I have always been an overweight person.  I do not recall a time in my life when I wasn't the "Fat Kid".  Despite this, I always tried to lead a fairly normal life.  I played football and trained in the martial arts.  Running 200 yards during practice at 350lbs is not easy, but I did it, and was always amazed that I didn't loose more weight.  During my 5 years training in the martial arts I would train for 3 hours 3 nights a week.  Still little noticeable change in my size.  Now that I am 31 years old, I can really feel the co-morbities catching up with me, and fast.  I have hypertension, degenerative joint disease, and sleep apnea on top of the shortness of breath and inability to do prolonged activities.   My Aunt has been the biggest promoter of WLS surgery for the last 10 years, as she has tried many times to convince me to do it.  I was convinced that I could do it on my own.  After all, I was still working out, and I was feeling fine.  As the years passed, I found myself less able to keep up with the life I wanted to have.  Then about 3 years ago, while a student at the University of New Mexico, I saw a UNMH doctor.  He suggested that I consider the surgery.  My Good friend from high school Jim (Colorado) had scheduled a consultation.  I decided that there was no harm in talking about the surgery, so I agreed to a consult.  The waiting list was a year out.  During that year, I got married and changed insurance.  When I got a referral from my new insurance for the consultation, the Doctor performing the RNY here in New Mexico was no longer able to perform it due to some deaths.  Now I would have to travel to Lubbock for my consult.  Once I got that scheduled, I only had a month to get a prior authorization, because my insurance was changing its coverage.  After December 31, 2004 Bariatric surgery would not be a covered benefit.  I didn't get along with the surgeon, and left his office feeling neglected and rejected.  Dr Freeza was the only surgeon contracted with my insurance, and I found myself with out any options.  That pretty much brings us to my current situation.  I am pursuing other options, such as changing jobs to get different insurance, and seeking pro-bono options.  I really feel that this surgery could give me a new lease on life.  Improve my health and my career opportunities.   Perhaps God is trying to help me, I've been notified that I'll be laid off.   4/14/2006 will be my last day.  Perhaps this is my opportunity to find a new job (and insurance) which will cover the procedure.  I hope so.    

PS.  My friend Jim is now 2 years out and has lost 230lbs…  I hope someday to join him as a looser!!!

My Weightloss