Hi Melinda, Just wanted to welcome you to the board. I don't come over to the Alaska board very often because it doesn't seem to get much activity. I don't know if they have a separate chat for Alaska but I know the main chat is only at certain times...like 5p.m. AK time on Saturdays. I am just getting started on this journey myself. I just started working for the state in Sept. and my insurance takes effect Nov. 1. I have started the 6 month diet with my PCP. I have a few other medical complications that I have to get stablized before I can schedule the WLS. I am still debating whether to have the surgery here or in Seattle (I'd do it in Anchorage but I have family in Seattle). Neither the doc or hospital here are preferred providers with my insurance so it would be an extra 20% out of pocket. But I'm not really comfortable with having my surgeon so far away in case anything goes wrong. Not sure which way I'll go yet on that one. I've heard that PCP's can keep track of the normal progression and mine is willing to do that but I just worry about complications requiring more surgery. I suppose then, in an emergency, the insurance would pay it all. Well, I'm rambling on here. Just great to have a fellow Alaskan on board. Hope all goes well for you on your journey to the losing side. Cheri - Juneau

Thank you for the welcome, Staci! I see you are from Alabama? Long way from Alaska! I lived in Anniston for a few months during 'basic training' (Army)..yep, I was a *wacky WAC*! Melinda