Question:
I was told via telephone that my daughter was denied because she is too young

However, my denial letter just arrived and states that she is denied because they don't feel it is medically necessary. I plan to fight this at the highest level possible. How can a 13 years old heart sustain excess fat of 100lbs and they are telling me it is not medically necessary. She has developed sleep apnea and breathing difficulties. She is 3rd generation with this dreaded disease. Already 3 members of our immediate family has had to undergo this surgery...myself included. I plan to fight to save my daughter. Yes, Yes, Yes, we have tried all else and all else has failed like everyone out here. Just signed her up for a personal trainer again. I strongly believe that if she does not get this procedure done her heart will not be able to support this kind of weight for long. She is a child, with a child's heart, carrying adult weight. Thanks to those who supports us and those who don't we also respect your opinion. When I was considering the surgery for myself I had not one person who agreed with it and I was not aware of this sight...I do not regret it one bit.    — MARY R. (posted on October 11, 2000)

October 10, 2000
Mary, I just wanted to stop by and say good luck in getting your daughters approval. I know it must be heartbreaking for you to see her suffer. And I really feel for her. I was once in her place too and it is hard enough being a kid, add on some way, shape or form and make them different and that it. Kids are cruel. Can I make a suggestion?? When you send your appeal letter in, write a letter from your heart on behalf of your daughter. Explain how her weight and medical problems affect here day to day life. I would also have your daughter write a letter. Saying why she wants this surgery and that she is informed of the risks vs. benefits and complications. Also stating how her weight and medical problems affect her life day in and day out. Get your PCP on the phone too!! Get everyone you know on the phone to the ins co. Did you contact Walter Lindstorm at www.obesitylaw.com?? See if he has some advise on getting such a young person approved. I will be praying for you and your family. I hope all works it way out. And I look forward to the day you post that she was approved. Hugs and Love....
   — Alison B.

October 11, 2000
Dear Mary, I am sorry to see that your daughter was denied. I don't have any problems with a 13 year old having the surgery if it is medically necessary and if your daughter has these other co-morbidities then certainly it is. I do have a concern about the pressure your daughter is under, though. At 13 it is so hard to be overweight, but even harder when you are being pressed to constantly battle it. I was an overweight child and I remember the teasing and cruelty of other kids, but I DID have friends and I DID live a decent life. Why not let her just go on for the next 3 years and enjoy life as much as she can without the pressure of a personal trainer and diets and other complications. She has enough to worry about with school work, home work, finding supportive friends, etc. There are many ways to help the self-esteem of overweight children, maybe you can focus on helping her feel good inside first. I think that in order for WLS to be successful, you also have to have the right mindset for it. The strongest of mind are the most successful after WLS. Why not put your money and focus on counseling or finding activities that can boost her self-esteem and help prepare her for the strength she will need emotionally to survive and suceed at WLS. Even though we have all decided that WLS is for us, it is not for everyone and even though I wanted WLS so that I can be thin, I never once doubted that I was a beautiful, worthwhile person when I was obese.
   — [Anonymous]

October 11, 2000

   — Jamelle S.

October 11, 2000
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! I am now 33 yrs old and am scheduled to have surgery next month, but if i could of done this when i was a teen i would of,she is lucky to have you, you have been thru it so you could guide her! good luck kim
   — kimberly G.

October 13, 2000
Speaking as a person who was more than 100 pounds overweight at age 13, I will have to agree that 13 is too young for this surgery. For all the reasons stated by Jamelle and the anonymous poster, I believe a person should be at least 17 to have WLS. It was emotionally painful to be a fat teen, but I never had any health problems associated with obesity until I was over 30.
   — ramlirobin

October 13, 2000
You go Mom!!! Of course it is your right and indeed your place to make decisions for your child. Not one doctor or hospital or treatment center will touch a minor's hangnail without parental permission. Any one of us who have suffered with severe obesity for most of our lives know the pain to be endured. How much is enough? How much does one need to suffer before they are "approved" for treatments? Sure we all have our opinions but lady, count me in your court and your daughter's too. Maybe the 60 year olds are too old to benefit from the surgery and the men are too macho and single women are too vain and married people are already in a relationship............. guess I am just trying to say that we all have our reasons and the insurance companies have theirs. To say that this person is too young is political and financial, especially when the physician has already stated a medical necessity. Your daughter will thank you for this, Mom. Frannie
   — Fran B.