Introduction -- Jennah Brame

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

After a few days of " lurking " and reading the list, I'm finally getting

around to writing a note to introduce myself. :-) My name is Jennah Brame.

I'm 24, work in Medical Records at UNC-Greensboro, and also live in

Greensboro.

A little personal info -- I'm the " crazy cat lady " for sure, and love every

minute of it. I own several cats who think they own me, and who's to say

which one of us is right? :-) Mostly I'm quiet, with an extremely active

dry sense of humor. My favorite hobby is reading, followed closely by

participation in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). I used to

exercise a lot, but joint pain prevents me these days.

I'm 5 " 5 tall and my current weight is 252, which my GP says (with the aid of

his little wheel chart) gives me a BMI of 43. Not good! Definitely time to

do something about it.

I've been interested in this surgery for the past year, since I began to have

additional health problems brought on by my weight. I've been researching it

online and decided about two months ago that I really truly did want to do

this, to change my life for the good with the only means that seems to truly

work.

I found Dr. R's site a few weeks ago and I was an instant convert to the MGB

procedure. :-)

I'm terrifically impressed by the vast amount of information contained on his

site, by the positive feedback, and by the fact that a laparoscopic surgery

is much less invasive (which I'm all for).

So far, I'm working on getting my packet together. My family and close

friends and employers were all a little squeamish about the idea at first,

but once I explained it to them and showed them Dr. R's site and other

sites/articles, they came around and are now fully supporting me and my

decision. *That* is a huge relief.

My insurance switches October 1st from Wellpath to Blue Cross Blue Shield,

the state plan for teachers and state employees. From what I've read, BCBS

is generally really good about giving approval. Is there anyone out there

who has had their surgery approved through this plan that maybe I could talk

to about it?

And, of course (here comes the hard sell *grin*), since I'm getting my packet

together, I'm looking for those ten e-mail contacts. :-) I really would

like to talk one-on-one to people who've either had the surgery or are

thinking about it, so I would probably do this anyway, but -- any volunteers?

:-) I'll love you forever and like you for always!

Encouragement and cheers for everyone on the list!

Jennah

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" When I get a little money, I buy books. If there is any left over, I buy

food and clothes. "

(Erasmus)