Hi, this is my first post. I have a long history of being overweight but I have gained a lot in the past year or so because I have a lot of issues with my spine (stenosis, degenerating discs) and arthritis in my hip so I can't walk very well or stand. My orthopedic surgeon at Lenox Hill here in NYC has suggested bariatric surgery and has referred me to Dr Mitchell Roslin at the Lenox Hill Bariatric practice. I called them up and I need to attend their seminar first before I schedule a consultation with Dr Roslin. I have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthplus (Medicaid) and I just know they are going to make me diet for 6 months before surgery. The thing is, I can't take 6 months more of pain! I am in pain all the time due to my back and it makes my life hell. Does anyone know if they make some kind of exception due to medical conditions like these? Glad I found this community. I have been reading a lot of posts and have learned a lot. Thanks for listening.