Introducing...

Hi Gang,

Just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone since I'm new here. I live in Yukon and have been fighting to get my gastric bypass for six years now. BMI of 58, type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. Obviously I don't get out much or do much.

Unlike most people in here I don't have any insurance. I get my health care covered by the Veterans Administration. Yep, a disabled vet with a morbidly obese body and the byproducts that go with it.

Anyway, if there are any other vets hanging around going through this I would certainly like to hear about your experiences with the VA.

I'm not a vet so I can't help you there.  But I would like to welcome you to the Oklahoma Forum!  There are many of us who are self-pay, including me!  Kinda is the pits but so far, totally worth it.  I don't know that we have any vets here but we can probably answer all your other questions! Good luck!

Not familiar with the veteran thing either, but would also like to say "welcome" to the Okie Board!!!  There's a lot of great information that is shared on this board and side~splitting laughs to boot!

....Oop**** enter before I was actually done.    I am also a self-pay and have not regretted it for one minute.  I think you'll find that this is one tool that will truly help you get your life back!...so where there's a will, there's a way.  Welcome to the board! w~

Are you also on Tri-Care (champus)?  I know that they are covering this procedure in a lot a cases.  I was a self-pay...insurance excluded this procedure.  I had type II diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, on anti-depressants, medication for acid reflux and on and on.  I have not had to have any insulin since the day of surgery (RNY) gastric bypass and am off 3/4 of the other medications.  I was told I would be able to get rid of the c-pap machine soon as well.  Hope all goes well in finding a way to handle the surgery.  It was so worth it all for me.  Welcome to the boards.  This is a great support group!

Unfortunately I'm not on Tri-Care, wish I was because they do cover the procedure. Not only do I not have insurance, I only draw disability from Social Security. Believe me there is not enough left out of that to buy any extras.

Thanks to everyone *****plied. Sounds like a great group of folks here.

Oh, and in case anyone is interested I do have a blog that documents my every step in fighting for the procedure. There is some helpful information there, but most of it is geared toward the VA.

Wayne
My blog: http://okcvet.wordpress.com/

Welcome! I'm sorry that I can't offer help with the VA system, but we all do understand what it's like to be overweight.

I will keep you in my prayers and your journey to being healthier. I wish you the very best!

WOW! Excellent job on your blog!

I certainly hope and pray that you do get your surgery soon. You certainly deserve it!

Welcome to the forum!

Very nice to meet you...and welcome.