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Hello everyone, My name is Heather Conrad and I live in Nashville TN. I am 43 years old and have battled weight for most of my life. However, since my back went bad, my weight has completely gone out of control. I am only 5'1 and currently weigh 213ish. I know that number does not seem super big but, on a tiny frame such as mine, it feels terrible. I have tried every diet known to man and I only end up yo yoing. I had back surgery one year ago and since packed it on. I used to be really active and led such a healthy lifestyle and I feel this surgery is my chance to have that back again. I am currently on many pain medications, and hypertension medication. My goal is to lose this weight and get off all meds. I just wanted to share a little about myself and I would appreciate any support I can get. Oh yeah, my first appt., is this Th. I am going through Vanderbilt. Does anyone have experience there. I have federal BC/BS, and they require a 3 month supervised weight loss which I think is ridiculous. I have my last two years of weight loss tries documented but, whatever it takes. At least it is not 6 mos. to a year like I have read on some other insurances. I am interested in the VSG. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks Heather

Hey everyone, Wow, thanks for all of your responses. I really do appreciate them. One of you said you were using Vandy, very cool. My doctor is Dr. Clements. I really like him. I had my 1st month weight in yesterday. Down 5 lbs. Yay. Thought I would have gained honestly. I had my blood work yesterday. And my nutrition appt. Th. My nutritionist said I think like a "skinny person". Haha. I think I will have my surgery in mid May as it looks now. So, excited but, I must say how hard it is to diet when you know you are going to have this surgery. I am just trying to maintain at this point. Oh, and guess what.....I am not 5'1 like we thought. I shrunk to 5'0, I guess from my back surgery and no lower discs in my lumbar spine. Yikes. I love this website and I hope you all will stay in touch with me. Lets keep each other posted. Oh, and Vandy girl, we should meet up at Vandy and have lunch....that would be fun. Heather

To you guys who have the basic BC/BS, did you lose weight during the 3 month supervised diet. I am finding it really hard to diet knowing I will be so restricted once I have the surgery................HC

Hello, My surgery is most likely going to be in early May. I love reading this board. I had major back surgery one year ago and the pain post op was not tolerable (even on a pain pump). I was crying in the hospital for four days, and am still in pain. So, I figure if I could get through that, I can get though this, right? I am though really freaked out about post op in terms of how little you are able to eat/drink. I can only hope I am one of the lucky ones who don't feel hungry. Thanks to everyone for sharing and being so open and honest. Heather

I look forward to the following: No more pills No more back pain (had lumbar surgery one year ago) Feeling proud and beautiful Letting my personality shine again and get out of this shell Enjoy sex with my husband again. Cuz, I don't right now and he is HOT! Going shopping in my own closet. I have really cute clothes. Stop wearing stretchy pants and hiding them with oversized sweaters!!!! First appt. tomorrow Feb 2nd, hope to have surgery by the beginning of May. 5'1 and 215lbs. Used to weight 120lbs, and this is my goal weight. WISH ME LUCK and SUCCESS, as I wish you the same. Heather

From one Fepblue to another.....consider switching next year to Basic. I paid for Standard for 14 years and last year I went to the insurance fair.....did my research and in my opinion Basic is better and cheaper. I had back surgery last year and ended up paying over 5000 out of pocket. With basic I would have paid much less. . Good luck. Keep us posted. I have my first appt this Th. Heather

Do you have Standard or Basic. I have FEP BC/BS as well. I have the Basic which I understand is much cheaper. I am just starting my process as well. Heather

What insurance do you have, that was quick!!!! I have Fed BC/BS. It says three month supervised weight loss program but, I going in to my first appt. armed with my diet history for the whole last year. I also have my letter of medical necessity. I hope it doesn't take too long. Heather