? Please Help

I thought voc rehab services was supposed to help people return to work or gain employment? This was told to me by the supervisor of the division of Hillsborough County in Tampa. She stated that I'd not even qualify for their services, because I have an AS degree in nursing, and obesity isn't a disability.... I told her that I'm 5'3 350lbs and I can't stand on my feet for a period of time, before my back and knees begin to hurt. She stated that they will not pay for a $20,000 surgery, and my best bet is to go apply at job services or apply for Medicaid. She was very skinny, and look like she never had a fat day in her life, so how the hell is she going to tell me that obesity isn't a disease, and prevents me from employment? The job that I'd be doing requires bending, standing, and walking long halls. My weight is preventing me from working, and nobody seems not to understand that, including my primary care physician. This was my last hope, and nobody seems like they give a dam, but better yet, they telling me to join a fitness center, and a weight loss center. I've did all the diets, and fail, and this surgery was my only hope. I've got big student loans to payoff, and I didn't go to college for nothing to be on disability. Even though I applied for it, and was denied, because they didn't think obesity was a disability. I'd like to hear everyone's input on what I should do now. Thanks, Angie

HI, First of all, never-ever give up. to my understanding medicaid/medicare has paid for some surgeries, but you need to research it to make sure. Alot of people don't think that obesity is a disease...news fla**** is. If I were you I would find myself a PCP that is more supportive of WLS. I most definetly understand your condition, but for most people that have never walked in our shoes, they'll never know! Continue to hold your head up, and don't give up! God Bless! Cicily Wright

hello, I'm sorry to hear u'r going thru this. We went to our first meeting with vocational rehab yesterday, my husband and I and we filled out a small novel of paperwork and were refered onto the next step. We were given referal letters and told what documentation we needed to get and our next meeting are with the counsler's superior to start getting things moving. Hubby is employed and is doing this to maintain employement, I am doing this to get employement. So far no snags, but you never know. Don't stop where they've left you, get a pcp that is more understanding and supportive of YOUR decisions, after all, your doctor is supposed to work for YOU! Then appeal what they've told you already, get the denial letter then appeal to the higher ups in voc rehab. Don't give up! To many have succeeded in this route!

Hillsbrough county seens to be the only county that gives people the freakin run around about this. Which Tampa office did you go to? If it's the one off Florida Ave & Bush those people have major attitude problems and will not help you. I'm really regretting moving to Tampa from Lutz... I called the office in Pasco county, and they tell me they'd help me if i was living in their district. I'm going to call the main Tallahassee office, and report the Tampa office with discriminating against me. This is RIDICULOUS!!

I agree with all the other posters. Time to change doctors #1. #2, you have rights so start shouting from the roof tops. Appeal, appeal, appeal until they get so sick of you and finally give in. DON'T YOU GIVE IN. Try medicaid. I know several people who are on it and have had the surgery. Never give up hope. Phyliss

My suggestion is call Tallahassee. You can go to the website at rehabworks.org or call the Ombudsman 1-866-515-3692. I had to call them because my counselor had taken over 9 months just to see if I qualified. I ended up with my ins paying for the surgery, but still need help finding a job. So I called the ombudsman, and needless to say, I got results! HTH Hugs Kim

Hi, My short story. I finally stopped working in April 2002. I applied for disability and it took me 15 months, 3 appeals and having to go in front of a judge for me to get approved. I had many health issues. Once I got on disability I was approved for Medicaid which paid for my surgery. It was a very difficult process but I hung in there because I knew I was entitled. Do what you have to but hang in there. If you need support, I'm only an email away. Sincerely, Dawn Post-Op 9/23/04 399/257/200