Hi there! I'm a newbie and a convert...

Hi all, Thank you to Kasy Jones for inviting me here! My story: I was all about having gastric bypass surgery. I thought it was my only hope. My doctors had pretty well given up and told me that surgery was my best bet. So when I got a job that had medical insurance, I jumped on the chance to file. I had a consultation with the surgeon, a psych evaluation, and some testing done. When I had all of my paperwork in order, I mailed it off for precertification. I was denied. They told me that I hadn't met their 6 month physician guided weight loss attempt requirement. I'd have to appeal if I wanted the surgery. My surgeon told me to find a doctor who would write me a strong letter asking that the insurance company overlook the 6 month requirement. I just couldn't make myself do it. It made me realize that I hadn't really TRIED that hard to lose weight. I've had loads of weight loss attempts, but the longest I've stuck with one is 3 months. To me, that meant I could do better. And THEN, the other day, "The Biggest Loser" did a marathon of their season two. I'd avoided watching that show like the plague. I didn't want to see people who'd done it through diet and exercise, I wanted the surgery and didn't want to be made to feel bad for it. But for some reason, I watched it. ALL DAY LONG. The WHOLE season. It didn't end until midnight and by then I knew that there was no way I was going to appeal that denial. I can do this. The people on that show can do it. I can too. *deep breath.... exhale* Soooooo, here I am. A newbie non-op. I'm so glad you guys are here. This gives me so much hope. I can't wait to read your profiles and talk to you and get to know you. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU Kasey Jones. Brandy

Bwahahahaha... just looked at my post up on the board. It had just enough room to say I'm a newbie and a CON. LOL!

Brandy, Welcome to the non-op board and somehow I knew you weren't a con I am happy that someone was able to sit down and really be honest with themselves about their weight loss attempts. Being honest with ourselves is by far the biggest step in conquering what's been conquering us!!! Come back for more support, it's here by the boatload! Donna

It was tough being honest about my weight loss attempts but I guess it was easier than allowing myself to go under the knife and THEN admitting that I could have tried harder. I think I'm going to join Weigh****chers Online and order The Firm. Do you know if anyone here uses these? Weigh****chers impressed me because of that study done not too long ago about it being the only truly effective weight loss program out there. Others work for some people but Weigh****chers helps a lot of people take it off and keep it off. And that's the key, it has to stay off once its come off. I know that there's no "diet" that works. The only thing that works is lifelong eating lifestyle change. AND EXERCISE. Now I'm babbling. Again, so glad you're here! Brandy

Hi Brandy, Welcome. This is my favorite site. I just get so much inspiration from all these ladies. Just be faithful to your eating plan and exercise, and you'll starting seeing the pounds come off. Best wishes, Lynette

WOW Lynette! Your picture is amazing! I want a picture like that! You're an inspiration too! Brandy

Hi Brandy, Welcome, this is a great site and is a Huge help to keep you motivated. The short version of my story is...I was dx May 2005 with type two diabetes, I weighed 306 pounds and stand 5'3" Needless to say I was Super Morbid Obese. Since that time I've lost 95 pounds thru diet and excercise And as the ladies on this board will testify too...It CAN BE Done. Good luck to you! Ann 306/211/130 Non-Op I'm working on getting my profile set up!

I may just have to latch on to you. I'm 5'4" and weigh 315. I'm scared to DEATH of having diabetes. You're doing a GREAT job.