Hi guys... A fellow OH member is trying to win a contest to get her much needed plastic surgery paid for... she needs us to all support her and vote for her to win the contest. So tell everyone! Here is a the message that she posted on the main board: From Emma Blanchard: Hi i have lost 130 pounds from gastric bypass and I need my skin fixed. I entered a seattle radio stations extreme makeover contest and the voting begins today. The winner will be decidied onlin and so far I am losing. I need the wls community to vote for me. the show is thetmanshow.com you can click on the link that says extreme makeover contest and vote for me Emma. Thank you for your support Emma the site is thetmanshow.com and my name is Emma if you could ask your friends and family to vote for me to that would help. Thanks Emma So I hope that you will all take the time to put in your vote and support our fellow OH member EMMA. You can also get there by clicking on the following link: http://www.thetmanshow.com/photos/planned/xmo2k3.html

Does anyone have information about individual plans, I have looked at some sites and they exclude for WLS but my argument is that if I am paying for it I should have the coverage, and if they cover it for other people under group plans why not cover it for individual plans. Wondering if anyone has had WLS with selfpay insurance plans Alisha [email protected]

I have created a new place online for weight loss surgery support. I am going to have this surgery in 2004. So I wanted to start this group for us. It is free and I hope you visit. The web site is: http://groups.msn.com/WeightLossSurgeryGroup

I asked Dr. Alldredge the same question. He said they prefer not to do the gall bladder at the same time... then the lap band becomes a "non-sterile" surgery. When you cut out the gallbladder that can lead to icky stuff getting into your body and causing infection. Sounded good to me. I know with gastric bypass they will take out your gall bladder at the same time because lots of people have problems with it when they start to lose a lot of weight. Dr. A said they don't have this problem with "banders".

I forgot I was also going to ask about gallbladder disease and surgery. I am having an ultrasound next week to check my gallbladder which I am pretty sure is in trouble. I have hear that if you want to have your gallbladder out at the same time as the WLS you have to have to open procedure. Is this true? Has anyone had both done together and had Lap? I really would rather have the Lap so I am a little concerned. Thanks again, Angela