Becca - Here's my two cents for what it's worth. I'm guessing that your physician is requiring you to lose an X amount of weight before you can have your surgery. My PCP uses the Medifast program for his patients. He's even used it himself. I personnally have never used Medifast. I DO KNOW that Medifast is very safe (or so my PCP says) and works well. I believe that it is a mostly liquid diet. That would get you used to going on only liquids for the 3 weeks or so after surgery. I also believe that Medifast is a bit on the expensive side. I have also seen first hand (watching my PCP who used Medifast) that the weight comes back on after you stop the program which is why you would want to use it only to lose the required weight to have your surgery. If you were able to lose the weight on your own than why would you have need for the surgery? Losing the weight on our own is very difficult. Especially if we have a required amount to lose. My vote would be to go ahead and use the Medifast program especially since it IS a phyician monitored program so it's probably one of your safer programs to use. Good luck and keep us posted. Melody

Wow Becca. A post just for me. Thank you. I have 5 children. My oldest daughter's name is Rebecca and she goes by Becca too. I love the name Becca, it just seems to fit. You have really put in a plug for the NY medicaid program. No prior approval is absolutely unheard of. A real jewel. I hope they are true to their word and cover everything for you without a hitch. My husband told me that he loved ME, not my weight. We've both been blessed with real jewels. Enjoy your 51 degree weather. Maybe the groundhog was wrong for the NY area. I didn't find you whiney in your last post. Feel free to post even if you feel "whiney" That's why we're here. Melody

Thanks for some perspective on the situation. Yesterday i was full of doom and gloom however today I feel much more optimistic. I already have been in contact with the medicaid people and to my surprise I didnt need any approval from the medicaid people. Yes I get Medicaid because I have arthritis that has crippled me almost. Somedays are better than others. I am 32 years old and one of 12 kids(big LDS family). I am married to a wonderful man who adores me fat or no fat. ( A precious gift from heavenly father). I love to write and make people smile and for the most part I Love Life. Melody I will pray for you and yours. 51 degrees today can ya believe it? lol Didnt mean to sound whiney yesterday lol Thawing out slowly in ny becca

Hello, My name is rebecca and im 32. Just recently moved back home from sunny florida to the blistery weather of good old NY. People ask me why would I ever move back here from such warm beautiful weather. My answer to that is My prayers were answered. Heavenly father wanted me back home maybe because it was easier to get insurance for the WLS here or maybe because my family is in such turmoil right now. My youngest sister in out of control she has a serious drug problem and a boyfriend that has an even worse problem. I feel so helpless. I wish I could make her check into a rehab. But well we all know that thing about free will. Well anyway hope to make some pals on here maybe I will hear something from one of you that will help me help my family

Well Kim, I have suffered from depression for years, and a year ago I quit my Prozac and have had to find new things to keep from sinking into the blues. I have taken alot of time to develop hobbies I enjoy....sewing, crafts, painting watercolors, and I read alot of good books on subjects I enjoy. My husband thinks the books I read are stupid, because I focus on topics like Chinese history (served my mission in Taiwan) women's suffering, women's poetry, human response to tragedy, and art. I hop around depending on my mood. I don't care if my interests are stupid to him, I find it interesting. So I guess my thoughts are to find what's interesting to you in this life, both spiritually and personally. Some aspects of the gospel don't interest me at all, while others really facinate me. I love to read pioneer history and it makes me VERY thankful to have such a comfortable life. But I also recognize that the stress I have is far different than theirs...though I don't fear indian attacks, or small pox....I do fear identity theft, or my children being influenced by the media. When things seem overwhelming to me I review all the good I do. I'm not a perfect member of the church, but I'm not a horrible person either. I try really hard to say hi to several people each Sunday...I can't possibly fellowship everyone, but I do reach out to a few that might otherwise be passed over. I try to read the scriptures often and it keeps me softer and kinder. I don't think Christ expects me to be perfect. I think He wants me to keep trying and develop myself and my talents. So I do. And it helps keep me sane and I'm a better mother and wife when I'm sane. Right now I feel my main job is to be a good mom and raise the kids well. I can't also be a wiz at geneology (maybe later) or the boy scout queen (maybe later) or the nursery director ( maybe later) and a full time RN (currently working full time). I also put alot of time into being a loving wife and friend to Kevin. focus on your strengths, and I'm sure you will be happier. Best to you, Tracey