Question to Gov. Daniels

Well I did it.  I opened my mouth and asked a question.   Gov. Daniels was at a meeting in Spencer County on Wednesday to discuss business issues.  During the question and answer time, most people asked about property taxes, HIP, and Super Tuesday.  I raised my hand and was called on. I told the Governor that I had bariatric surgery in October and was a part of a national website with an Indiana forum on it.  I then told him that he wasn't well thought of by some of the members here.  He was very shocked at this comment.  I proceeded to tell him that his "Get fit Indiana" campaign failed to address the morbidly obese and ignored the successes of bariatric surgery.  Gov. Daniels said, "I have never said anything about bariatric surgery!"  I said, "Exactly."  I then proceeded to tell him that he has some fantastic surgeons in Indiana that are nationally recognized for their achievements in bariatric surgery.  I also told him I was having lunch the next day with some people from the Indiana forum and I'd like to tell them something positive from the governor.  He told me to tell you guys that he encourages us in our efforts to make ourselves healthier.  He also said that he knows this includes a huge lifestyle change and he encourages us in that lifestyle. 

Gov. Daniels said that his efforts are directed at "hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers" and that bariatric surgery is not the answer for all of them.  My comments were made to allow him to see that his campaign efforts were not the answer either.  I don't know if he got the idea or not but I was approached by many overweight persons in the room and thanked for my comments.   I told Dr. Diaz about it yesterday at my check up and he was glad I said something too.  He gave me permission to give Gov. Daniels his contact information because he would like to educate him on the procedure and its successes.   Dr. Diaz told me about a recent study that some insurance company performed.  It may have been medicaid.  I can't remember.  Anyway, the study showed how long it took the insurance company to recoup the cost of bariatric surgery.  The amount of time was amazingly short.  Sorry I can't remember it right off hand.  Dr. Diaz said it was due to the decrease in dr visits and medication needed after the procedure.  I believe it! Just wanted to share all of this with you.   Jacqui

WOW!!  Good for you!!  That took some guts!  While I appreciate the concept of the program Governor Daniels pushes, it does have many shortfallings. Good job!

Jacqui,  You Go Girl !!!!!!!!! You are awesome I loved meeting you and hearing you tell us about your Talk with the Gov. You are so beautiful but I too wish I grew up to look like Hope. I use Mary Kay. They have the best concelor, to hide the "W" word.  I admire your attitude. Love ya and thanks for all the fun and your talk with the Gov. Hugs & Blessings, Gail

Disclaimer: I am by no means the biggest fan of the governor. I am generally a democrat. However, I think he's done some good things with healthcare in Indiana. The HIP program, for one. Another thing is he helped change that insurance companies can't require more than 6 months supervised diet for wls. With my insurance, it used to be 18 months. He also made the non-tobacco user agreement for state employees, wherein if you agree to not use tobacco, they waive $500 of the health insurance deductible. I am not a Daniels cheerleader, and there's no "My Man Mitch" sticker on my car, but I'll give him credit for these things.

Good for you!!! I am a State Employee and not exactly a big fan of his.Actually not a fan at all... but I support my leadership, once elected...until voted out. I DO however participate in the Get in Shape program (him and his big looser promote) we have, but everytime we have comments in the program I mention I am a bariattic patient who lost weight but am on the program for continued support. THEY KNOW we exist... and I never hear anything about it.   The GOV wants a healthier Indiana.. WE are some of the most obease..I may not agree with his ways but at least he is making an effort and putting a healthy lifestyle in peoples faces.. Bariatric is not easy by any means and it needs to be mentioned but you and I both know there are people out there who will never get surgery and their only hope might be to see his support and messages. People need hope.. in any form...Could you imagine during his healthy lifestyles speaches if he said If you can't loose it by the eat less move more method then find a DR. and cut it off??? People would raise a stink!! While I am VERY PROUD of you speaking up...WE NEED our officials to notice us and the sucess surgery provides for a healthy lifestyle.. I had to put in a few cents. Linda kay