Question:
Nurse Ratchet gave me the hatchet- what can I do?

I am 40 (next month) appprox weight is 224, 5'5", small-medium bone frame, just told via my last blood test my sugar is too high, high blood pressure for awhile (but not on meds although I probably should be), degenerated disk in lower back which makes walking difficult and have to sleep w/pillow between my knees and my husband is now sleeping on the couch due to my gawdawful snoring - and he can't wake me up these days. So I finally called a bariatric surgeon's office. Insurance lady was great - said with co-morbid I didn't have to be BMI of 40 (I have TriCare). She said she'd have the nurse call. She called this a.m. - was rude, abrupt, terse, VERY condesending, etc., told me not ONLY did I not qualify for the lapband, I didn't qualify for ANYTHING becaues I am not fat or sick enough. She said I have to be on meds and weigh 24 lbs more, etc., Needless to say, I was in tears when I got off the phone - I felt I'd been chastized. Now I am angry at being spoken too like that. I'd appreciate any opinions/advise - please email at [email protected] Thanks for letting me vent.    — T. G. (posted on February 8, 2001)

February 8, 2001
Sweetie! This is an easy one, my dear. I got the same response on my first inquiry. McDonalds to the rescue! Double quarter pounders do wonders. Packed on 15 lbs in 3 weeks *wink wink*
   — [Anonymous]

February 8, 2001
Well, I am so sorry you were treated like that, but it was good preparation for what lies ahead. You have your feet wet!!! Throughout this whole process, you will run across a multitude of ignorant medical people, family members and fiends who have not a clue what they are talking about and who only see obesity as a "you did it to yourself" condition, rather than a medical disease. I am not saying this to discourage you. My motto is that if you are prepared for the worst, then when things come easy it will be a pleasant surprise. When talking to medical people, know your own medical history and co-morbidities inside and out. Be confident and knowledgeable. When someone gets condescending and unprofessional, let them know IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that you will NOT treated in such a way. Take the person's name and then demand to speak to a supervisor. You are taking steps to take you health and life under control. The insurance companies want to intimidate you and make you give up. Don't allow them to!!!
   — Paula G.

February 9, 2001
Well, there, there. We're too fat for the regular docs, too thin for the paper guidelines. I was heavy enough by the time I got there, AND sick enough. But had plenty of abuse to last me! May as well get scheduled for a sleep clinic and get that apnea diagnosed & documented. You'll have time while you shop for a doctor with a better staff, I think. And a good one will work you up to see what the heck is wrong! I've seen people just over 200 get ins to pay based on their co-morbs. Keep on going through the phone book and you should eventually find one. Ask around to talk to long term patients, though. Some are charming up front, but you won't find anybody around long term.
   — vitalady

January 30, 2003
well I to agree that altho it is awful that we have to "gain weight" Mcdonalds works wonders. So did adding 10 lbs of exercise weights to my clothes, GOOD LUCK!!
   — cindy H.