Question:
What do I do now?

I am at the end of my rope and resources. I am 30 yrs. old 40 BMI and have what I think is arthrits in my back and knee, chemical depression and high cholesterol. I have tried everything to loose the weight and get in control of this but nothing lasts long term. (I know I am preaching to the choir here :P) My current insurance will not cover wls (already consulted with Walter Lindstrom) so I am looking into a job change. I am a certified teacher so of course I am looking primarily at districts in my area. The prob. is that they are all self funded and even the ones with ins. that tend to be WLS friendly ie.Aetna, they have exclusions. I am just at the end of my rope. I was so excited when I made the decision to do this and found a PCP that would support me, I just don't know where to go from here. I guess I am just looking for a spirit boost and maybe some advice from those who have been there.    — Jenn J. (posted on June 30, 2002)

June 29, 2002
How about a part time job? Lots of places provide health insurance for part timers. So get the extra job to get the insurance. Have surgery and then dump the job. Or do self pay, but thats expensive:(
   — bob-haller

June 30, 2002
Have you considered private insurance? Even though the costs are extremely high (I was quoted over $400 a month for a single person)...the 12 month cost of $4,800 is a lot less expensive than self-paying for the surgery. Also, Bob's suggestion of a part-time job is a good one. I know a lot of teachers who supplement their income with second jobs, and if you can get a union job (i.e. - cashier at a large chain grocery store), their benefits are usually excellant.
   — Cyndie K.

June 30, 2002
Barbara Thompson wrote a book (published earlier this year) called Weight Loss Surgery. This book details how to deal with insurance companies that refuse WLS. The methods are quite solid and it even cites states where the law has mandated that insurance companies cover WLS if the medical situation meets the ABA standard.
   — Thomas M.

June 30, 2002
Hi Jennifer, I am a teacher too, different state, same insurance problems, did the appeals, legal stuff, still lost, but had to try. I ended up self-paying. Check out my profile and scroll towards the bottom. You will see the medical loan company I used to pay for the surgery. They are quick and after verification of employment it takes only about 24-72 hours for approval. Interest rate reasonable. I could not have paid for everything (believe me there is a lot of hidden costs)out of pocket without a loan. My advice is do NOT self-pay unless you have negotiated with hospital and know exactly what and who you will pay. Best of luck. Feel free to email me. Bethann
   — lovebug2