WinterBride2011

All of my life, I have struggled with weight issues. Within the past five years, it has gotten extremely bad. In high school, I was overweight, but I was extremely active in sports. Since I have graduated, I have had little to no physical activity resulting in an extreme weight gain (roughly 80 lbs). Just recently, my dad was diagnosed with Diabetes and high blood pressure. My grandfather also has Diabetes. Because of this, I have realized SO many things having to do with being obese. It's somewhat like the light at the end of the tunnel came on and I realized that I am a prime candidate for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc. SCARY! I am 22 years old and currently planning a wedding. We are getting married in January of 2011. In a  few years, I want to start a family. I want to have babies and see my babies start their families. Being overweight, I am scared that I may not see this day come. On March 4, 2010, my mom called and told me about a Seminar in Baton Rouge, La. The seminar was hosted by Dr. Thomas Lavin. Dr. Lavin is the founder of Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at Fairway Medical Center in Covington, La, has been approved as an ASMBS Center of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon. He is AMAZING!!! I attended the seminar on March 17, 2010. It was so incredibly informative. My insurance, BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana, seems to be pretty cut and dry about what they cover or DON'T cover. Of course, it states "Regardless of medical necessity, weight loss surgery is NOT covered". Point blank. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. This is very hard to understand considering that it is HEALTH insurance and obesity is LIFE THREATENING. I don't get it...but ANYWAYS. My mom came with me and after the seminar, she and I talked with Dr. Lavin and he recommeded the gastric sleeve. My mom is aware of how much getting the surgery means to me and how much, obviously, my life would change. So, she mentioned about taking the cash paying route......I am SO incredibly excited. Being 22, it is really hard going out, planning a wedding, having a best friend that is literally a size 2/4...you know the drill. So, that is where we are now....today is the day after the seminar. I cannot wait to get the ball rolling and see where life takes me!