Question:
Can anyone tell me where to get statistics?

I need to get statistics on obesity and the pro's and con's of weight loss surgery, and on weight loss surgery it's self. The Medical Director of my ins. company e-mailed me today putting down weight loss surgery. How can I make him understand all the success the people have on this web site. He thinks people that have weight loss surgery are looking for a quick fix. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!! You can e-mail me @[email protected] Thank you    — Angie H. (posted on July 3, 2001)

July 3, 2001
Hi Angie.. The first thing that came to mind is to give him the address of this site... I am almost 2 years post op... This is where I started... I learned to good, the bad and the ugly... and was well informed... I wish you the best... Jo Ann
   — California J.

July 3, 2001
I assume he does not have a weight problem. And I also suspect he is looking for a way out of paying for this or discouraging you from having it. Tell him a well educated person would know better than to say something like that. Even though I'm having a hard time standing up to my HR Bully's I don't think I would have let him get away with that one. Whats his phone number? :)I agree, e-mail him the address to the home page of this web site and if he is smart enough to navigate through the site he will find all the information he needs to change his mind.
   — K T.

July 3, 2001
Hi Angie, Is is possible to turn the tables on him? Ask him to prove to you where diets work! Isn't it only 2 or 3% of the people who diet succeed?Gee, that's successful now isn't it. Also, what diet do they as an insurance company support since it's been so successful. We know he can't provide this info. Then ask him why this is the easy way out. I still have to watch what I'm eating so as not to get sick but also so I don't eat empty calories and gain weight and all. I still need to exercise so where's the easy way out. Anyway. Go armed with your info. on why this does work,yes include the morbidity rate(1 in 200)to let him know you've done your research. Also, ask him of the patients they have covered with WLS how many still need as much medical care as they did prior? Most people require less visits as there co morbids have decreased significantly. Thus they save money. I must tell you one of the stupidist diets I was ever on was one a Dr. put me on. Anyway, make him accountable and shame on him. Whatever his personal feelings are they are just that-his personal feelings. What's your coverage and is that being followed! best wishes and keep us updated.
   — Linda M.

July 3, 2001
Angie, ask him to give you HIS email address and then ask that as many people as possible email him of their successes and their lack of health problems since surgery. I for one, would NOT be writing to this man because, I have had numerous problems and would not want to hurt your chances but there are many many people who could give testimony on the virtues of this surgery. Good luck to you.
   — Barbara H.