New to the site...

I'm new to the site, but I've spent an hour or more reading many of the posts. I'm really in the decision mode and quite torn about the weight loss surgery decision. I am 37, 5ft, 4in and 350lbs. I really feel like I've missed out on so much of life. I have a really outgoing personality and I feel like give the push or headstart of surgery, I could maintain and really keep the weight off. I have a daughter in college and one that's 14 and I feel like I've missed so many opportunities for "fun times" with them. I just want to do simple things in life that most people take for granted like ...ride an amusement ride without being worried about the lap bar, or ride on the airplane with a seatbelt extender or even worse - - having to purchase an extra seat. Mostly, I'd love to enjoy a day at the Spa with my 2 daughters. I feel these simple things may never happen with the weight I'm carrying. I welcome any comments you have about your decision to have weight loss surgery and your experiences. I have Aetna insurance, and I'm not sure how much of a battle I'm going to have there, but I'm willing to fight it. Also, is there anyone that has had the surgery in Ohio that could provide a recommendation? Thanks so much for listening. This seems to be an AWESOME group!

Regena, first welcome to our family, we are here to answer any questions you might have. Let me start off by telling you a little about me. I am now 43, 5'4 and 130 Lbs. I have a daughter that turned 6 in Aug and a son that is 4. When I started this great big journey I was 314 Lbs. I lost with the gastric bypass 184 Lbs in one year. I can run and play with my children. I no longer have to ask for the extender on an airplane ( was always so embarresed with that one). I feel great and have a new life and one that will last for much longer then without the surgery. As far as doctors, I love Dr. Trace Curry, here is Cincinnati, he and his staff are so professional but also have great bedside manor, Dr. C. is on the board all the time helping everyone and he is there for his patients 24/7. Also, have Atena HMO, with my husbands job. It wasn't all that bad for me, his compnay allows the surgery, so check with your company and see if they have the waiver to approval, and if not try to make them. Anyway...GOOD LUCK and if you ever need to ask, just do so. Pam 314/130

Regena Welcome to the OH family and congratulations on takeing the first step to A new life and A new you I made the decision to have surgery so I could have A better and healthyer life I am able to do things now I never thought I would ever be able to do and I can say I would do this again in A minute I wish you the best of luck through out the process. Michael

Hi neighbor... I live in Gahanna.....Welcome... Congrats for taking the first step on the best journey of you life....I am 46..5'2 and was 225#.. Then on 5/4 of this year I was "reborn" with the help of Dr Mikami at OSU.. I am now down 67 # and wearing a size 10... i have 2 young daughters 10 and 12 and I now feel like I can keep up with them and not worry about my weight slowing me down. I love Dr Mikami and his staff.. and I had no problems at OSU.. big hospital but caring staff.. and the support group and follow up available is wonderful.... this is a great site.. you are in good hands here.....

Welcome Regena, I was dying a slow horrible death and the worst part was having my kids watch me do so. I knew that the WLS would be the best thing for me, but it took me 2 1/2 years to convince Ohio Medicaid of that fact. I was in a motor scooter for the most part, on Oxygen, had severe rheumetoid arthritis, Congestive heart failure, COPD, Sleep Apnea and Cardiomyopathy and Cardiomegally. My world was getting smaller and smaller and I was getting bigger and bigger. Thank God I never gave up and got my approval about 18 months ago. I had my surgery 15 months ago and started at 310 pounds I am now 172 pounds lighter, and there is nothing to hold me back now. My biggest reward was riding the rides at Kings Island without fear of not being about to fit. I am now able to wear normal human sized clothes and walk without pain. No more Oxygen, no more CPAP, no more Insulin. I am living the life that I always dreamt I could. So never give up trying.. Even if you get a denial.. Dust yourself off and try again. If there is anyway you can make it to the November conference in Cols it would be awesome to meet with you. You will come away with a new sense of committment to having the WLS.. The speakers are incredible and inspiring. But the real hero's are the individuals who chose to have the surgery and are living proof that it works. Plase try and come. It will be a blast Hugs Miss Laura