Amanda - my mom is very nervous about the surgery. When I told her that I was trying to get it approved by my Ins. company, I told her that living my whole life being overweight and now MO, I'd rather take the chances of surgery than continue my life as it is. I'm not suicidal or anything, but it is so frustrating going through the day. Things like a chair squeaking when I get up, squeezing through a turnstyle, and sitting on an airplane make me anxious. What if the chair breaks? What if my purse get's caught on the turnstyle while I'm squeezing through it sideways? What if the person next to me complains because they don't have enough room? I have shared all of the information I got from the Surgeon with my mother and while she is anxious she has committed to helping me and has asked if she can take care of me after the surgery! If your mom can't see you for the beautiful person you are inside instead of what size pants your wearing she probably dosen't deserve you in her life.

Dear Amanda; The first words out of my mom's mouth were "Oh please don't!" when I told her about the surgery. This was because she was worried. Over the next few days she tried quoting every bad thing she'd heard about the surgery. Luckily for me, when she found out how set I was on having it, she stopped. Your mom's negativity most likely comes from a place of concern. Remember that most people who do NOT want this surgery have not researched it and have only heard the negatives about it. It's a very scary thing both for the person having the surgery and for those who love them. Try talking to her. Let her know that you need and want her support but if she can't give it to you that you don't need her negativity going in because that will only hurt you and your chances for success. I hope that it goes well for you, Cheryl

For those in the GLBT community who've had, or are considering weight loss surgery, the new group, Rainbows of Hope WLS Support, will be meeting Tuesday, April 6, 2004, 7 p.m. at MCC Huntsville , 3015 Sparkman Drive. This will be only our second meeting, so we encourage you to spread the word and come on out. At Rainbows of Hope, we're able to address special needs and topics relating to our community and our relationships that can't and won't be readily discussed at a regular wls support meetings. The subjects are enlightening and informative and total confidentiality is recognized and initiated in every group setting. For April, Rainbows of Hope will have a guest speaker, Ms. Kristi Gibbons, the WLS Coordinator with the Huntsville Bariatric Wellness Institute. Kristi (who is not gay, but is giving her support for the group) will be speaking on the expectations of the procedure (which she has had), and will be able to answer any questions regarding the befores and afters of surgery. Also remember, we have a separate break off session for the spouses/partners/significant others ...the support system for all those facing the prospect of a brand new person being in their lives after wls . So join us on Tuesday, April 6, from 7-8:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.

When I was pre-op I went to the Hospital to see how much the surgery would cost. You know make payment arrangements. My Insurance pays 80% and I the other 20%. The acct rep told me 64,000. (And that was NOT including the surgeon fees.) I liked to lost ALL THE WEIGHT RIGHT THEN AND THERe! I was mortified at the thought of paying 12,000. Right before the surgery I called the insurance company to see if they could give me any insight to the final charges most patients pay. Well HEAVEN must have smiled on me because they told me I had a cap. Once I paid over A COMBINED 1,000 for the year (FOR ANYTHING) I wouldnt be responsible for anything else. Well Low & behold I get in the mail the explanation of benifts (itemized billing receipt from insurance) The hospital charged them 53,000. 43,000+ of which they took what they called contractual ajustment. In other words because I had insurance, Tri-Care only had to pay what they considered their Allowed amount. In other words they paid 6799.73. Is that LUDICROUS OR WHAT Please don't get me wrong...I am relief cartwheels at the $26.14 copay I have to make. (yes that is it!!!) But what if I hadnt persued it. How many patients are mortgaging homes, dipping into college funds or filing bankruptcy all in an effort to be healthy. I don't think I am worth anymore than someone who doesn't have insurance. So why does the hospital? Just venting. I will include all those paying cash in my prayers tonight. God Bless, Slim Trina I guess now I know I was worth my weight in GOLD.

hi phyllis, i saw that show today.omg. that was the most interesting shows on weight loss yet. as i was watching that i felt so sorry for you, the video diary really got to me.good luck to you my surgery is the 22nd of jan so i was very interested in your story. how did you get on oprah?