608 - The‪ Lymphedema‬ Treatment Act has been re-introduced to Congress! 

So please use the easy system to contact your representative and ask that they co-sponsor the bill. Please share with your family and friends, you don't have to be a patient, anyone can write in on our behalf.

http://www.capwiz.com/lymphedematreatmentact/issues/alert/?alertid=63098021&PROCESS=Take+Action

10 days left to save $10 with ‪#‎OH2015‬ Early Bird Registration!

Just $75 for two days of education, support and celebration! http://ow.ly/Hr91t ‪

Valerie, there are so many different experiences I've seen throughout the years. For me it's always been more TE, and that's a good thing to include in tips, that some is just a normal reaction to the stress of surgery. I've always had thick hair and I have always "shed" at my worse health/highest weight I was experiencing a lot of hair loss more than normal and I could tell it was getting thinner, it was one of many concerns that prompted me to seek more/better medical help about my weight. About 4-6 months after my RNY I noticed the increase in "shedding" again, it lasted a few months. I experienced the same after my hernia repair/panni it occurred again...more than normal shedding but since it was already thick never appeared thin. 

Yes, compression wrapping in order to be beneficial needs to be nearly 24/7 I would got to therapy 3 days a week keeping the wraps on in between. Sometimes they slid or got too tight and I would remove them. It's hard walk or be mobile with legs wrapped. Insurance can give issues in approving enough sessions. A compression pump you must allot hours a day to just laying in bed...although hey that can be a good excuse to be in bed!!!...sleeping with pump isn't really an option because 1. it can hurt 2. it's loud 3. not good to have legs tethered to a machine in case of emergency during the night. Patient compliance can be low, which then in turn makes insurance not want to cover needed therapies. Difficult cycle...and I've found many fellow chronic illness patients who can relate to that frustration of managing overall health, even with different illnesses.