Thanks..ya I'm 5'7" so I think that puts me at a BMI > 50. So that is extremely high, I know. I am going to get a new dr. as soon as possible. I did call OHP and asked them if they cover weight loss surgery, and they said, (and I quote) "If it is something that your doctor and you decide is the best option". So I just said, ok, I'll talk to my dr. and left it at that. But when I talked to my doctor, he was really "himhaw" about it, he just said, "Well, they say that, but it is very difficult to get them to cover it. You have to have "comorbidity" issues. And I asked him, "Ok like, what kind of comorbidity issues?" and he said, "Well, like Diabetes, joint problems, etc." and I said..."DUH, I've told you over and over how much pain I'm in, I can barely flippin walk anymore AND last time we did blood work a year ago it was borderling Diabetes, so, wouldn't you say I have some of these "comorbidity" issues?" But he just kind of shrugged it off. He doesn't want to check me out for anything. He was like, "Do you want to try the Fastin again?" I'm like, "NO, IT DIDN'T WORK AND I HATE THE WAY IT MADE ME FEEL!" (Not to mention the fact that it's very expensive) He just wanted to write me a script and get me out of his office. He didn't even really want to talk to me about it. He had no empathy at all, I'm sitting there in his office in one of those really heartfelt crying episodes where you lose your breath and bleed catharsis everywhere. I want a female doctor. But how does one know what your new doctor's going to be like? Is there a "rate your doctor" website like there's a "rate your professor" website? There should be.
 So should I call OHP back and ask them for specifics? I mean they kind of gave me a vague answer that was totally contradictory to what my doctor told me. I try to avoid dr's. dxing me as "depressed" because they just want to medicate me, and the meds make me suicidal. I have PTSD which is a pretty serious anxiety disorder. So I do have psychological issues, which are also considered "comorbid", arent they? Anyway, I do have a lot of health problems associated with my weight. My weight problem is central to my whole life. It literally negatively effects EVERY area of my life. I can't think of anything but losing this weight, you'd think I would be more motivated to just do it "the old fashioned way", but I just can't seem to get into that frame of mind. I don't want to be one of those people that they have to come cut me out of my house because I won't fit through the doorways. I HATE THIS SOOO MUCH!!!
Anyway, thanks for the advice. I will do more research and try to hang in there. I cannot give up. This is definately the battle of a lifetime.
Jess

Hello. I'm new to the forum. Not new to being "morbidly obese". Here's a bit about me/my story, tho I know each of you has your own, and I know/hope with time I'll get to know you. I have put on 150 lbs. in the past 2 years. I was close to normal weight (normal to me) now I'm 350 lbs. and I continue to gain. I've tried everything - with my dr. help...meds, programs (OA, WW, FP4H, etc) nothing works, nothing helps curb my voracious appetite. I am in pain all the time. My knees, my legs, my feet, my hips, my lower back. I am 34 years old, and I have arthritis. My doctor is not the best. He's the "herd 'em up, head 'em out" type. He wont get me checked for ANYTHING. I went into his office today in tears, begging for his advocacy, and I had to ask him to repeat the bloodwork he did a year ago that was borderline diabetes. That's the best I could get out of him today. I have been in his office a number of times complaining about the pain in my legs and my knees, my lower back, and he wont get me checked for any kind of joint problems or anything. There are days when I can hardly get out of bed I'm in so much pain, and I'm on a high dose of methadone, so you know it's gotta be bad. I have heartburn ALL the time. Sleep Apnea? Probably. He WONT get me checked for any of these things. Imean, you would think your dr. would want to help you, right? I have headaches all the time. I don't know. I don't know if it's just me, or if he's really a quack. Imean, do I need a new doctor? I feel like I have some of these "comorbidity" issues that insurance companies talk about. I want the lap band surgery. I have OHP plus. I fit the criteria, as far as I know, especially if my doctor finds some "comorbidity" issues going on, but why doesn't he want to help me? He saw my tears today and didn't seem to care at all. Do I need to find a new doctor? Or just give up on this? Is it really a dead end? Will OHP cover anyone? Do you like...have to be on your death bed for them to cover you? Or do you just need a good doctor who will advocate for you? I'm new to all this, I don't know how the paper trails work, but I do need to do something. I have 2 small children, I'm a single mom back in school full time. I can barely chase after them. (I also struggle with depression and chronic anxiety, and I see a counselor regarding my issues with weight) I just don't know what to do or what my next step should be. I left that appointment feeling like I will never be able to have this surgery. I don't know...any words of encouragement? What should I do next? Will getting a new dr. help? Or am I already in a losing battle with OHP? Resources? Anything? Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I know you all are probably on similar boats.

Thanks,
Jessica

FYI: 
I heard today, from Vicki Jakovec (Digestive Health Nurse Practitioner) who use to organize the groups, that OHSU is cutting out the Tuesday evening topic group and maybe the 4th Wednesday discussion group due to staffing issues.  I asked for an official statement and an updated calendar of events to share with anyone interested.  I hope no one is caught off guard and show up for no reason.

Hey all...

I am looking for some friends or support groups around the north coast. Specifically Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria area. Anyone hear of anything??

Plastics was discussed recently in the Men's Forum. One guy whom I trust said this:

Post Date: 2/9/11 1:52 pm
I went to Mexico last summer and had surgery with Dr Sauceda. It was about 15k cheaper than what I was quoted in the US and I had excellent care. I paid 9500 for a Lower body lift, inner thigh lift and fat injections to my face. That included airfare, 2 weeks in a hotel, the clinic, compression garments and all medication and anesthesia. The care I got was 2nd to none. I highly recommend him and there is a group for his patients on OH. If you want more info, feel free to send me a message. Good luck.

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/4317614/Body-lift-Tummy-tuck- costs/

I've read several other posting about Dr. Sauceda and will definately consider him when the time comes. I've been told to wait about 1 year after reaching my goal weight before having plastics.