Looking for viable self pay options

Approximately 2 years ago, I started the process to get approval for WLS (surgeon S Fox Ross). After months of jumping through hoops, I was finally approved (Western Teamsters & PacifiCare). My first surgery date was postponed due to a family crisis. Second was postponed because a hospital employee "overlooked" securing approval for the hospital stay. The third, and final, appointment was canceled completely because I was laid off and lost my insurance coverage. The new insurer, Washington Teamsters, point blank refuses to pay for WLS, regardless of co-morbidities. They consider it a cosmetic procedure and informed me that under no circumstances have they ever paid for it. I am single, I work part time because I am disabled (I have MS), and am under the poverty level for Washington State. I am trying to find surgeons who might offer a sliding scale program, universities that would donate the surgery services by letting medical students perform it, clinics that possibly offer a generous repayment schedule, etc. It's getting to the point where I am really desperate. My weight continues to climb due to both the MS treatments (periodic steroid infusions) and the lack of physical strength and stamina to exercise, and I've tried every diet that I know of, with little or no results. I am desperate. And completely willing to travel, if that's necessary. At this point I fear for my future, that I will eventually end up in a wheelchair on a permanent basis because an already weakened body is even further stressed by the excessive weight. I don't know what to do and I'm very scared. Thanks to anyone who can give me any ideas. Debi

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