Newbie - Originally posted in the Main Messageboard

Hi! I posted this in the main messageboard but I will include it here. Hope that is okay Hi everyone! I am a newbie to this site. I am 34 years old and have a wonderful husband and an 11 month old son who is the light of our existence. I have battled with weight all my life. Of course I have been on every diet and have tried many different pills. My good friend had the surgery in March of last year and she is doing fabulously. She is a big part of my inspiration. Currently I have Cigna. Right off the bat, the surgeon I met with (Dr. Abkin, Florham Park, NJ) let me know that they would not approve me. But he told me to go for doctor-supervised nutrition counseling for six months and to come back in December. Well, I recently had the opportunity to switch to UHC and so I know my chances of approval are a bit higher. I have hypothyroidism but not much else. Is the fact that I am more than 100 lbs overweight enough? I hope so. I feel like I am slowly declining. Now that I have made the decision to do this, I am absolutely terrified I will be one of those rare cases that die and that I will leave my beautiful son mother-less. But I also know that I am at a great health risk being this overweight. I want to see him grow old! Heck, *I* want to grow old! So, again, I am terrified but I am hopeful. I do not switch insurance companies until January 1st. I have my 2nd consultation scheduled with Dr. Abkin on January 5th. I am so impatient! I hate wishing my life away but I am very anxious for January 5th to come. I have read many of the posts here and you all seem like such a great people! I look forward to having your support and being supportive if I can be. Any prayers for my approval would be more than welcomed Have a great day! God bless!

Welcome Jersey Mom! Both my husband and I are patients of the WONDERFUL, REMARKABLE, CARING, LIFESAVING, Dr. Abkin - you are in expert hands!!! No need to worry or be anxious in your choice of Doctors!! Take a peak at my(our) profile to see our experiences. We both have UHC - and were approved very quickly - but I'm not sure if all plans are the same. Keep posting and asking questions - It's good to be well informed. Email me anytime if you'd like too! Sending prayers and best wishes your way! All the best to you! Sherri

Hey Jersey - congratulations and good luck in the incredible WLS journey you have undertaken. You will find it a wonderful ride! If you have any questions, or in a position to attend the OCWLS (Toms River) Support Group on the first Friday of each month, please feel welcome to do so. We're all here for you. If you have any specific questions, feel free to send them to me and I'll help with what I can. Hugs, Nannette

HI my name is JOANN. I just joined the obesityhelp.com website. You are the first person I am replying to because I'd love to support you. I really do believe everything will turn out great and you will be happy and wonder why you were worring. You seem like a strong person and I take my hat off to you. I am so scared to begin this but reading your note gives me strength. I am including you in my prayers every nite. Please let me know how your doing as you go down this road ahead of you. Stay safe happy and secure in knowing God is on your side. God bless you your new friend [email protected]

Hiya Jersey, I too have the same fears,about not "making" it out of surgery. I am a single mother with 3 great kids ages, 8 , 7 , and 5. I couldn't even imagine not seeing them grow up. This is my greatest fear of the surgery. But that fear was lifted a bit when I had my endoscopy. I have never been under any kind a anesthesia, I didn't think I'd survive the endoscopy. It was so quick and easy, the doctor said, "I'm starting the IV now" I said OK and then he was waking me up. It felt like I just closed my eyes 2 seconds ago. So when I woke up with no problems I just said to myself... BRING ON THE SURGERY!! Just knowing that I would wake up cleared my mind. So don't you worry, you will find many friends here who will support you and answer any questions you may have. I'm having my surgery on December 5 with Dr. Michael Bilof from Saint Barnabas. He's a great doctor and I have the faith in the world with him. There are people here that have used your doctor, that's great! Keep in touch with the board and we will all do great together as our own support team! Good Luck to you and God Bless! Tracy

Hi Everyone: Thank you so much for the nice words and good wishes. You have no idea how much that means to me Tracy...your surgery is SO close!! I will be thinking good thoughts for you! Are you doing anything in preparation for the surgery? Hugs, Jersey Mom