T J.
Well, you are looking at someone who has been overweight all of her life. 
I am the only child of two parents who both were diabetics and died of heart disease before the age of 65. My mother died at 62 of Cardiomyopathy that was accelerated by the diabetes. My father had a complete "coronary reconstruction" at age 39 which equals to 5 bypasses. He had 6 stents and his 5th and final heart attack in December of '06. To say that I am a genetic trainwreck is putting it mildly. I am terrified.
I have been on blood pressure meds since I turned 29. I have kidney stones, PCOS, arthritis and a host of other "fat" ailments.
I went two years after my mother passed and spoke to a local surgeon in 2004. He told me I was not big enough. WHAT? Even though my BMI at the time was 34.7. Even though I was self pay, he would not touch me. He told me to call back in a year. So, I did. I talked to a nurse in his office, reminding her of what he said. She was so UGLY to me it was rediculous. 
I will spare you the details.
So, I gave up and cried every time the scale creeped up a few more pounds. I tried South Beach, Weight Watchers, Atkins, et al. I watched a few pounds come off only to stand and watch them creep up again as soon as I relaxed a bit.
One day my car broke down and I had to drive my husbands. I have sattelite radio in mine so I never listen to a local station. He does not have it. I heard a commercial for a group of doctors in a neighboring state which is just an hour away. I called and talked to his VERY FRIENDLY staff. When this nurse heard my plight, she immediately set up an appointment with me to meet the Doctor. 
Since that day, I have done COPIOUS amounts of research on this doctor, this group and this procedure. I am self-pay and as I have stated, my only concern is paying for complications. I have funds from my inheritance to pay for the surgery, but it won't leave much for complications.
My insurance (BCBS) has gotten so hard to deal with, I know they will not pay for the surgery. I wonder if they will even pay for the preliminary tests.
So I go to see him on 9/20. My next addition to this may be that I will not get the surgery. If this is two that tell me no, I will let it go. I am praying that God's will be done. I have to leave it in His hands or go crazy.
I weighed 197 this morning. I am 5.3. My BMI is still 34 ( Somehow the profile has it wrong) . I need to gain 3 pounds to be 35. ugg.
Please help me pray for God's will in this situation.
9-12-07
Well, I met with Dr. Avara and his staff yesterday and I cannot say enough good things about them. They were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. After sitting through the seminar and having every possible question answered by his nurses, I met with the doctor. He was great. We talked about how I was indeed slightly under the limit but after discussing my comorbidities, HE AGREED!! I was APPROVED!!
Now the journey begins. I am very nervous, however, when I think about where I will be in 10 years if I don't get some help now, I can do it. I have prayed and prayed and it seems to be the thing for me to do.
I will try to keep this updated, if for nothing but for a record for me.
Please continue to add me to your prayers.
10-05-07
Today I officially have all of my appointments scheduled for pre-op. Preparing to loose the 10 pounds I need to and I am ready to go!! I have a date!!! November 20th. Yes it will be hard to be on liquids and mushies on Thanksgiving, but I will not care. I HATE holidays. I am very excited and VERY anxious. I purchased the book "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies" and it was a godsend. I recommend it to anyone.
Please continue to add me to your prayers.
