Question:
Has anyone been able to obtain Social Security Disability benefits?

I am labeled morbidly obese and have trouble doing many things. I have been unable to work for a bit now, since when I was working I could barely make it from the parking lot to my desk. Then it was difficult to complete tasks. Probably afterward I'd be able to get medical insurance, and possibly have surgery. Any comments are appreciated.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 4, 1999)

November 3, 1999
Hi! I'm actually on SS disability right now because I to am labeled morbid obese. Its just to hard to get out there and work. And not to mention the way people look at me, they stare like I shouldn't be out in public or something.You should definitely try to get it I mean whats there to lose? Even if they do deny you, you can always appeal it. I hear usually they try to deny u first but thats only cause they're hoping you'll give up but DON"T make sure u appeal. I was lucky and got it right away...hopefully you will be to. After a year of being on SS you start getting medicare ins. I just started getting that. I've wanted this surgery for so long now but had to put it off cause of no ins. but now I'm all set....actually have a date and everything Nov.22nd OK well good luck and if u need anything let me know and I'll do my best to help ya out!
   — [Anonymous]

November 4, 1999
Hi, I just started receiving my SS disability they rated me for my weight and other problems i.e. Arthritis and sleep apena. They got my rate based on the last ten year work history of income. It depends how much you put in I get the max just over a thousand and 288 ea for my two dep children. I was lucky I had a real nice case worker and they gave me over 15,000.00 backing up for 1 year prior to being certified as I have not work for over a year. It was nice. So go to it they say its your money and you should get it. Whats good is I also get a VA disability benefit and my wife works so I feel much better these days as the pressure is off about finance. They say in a year I can get medicade or whatever the health plan. I now want to get the WLS as I am on Kaiser and they have got me amost ready to see the Surgeon. Good luck Richard James
   — Richard J.