My surgery is finally scheduled for November 16th! I really got this date last Friday but my mom's job's insurance company announced it was closing it's doors as of Nov 1st, just one week after they sent me the approval letter, and I wasn't sure if I would ever get WLS, so I didn't want to announce my date only to have to take it back. But, the insurance company her work switched to starting Nov 1st announced that anything the other insurance company approved before Nov 1st would still be approved (Sigh of relief!) and even better, the Barix Clinic and Dr. Boe, whom I am having surgery with, were not on the last insurance company's preferred provider list but they are on the new company's list so my co-pay is thousands of dollars less now! Ah! All the emoticons in the world could not express how happy and relieved and excited I am right now! I am FINALLY going to have this surgery on November 16th. That's like two weeks from today! In two weeks I'll be on the loosing side. God is good. Amy

Hi Everyone, I spoke to a national morning TV show this afternoon. They have asked for our help in locating people who are willing to share their personal journey and struggles with obesity. They will be featuring an important series on Obesity next week. The show will pay all expenses, travel, hotel etc. They are currently seeking: One child, one preteen, and one teen-(Parents permission needed. The parent must be the one to respond.) They are also seeking one person who has not had WLS but may be considering it or would like help. If you are interested in sharing your story and would like to be considered, please send your name, email address and phone number to: [email protected] Please indicate what segment you would like to be considered for and share a little of your story. (Doesn't have to be long!) Please know that ObesityHelp understands and respects that many of you would like to maintain your privacy as you reach out for information, support and inspiration. We just thought we would pass this opportunity along for those of you out there who may want to share your journey. All my best, Tammy Colter Director of Media and PR Obesityhelp.com

hey, i'm not sure where Corning, NY is, but i live on the shore, and i travelled 90 min to north jersey for my surgeon, Dr. Abkin. He works out of morristown hospital and st. clare's hospital (His office is in florham park, nj). He works with teens... he believes that the surgery should be performed on teens so they won't have to deal with diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea etc... 3 years ago when i was 16 i had a consultation with him, but do to other cir****tances with my family, i didn't go back till i was 18, and i just had my surgery (i just turned 19) His office was great, everyone was helpful. Right down the hall from his office is a nutritionist and phyciatrist, all part of the same practice. I was approved and scheduled for surgery in a month. Hope this was helpful... Claire

Hello, I'm hoping to find the names of doctors that are willing to work with teens and WLS. I have had a RNY this year, and I work in a Doctors office in Corning, NY. We have a few patients who are wanting to explore this procedure as a possablity, but are unable to find a surgeon locally that will work with them. Any info you may have would be helpful. Thank You. Clarissa

Hi, My name is Amy (I'm 19). I've been working at getting approval from my insurance company for over a year and just last Friday I got the letter! I am approved (roux-en-y laproscopic)! So now I am approved and Barix Clinic in Belvidere, IL is supposed to be calling me any day now to schedule (they've called already but I wasn't around, and I called back but the scheduling woman was busy, well you get it) and I am sitting here about ready to explode I am so excited/anxious! So I'm wondering if there is anything I should be doing, anything anyone else did, to get ready for such a life change. So far the advice I've gotten is write a "Farewell Food" journal, kind of bidding farewell to favorite foods that I'm not going to be able to have anymore, but I was wondering what other people have done. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Amy