Hi everybody,

First, please forgive me if you have already seen my post in one of the other forums. I posted under three different forums because I am an idiot and did not carefully read the TOS. Now I don't know how to delete any of my posts. Anyway, I promise I will not post anywhere else!

My name is Henriikka W. I am a 35-year old mom from Keller, TX. Like so many others, I have unsuccessfully tried diet and exercise to win my weight battle for several years now. I finally made the difficult decision to seek for a surgery to help me with this fight. I understand that the surgery alone will not resolve the core issue of why I over eat in the first place but it would certainly help me to adapt a whole new way of eating while I would address the emotional side of this complicated condition.

Unfortunately, I recently discovered that our insurance does not cover the weight loss surgery. My husband is a police officer, I am a student and we also have two small children. Therefore, I do not foresee us being able to afford this surgery anytime in the near future. However, I was randomly selected to be one of the nine final contestants in a free weight loss surgery give-away from Dr. David Kim of Colleyville, TX. All of us contestants had to post a video on his web site and now the audience gets to vote one of us to receive this life-changing and life-saving procedure. Would you please take a moment to view my video at www.drdkim.net/contest/ and vote for me if you think that I deserve this opportunity. I would be forever grateful! Henriikka W.

P.S. You can vote once per every 24-hour period per computer. The voting will end on June 1st. Thank you already!

Keep the votes coming in for Henrikka! Lets get as many as possible before the deadline on the 1st of June!

Mandy J & Sandy1, you guys are AWESOME cheerleaders for reminding everybody to vote and keeping my post on top of the forum. I am struggling with time as I have two kids (one very demanding toddler), am teaching a 5-week undergraduate on-line class, and studying for my comprehensive doctoral examinations. So thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I am so relieved that there is only 4 more days left in voting after today. I can't wait to let you guys know what happens.

Thank you also Peacequeen for your continuing support!

Thank you SDteagirl and all other wonderful people out there who are voting for me!

Vote! Vote! Vote! Time is running out please vote today Henrikka needs our help!!

I voted!

Mandy J. & Peacequeen- thank you again!!! I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your help, support, and kindness that you have shown to me. In fact, I have told my family about this forum and you ladies here and they also have been equally amazed. Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday (voting ends at 5pm CT) left... I am sooooo nervous. I naturally really want to win for myself and for my health but I will feel probably even more terrible for all my family, friends, and you guys if I will not. You all have put a lot of time and effort into supporting me. I am very grateful.

It's not been a time consuming effort. I don't mind at all,,only takes a few seconds. I've enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm around here. I hope you win! I am a faithful person and believe if it's meant to be,,it will happen,,if not, it won't. If you don't win, try not to be disappointed but use the experience to motivate you even more..a way will come for you, I've learned patience is the key. Continued good luck to you!

I know it's a Holiday, but it only takes a minute to vote!!

Everyone cast your vote. time is running out!!!!!

It only take a moment of your time!!!

Today and tomorrow are the last days to vote! Please don't put it off! And Henrikka, I would want the same done for me! It only takes a minute, so it's no problem or burden at all! Please Henrikka don't feel bad at all if you don't get it (for us that is I've tried to help you on my own free will) I don't like to talk negative,so I'm keeping a positive outlook that it will happen. I never thought it would happen for me either! I finally saved 10,000 dollars, and was still so discouraged becouse the surgeons around here where I live had a price of 15,000 to 16,000 dollars. I was so upset, and just feeling down one day when just for fun I typed in lapbands in Dallas, and at that moment I knew my dream was going to come true! I started seeing all these places pop up on the computer that offered lapbands for 8,500-9,900! I went with TLC Edge (used Dr. Cribbins from Plano,TX) and paid $8,590 all inclusive price. I couldn't believe it I actually had money left over!! I've wanted wt. loss surgery since before the lapband even came out. It was just one disappointment after another then everything changed within just a few seconds! So I feel either way you will end up with a lapband! Good luck Henrikka! I can't wait until June 6th when the results are announced!

I just sent another vote in. I may not make it to vote tomorrow because I will be out most of the day but I will try. I just know you'll do great! Good luck!!!

Today is the last day to vote! Please try and get every last vote in! Henrikka, I'll be awaiting the results on the 6th!

Thank you so much for your very encouraging and wonderful comments Mandy J & Peacequeen. You guys, as well as Sandy 1, have been a wonderful support system and a cheerleader group for me. I, also, do firmly believe that what is meant to happen will happen. One way or other, this will be my turning point.

I truly hope to keep up with our cyber friendship. I will let you know IMMEDIATELY when I will hear the results.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!!

Just saw your post and voted! Wish you the best!

Will be watching for the results tomorrow!

Mandy J. & my other awesome supporters- It was a close competition but I did not win. However, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, so this was simply not meant to be. I am very optimistic about the future and firmly committed to changing my eating habits slowly, one step at the time. I have not closed the door for a possibility of having a lap band in the future if the circumstances will permit but meanwhile, I will try learn how to listen to my body and know what it truly wants. Thank you from the bottom of my heart you wonderful ladies! I am so very grateful for your time and support. I hope to "see" you all around here! My best to you all!