Help please, I'm desperate.

Hi all you great folks out there! I have a bad situation, (doesn't everyone on here though?) and wondered if there was anyone out there with any advice. I'm pre-op. My consult date is in the middle of July. While that's not too far away, they're expecting surgery to be in Sept/Oct due to scheduling. While I believe this is probably a normal time frame, and compared to 40 yrs of the bondage of this 360 lb massive body, it's still relatively close. But, this is my situation...Because of all the co-morbidities, I've not been able to work. My body is just not up to handling the stress/heat, and some days it's all I can do to get out of bed. I'm single, and have to support myself. I have enough in savings for about 2 more months, then I stand to lose everything. I KNOW I'll lose my housing, and possibly losing my car. I had a larger savings, but since my work has been increasingly limited, I've been dipping into it just to make ends meet. At this point, I'm looking into moving into a nursing home if I can get insurance to cover it till surgery and recovery, and to the point I can go back to work again. I do NOT want to do this. I don't have family to help, and would rather not live in a homeless shelter either. Anyone have any advice? Thanks for any help you can give.

Darla...have you considered contacting social services in the city where you live? It is not uncommon for emergency funds to be made available for times like this through the state. Please consider contacting the spiritual care or social service department at the hospital in which you are planning your surgery. They may be able to help you sort through some of this and reduce the stress of this difficult time for you. You are not alone :wave: Mary

Have you tried to apply for any disability? I wish you the best.

If you are unable to work...call social security (if you have put into it) or even state disablity. I am sure you will qualify to get monies, don't wait as it takes some time for the application process (sometimes upto 90 days from the time you get all the paperwork in). Good luck.

Hi Darla I can only commisurate with you. I too am unemployed and living off savings which are dwindling. My comorbidities are the primary reason for not working. I lost the last two jobs due to respiratory illnesses which made me miss too much work. My primary MD feels my immune system may be compromised by the fat as there is apparently literature supporting this theory. I hope you have found some help from a social service agency or something. Is there any chance a different surgery could get your surgery done faster or is it a function of insurance? I don't know what I would do myself if I get to that point as I have no one to turn to for help.My plan is to find a job after my surgery which is supposed to be in October or November after I complete an insurance required diet. I am divorced, not my idea and have no family to help. I know getting Social Security Disability is very hard and takes a long time, too. Best of luck and I am here if you want to communicate via email. Karen

bless your heart! i will pray for you. you will be ok and make it through this. i suggest calling and doing the things the above posts said. best wishes misty

I know you don't want to do the nursing home thing, and i totally empathize with you. I grew up with my mom working in them and i went with her to work most nights. But....and I'm so sorry to say this, but if your insurance will pay for it, and it will get you in a facility where not only you can recover, but have the help you need to recover as quickly and as completely as possible....i'd take advantage of it. There are plenty of nursing facilities or rehab facilities all over the country that are nice places to be. Instead of absolutely dreading the idea, try looking for a really nice rehabilitation or nursing facility. I've seen some that are more like bed and breakfast rooms than icky hospital rooms. And instead of losing your housing, you can leave with notice and have an easy time getting back into something when you are ready. Maybe look at getting a roommate? I wish you nothing but the best, and I just hope you make the decision that is best for your health and happiness. Best of luck {{hugs}}

Darla - I applied for Social Security disability (Maryland) and was approved. The reason was a combination of morbid obesity and two bad knees (need knee replacements). Please apply - all they can say is no, and what if they say yes! The process didn't take too long - about 4 to 5 months, which I know is a lot longer than you have before money is gone. In the meantime, perhaps you can help from a local church group or other similar agency in your area. I wish you the very best of luck, and hope your surgery goes great. Take care.

Have you considered trying to take in a renter?- that way your expenses would decrease and your money would last a little longer. Many young people just want out of the house and haven't much money themselves, so it might help you both. CONTACT THE DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES DISABILITY OFFICE AND ASK THEIR ADVICE.