I need general help.....

I am dieting/exercising because right now that is all I can do. I need help for my boyfriend though. He is roughly 450-500 lbs at 5'9". Anyways, he has absolutely no health insurance and was laid off work for the summer. He's a college student and only works part time so paying out of pocket is an absolute no. He wants to join the military, and obviously for his own health needs to lose weight, but also so he can join. Does anyone know of anyways to begin researching how he could get WLS done? Are there any agencies, or health insurances that would cover it? Or help with it? We are located in Oregon. Any help is much appreciated.

I think that some schools might have insurance plans. If he's a full time student he could check that out. There are financing agencies that can help, but I don't know of any specific insurance companies for you. Good luck

Thanks! I am having him check into his school insurance this week. We would go with financing, but do to having no credit, and always working part-time (and now being laid off) his work history isn't real strong. I think we'd be out of luck, but I am looking into it. Lisa

If you aren't apposed to Mexico, you might be able to get financing for those doctors even with not so good/non-exsistant credit. I don't know that for sure, but if Mexico isn't something you are against, that might also be worth looking into.

I am actually not sure about it. I don't know how well the surgeries are compared to here. The safety standards, and such. We're open to anything at this point.

I had my Lap Band surgery done down there. There's good and bad doctors there, like there is here, so if you were looking down there, I'd just say to do alot of research on the doctors you are interested in, and then post on the forums for personal reviews of those doctors.

Thank you for the tips. I'll make sure I get everyone's advice.

Hi....I am not a teen, but appreciate young people's struggle and have great admiration for young people with this much courage. At any rate, I am very sorry to tell you this, but the military will not accept anyone who has had gastric bypass surgery. But, I still think it is worth it for your boyfriend. Some states allow single people without children to get Medicaid if their income is within guidelines (I know in Massachusetts ANYONE can get Medicaid). Also, I know that through your states rehab program, they will help to pay for medical conditions that are preventing a person from obtaining emplyment, such as obesity. I truly hope he is able to find the support he needs to get through this. Best wishes to you both! Carrie (an old person lost)

Hi Carrie, Wow... we didn't know that. Why don't they allow people to join? A medical risk or something?

I believe it is a medical risk. they specifically disallow gastric bypass patients, as well as most people who have had major surgeries. Trust me....There is so much out there and so many ways your boyfriend can succeed and make a difference! I know it is disappointing, but when one door closes, another opens. You said you two are in college? Have you thought about the Peace Corp when you finish? 18 months helping in an underdeveloped country. Your expenses are paid, they have a "buddy system" so you can go together, it looks great on your resume, you will feel great, and they give you money when you leave to set yourself up in your "civilian life." Just a thought. It is something I really wish I would've done. Good luck to you both! Carrie