Nia- This is good news! My BCBS plan is the same...it will not cover drugs either, but covers the VBG and RNY if medically necessary. My surgeon's office was very familiar with my insurance and I did absolutely nothing to get approved. I consider myself VERY lucky after reading so many other people's struggles to get approved. Please let us all know how it goes. Good Luck!! Natalie 281/209/125

I had the VBG in Aug 1999. In the past two years, I have regained all the weight I lost. The x-rays show that my anatomy has returned to normal. I am now going back in for the RNY. For me, it is important to dump and have those side effects. It is still a tool but once you notice you are able to eat more than normal, resist and resist.

Hello, Please take a look at this site: www.gr-ds.com and go to the comparison of WLS. I had the VBG in 1985 and it was revised to the DS in 12/2003. Lyric

Send pictures to... [email protected] Hi Dianne, I would resend the photo to them -- If I recall correct you need to give them your user name and password as well so that they can put it into your profile. Best Regards, Sharon

Heather- Don't be so hard on yourself! You are doing fine. First off I noticed you said you eat almost nothing so it could be that you're actually not eating enough. Also, I can eat bread but I usually choose not to because you can't eat much of it (seems to take up a lot of space). The good news though is that something toasted I can eat more of. I think if you ate slowly and chewed your toast real well you could have some. I don't know about you, but I can usually tell from the first bite if something is not going to go down right. As for wehn you can eat your other foods...I was only on liquids for a week and then I was told I could start solid food, but just to chew well and take small bites. I ate peas then. I don't recall when I first had them, but I eat nuts and popcorn. My surgeon told me there was only one thing I could not have which was fat-free cheese because it doesn't break down right or something. I know some surgeons are really strict though. Also, I started walking a day after I got home which was really hard at first but got a lot easier really fast. I walk 1 1/2 to 2 miles an average of 5 days a week now. So, if you can walk in your neighborhood or at a mall (or even Wal-Mart) I think that would help you. Good Luck! Natalie 281/211/125 p.s. Don't worry about your plateau...I've been on one for a week.