ObesityHelp

I'm Tomi, I'm a 25 years young female. I had Bypass on March 14. I'm in Alexandria and looking for others in NOVA, DC or Southern Maryland in the DC Metro area that have been through similar experiences. I would also love to attend existing Support Groups or possibly start one with others. Look forward to hearing from you all! :)

Greetings!
I'm seeking mental health and social support for a family member who is experiencing a host of health crisis including obesity, kidney disease and diabetes. I'm really worried that he is slipping further and further into depression, which will halt our best efforts at helping. Where are the support groups in the area and what times do they meet? Also, does anyone know if you can access counseling thru medicaid--and know of any counselors that specialize in obesity/weight loss issues?

Thank you so much for your help!

FIRST, stop....breathe..Now remember why you are here.Everything you are going through is ok. Its like when someone is about to get married they start to doubt their love and rather they are ready.You are ready and obviously if you was approved you are in need. I didnt go to a support group my support was reminding myself why i needed/wanted the surgery in the first place. All the things that was difficult that shouldnt been like running and taking multiple flights of steps. they way i felt when i looked at myself in the mirror and the thought of shortening my life span its many more i can list but i hope you are getting the point.I have been on and off of of this site for years and have found much support and encouragement from many of the members. Just remember even when you feel alone you are not.

I told myself that it was not real unless I got the approval. Well, I got the approval so I guess it must be real. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around it. Frankly, I am terrified.

My surgery is just a few weeks away and I am beginning to panic about several different things.  I have been having doubts about my success and have fears about the surgery.  It is manifesting itself in me doubting my mental abilities to cope with everything.  

Because of work and family issues I was not able to go to the monthly bariatric meetings.  I am concerned that I have not built up any relationships with people who have had the surgery; people who can tell me that whatever I am experiencing is normal.  I don’t have anyone to talk me down off my ledge.  

I feel like I am going to wake up after surgery and be lost and not know what to do. I am worried that I don’t have anyone I don’t feel like I have a support network built up of people I can turn to when things get rough.  I’d be grateful for anyone who has had surgery or is about to have surgery to get to know me and help guide me through this uncharted journey.  Thank you. 

Marc S. Rickford
Yes they accept medicaid
(202) 448-4080
Providence Hospital
1160 Varnum Street NE
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20017

Hi! I have Unison through Washington, DC United Healthcare Medicaid. Unfortunately, there is only once place that I have found that accepts this insurance which is Howard University Bariatric Center. Specifically Dr. Fullum and Dr. Tran are both surgeons there that accept United Healthcare's Unison. There phone number is 202-865-1286. I hope this helps!

Hi everyone! I have a hyper-specific question for district dwellers. I recently moved to the DC area and I need to find a liberal, open-minded therapist that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield. Does anyone know of such a person? Also, you know you live in a wealthy region when most of the therapists you find don't accept insurance. ;)

Thanks! FP

I attended this event in Baltimore last year and I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to get to meet up with some of my WLS friends and learn how to make these great dishes. It was so much fun and was such a help to discuss with others how they are handling the holidays. Cause we all know that holidays are STUFFED with food right? 
 

This year the event is in two locations: Baltimore and Pittsburgh. I’m going to the Pittsburgh one (even though I live in MD, I’m busy the weekend of the 29^th but I still want to go!). The tickets are cheapest right now at the advance rate, but there’s only three more days to get that rate for the Baltimore event ****il Oct. 8). For the Pittsburgh one the advance rate ends the 15^th. You can check out the details at www.bariatricfoodie.com.

 

The author of Bariatric Foodie is a member of OH, her screen name is Cleopatra_Nik in case anyone wants to PM her for information. You can see what she’s about on Bariatric Foodie. There are lots of recipes there for us post-ops along with other cool stuff. I really like her blog and what she does for the WLS community so I wanted to spread the word about this event. From talking to her, I can tell she really cares about us feeling good about the holidays AND  that she wants to bring these events to more places if there is a demand. Let’s show her there is!

 

Also, I wanted to make sure folks knew about this great event and have the opportunity to buy when the tickets are cheapest!

 You're invited to join us in Long Island, NY!  October 21st & October 22nd

We've got info... 
You will get breakout sessions, main stage speakers, and a Q&A panel! 

Information on bariatric surgery, plastic surgery, nutrition, self esteem, relationships, exercise, and clothing advice. 

An Exhibit area that has vendors, authors and industry partners that love being a part of the Bariatric Community.  This area is full of resources, support, information and free samples!   

We've got fun... 
You will get FREE photos of you and your friends because Dr. Rajeev Vohra is sponsoring the NY Event Photo Booth!  You're going to love it! 

A Fashion Show, featuring YOU! (click here for more exciting info on that...) 

A welcome meet & greet, a closing party and lots of prize giveaways! 

We've got promo codes... 
Where? Who? How? (click here for more info on that...)

Or simply use ILOVENY to get in for $40! 

       

Special Notes!  
The event ticket purchase includes Friday evening welcome coffee and Saturday lunch. No tickets are mailed; check in is at the OH tables on Friday or Saturday.

This is the last event to get your 2011 OH Event T-shirt!  They are men's sizing, not fitted women's. Shirts are $10 if purchased online, $15 if purchased on-site at the event. If you order online - pick your t-shirt up at the event, it will not be shipped. The shirts will be available for online ordering until October 5th, 2011. (Check out the OH Facebook for photos of the t-shirts and some pictures from our last event!)
 

Thanks!  I'm out of town this Tuesday, but will plan on being there next.