[greenapple]

I just turned 50 this summer and am very tired of feeling bad, not able to tie my shoes, and can't walk up and down stairs without pulling myself on the hand rails and my knees hurting. I have been researching, questioning and figuring out if I can handle this surgery. I have posted a few questions and sent a few emails from this forum already. I do have worries about getting to all the appointments before and after the surgery. I am in a village that you fly into and it is VERY expensive just to get to a major city here in AK. I'm trying to get things rolling to try and have the surgery next summer. I am a teacher and that is the only time I have off. I will be researching doctors in this state, but not sure I trust doctors up here. I had to enter the hospital last Aug for a DVT. I realize there are risks to all surgeries, but I want to feel safe during and after the surgery. My insurance has also told me that my job has requested no support for this type of surgery. So what now???? I plan to call Blue Cross/Blue Shield as soon as I can. Work starts today for me and I have to travel over 200 miles by plane just to go to in-sevice. I am 5' 6" and weigh 255. I have tried to loose weigh this past two years with no success. I quit my beloved Mt. Dew June 28, 2003 along with all cafine pop. I was told this would help to loose weight. It didn't. I also quit all pop this past Feb. I, along with co-workers, exercise and/or walk daily. Still no weight loss. I'm on antidepressants. Family history is heart disease, cancer and diabetes and I want to reduce the risk of it happening to me. I know I feel better at a lower weight-- not just physically but emotionally. Since I do have to travel for meetings-- which means getting on a little 9 seater planen (and also asking for an etension for the seat belt), sleeping on the floor of schools sometimes, and going up and down stairs a lot, I want this weight off. You also have to give your weight to fly. That's right you have to say it outloud at the check-in counter or to the agent here in the village when he/she calls to tell you the plane is soon here.

I say I am a wannabe newbie because I am pre-pre-pre surgery. I have enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences and hope all goes well with everyone.

[DocSanae]

Welcome, greenapple, thank you for joining the board.
((((((((HUGS)))))))) I hope you'll be able to find a way around the insurance issue.
Meanwhile, keep your search and research going, the best of luck to you, and may your journey go well.

[fr1endly2]

WELCOME GREENAPPLE!
GLAD you found the forums...
I can relate to the body aches, unable to tie my shoes and lots more
things that kept me from enjoying life. NOW that i am little over a year
post op I am so healthy and do not regret my decision to have this surgery. IT truly saved my life, improved my life beyond belief and the
risks of the surgery to me were no worse them me living daily at 310 lbs
ready to have either a heart attack or stroke at any moment at that
morbidly obesite size.
ALL best and we are here for all your support needs and questions!
LOOK forward to getting to know you thru your posts!

hugzzzzzz

[Pillows]

Greenapple...thank you for giving us so much background...you really do have a lot of obstacles to face in getting this surgery. I hope you can figure things out. I understand about not knowing if you can trust the doctors. I don't think I could have trusted the doctors in Idaho to do this surgery for me since they aren't as used to it there.
Janae