Another newbie

Hi all, I, too have been stalking around here for awhile. I was afraid to write, but I guess I'm getting over it. Here are some issues I am facing, and wonder if anyone else has had similar experience.... I have been battling my weight for 10+ years, with very little periods of success. My current weight is 205 with 220 being my high. I am 5'8", so my BMI is around 35. I know this doesn's sound ALL that bad, however, I suffer with extreme back pain, depression, prediabetes and recently found out about having mitral valve regurgitation. Bottom line, I need to lose weight!! If I could have done it already, I would have. I have attempted many, many diet and fitness programs with limited success. I have had a tummy tuck and liposcution. I have fasted, worked out, attended WW, Jenny Craig, LA Weightloss...... etc, etc, etc. I am nearing the end of my rope and had just given up to being borderline miserable.:'( I atteded a seminar at Centennial in January. I was impressed with their program and I like Dr. Houghston. He seemed to think I may be a candidate for "self-pay". I have good insurance, but don't think my BMI would be high enough for them to cover me....ok, so I am currently in Nursing School and will be out for the summer...Thinking that this might me a good time for surgery/recovery? I also have 3 daughters (14, 16, and 20) to think of. My husband is pretty supportive but my parents are not. Then there is the $14,000 cost, etc, etc......I am worth it and my health is worth it, but its still gotta come from somewhere.... Any words of wisdom? Is this the appropriate place for this post? Thank You!!!! Jill

Hey Jill, welcome to the board. First of all...don't give up on your insurance company. If your primary doctor is willing to write a letter stating that losing weight will improve your heart condition, they may pay for the surgery even with your lower bmi. Plus, most insurance companies will cover it with a bmi of 35 and certain co-morbidities. My sister-in-law got her surgery approved even with a written exclusion due to a heart condition. Her heart specialist basically told them that they either pay for her to have WLS or they pay for her to have a pacemaker at the age of 42. If I were you, I would check with my primary and heart specialist (if you have one) and also the insurance company before I shelled out $14,000. Good luc****ep us posted on what you decide to do and how things progress. Susan

I think Susan said it all in regards to insurance...don't give up as it sounds like you may be approved based on the issues you have. As for whether or not this is the place to post this...you betcha! We have an awesome group here and you will find friends all across Tennessee. Welcome and please keep us posted on your journey. As for your parents, this is normal...they are scared for you but if you sit them down and really explain to them the quality of life you can expect, they will come around. Even if they don't, you have to put yourself first in this case and not what others think. Good luck!