Hi Aggie, I am trying to post here more often in the hopes of getting others to do the same. We need the support of our fellow nurses.... Mary

Thought I'd post another message. I sent my grievance letter via certified mail last Tuesday to my insurance company(HAP). I'm sorta surprised I haven't received the card back saying they've received it. Seems like it should have been there by now. I stopped in and saw my insurance coordinator at my PCP's office on Friday, who said she'd check with HAP today from her other office and call me. Of course, I got no phone call. SURPRISE!

Hello I am also a RN in Alabama. How did your surgery go? My date is May 11th. I pray you are doing well. Kristi

I wish both of you all the best in the great insurance battle. It is truly a fight. Prayers are going your way! Kristen

Hi Mary. For a moment I thought I was reading my profile when I read about you. I too have been considering this sx for years and only recently made my decision that I must go through with it. I had a consult scheduled twice, and chickened out ("for my kids sake"). Well after gaining another 30# and now I weigh 320, I am done. I have never been so heavy and unhealthy in my life. I altered my eating and cut out all fried foods and soda for a month now (a HUGE accomplishment ), and have lost nothing. I guess I just disspelled two beliefs that: 1. We MO people don't try (common belief of the occult named the "satanic skinny people"), and 2. If "we" would change our eating habits we would lose weight easily . I have a consult on May 5, and God willing I will be there. I have told my mother and have her support (a huge undertaking!) as well as my husband's and childrens' (kids are ages 7 and 11). It is very complicated at my house, as my first hubby died when my kids were small (1 and 5), and so I struggle with potentially putting them through it again if complications were to arise. Add to it the fact that I have fewer health issues than some (DJD x2 in my lumbar spine with chronic pain daily tx with Vioxx), plantar faciaitis, high cholesterol ****reated), and irregular menses, and you have a guilt trip. Obviousely there are social issues for me as well. I have become a hermit by hobby. Well, enough about me, I just wanted to say there are others out there who have struggled with this decision, and I support you. I will send some prayers and positive carma your way in hopes that your approval happens soon. It will happen for you. Hang in there. PS My photo should be posting soon; the volunteer contacted me today.