Weight contributing to suicidal thoughts...something needs to change asap

Hello everyone. I am interested in getting the lapband surgery but I currently do not have health insurance. I am activley searching for a provider but I'm unsure with who I should choose.

Does anyone know what provider will cover the surgery and how soon after I enroll can I get the surgery. I weigh 250lbs and I according to my height I should be 125lbs. I havnt had health insurance for over 3 years so as of right now I dont know what health risks im facing.

I want to get the surgery as soon as possible. I feel so depressed and ugly. I hate waking up everyday because I get anxiety going to work and just living everyday life as an ugly fat person.
I work as a makeup artist and spend my days making women feel beautiful but at the end of the day it just makes me feel that much worse about myself. I'm uncomfortable going out to socialize with friends because I feel like everyone is starring at me- the ugly fat weird girl. I know I need help and that I shouldnt think this way but I can't help it. It's getting to the point where I feel I have no hope so I sit around crying like a loser. Its worse that I do nothing about it but I lack motivation to take the right steps into a healthier lifestyle. Im just a fat lazy ugly person.

I really feel like weight loss surgery would change my entire life and outlook on life. I know happiness starts from within and right now they'rs just too much fat on my body to even know whats on the inside.

Any insurance help would be greatly appreciated. AND NO I dont plan on killing myself. I'm level headed enough to not do that however the thoughts do cross my mind sometimes. My mother already lost one child and I would never let her go thru that again.

Well I hope you will spend the money on A. counceling and B. a far more successful surgery than the band. There are no seld pay insurances that I know of that will cover WLS in fact many of the insurance companies that companies have don't cover it either but that is the employers choice. It would no doubt cost more for the insurance than self paying for the surgery. Also most surgeons won't operate on you until you pass a psych exam even if you are self pay so your time and money would be better spent at this point in learning to love yourself no matter what your weight is. WLS causes many emotional upsets in your life and you need to be well grounded emotionally to get thru them, hence the psych exam requirement. Sounds more like you are suffering from some serious depression and that has to be dealt with first. I know I sound like I'm raining on your parade but I really do wish you well and hope one day you can have WLS, just don't waste your money on the band it is less successful than any other surgery, it's just that you really have to be very stable mentally and emotionally to succeed at any WLS. So start now but start at the begining not the middle. Good luck to you!

I also agree with her... except the fact I'm considering the Lap Band myself... With ins. I know you have to see you PC Doc for 6mos straight and a psych eval and nutritionist. as well then after your ins gives the Ok then you can have it done and I believe that is no matter which wls you have!

I'm in the same boat I'm 330i**** does sound like you are depressed and you should check into that. Hang in there.  We are all battling weight.  talk to a friend or a co worker that way you can share your feelings and maybe that other person can help you by giving a shoulder to cry on!

Good Luck,
Jennifer

I have a friend in this same situation. First of all you aren't ugly or weird or fat and lazy. Everybody has something that they do not like about themselves even if they are thin. My friend has been looking for employment where they offer insurance that will cover weight loss surgery. Is that a possibility for you? I know many insurance companies have started paying for WLS.

I have heard that Starbucks offers insurance that includes WLS. Maybe you could look into working there for a bit as a means to an end.

If that doesn't work, you may consider just saving up to be a self-pay. Although, if you are going to be self-pay (and quite frankly, even if you weren't...) you'll probably want to do yourself a favor and pick a surgery that does not require so much costly follow-up and will offer better results.

If you are interested in a restriction-only procedure, I would urge you to consider the VSG.

Do your research and read the stats on the high rate of post-op complications with the band. There is nothing sadder than reading posts on the lap band board where someone was a self pay and now can't afford the follow-up surgery required to repair or remove the band... so then they live in pain hoping it won't turn into a life-threatening situation. It is truly heart-wrenching.

Of course as the other posters have suggested, counseling would likely be extremely beneficial as well. I know it helped me a lot throughout my journey this past year.

I would sincerely look into what kind of job you can get that will offer improved insurance options. Access to healthcare is really going to improve your quality (and quantity) of life.

You can turn this around. Best of luck in your journey!

Lindsey

I had Blue Shield HMO and they covered my surgery.  I did have to go through pre-op steps before getting the surgery.

You mentioned that you haven't had insurance in three years and haven't gone on a regular basis.  Here's a problem you might run into.  For my insurance I needed to submit proof (meaning medical records showing your weight) that I have been over weight for more than 5 years.  If you haven't seen a doctor on a regualr basis for three years you might have problems with that.