Question:
I am 6 months post-op and 1 month pregnant, and I still weigh 325lbs,
despite my 100lb weight loss. I have no insurance anymore, I switched jobs and it doesnt kick in for another 90 days, This was a total accident. I am 33, no kids, no husband, this was the first time I had been intimate in over 8 years, and I will be getting no help from him, as he has already dumped me. I am so scared, so scared I will be hurting the baby by not being able to see a dr, by still being so heavy, my so called friend told me to have an abortion, but I cant bring myself to do such a thing. Can anyone tell me if their is some insurance company out there that will insure me, I dont know where to go or what to do. — elizabeth B. (posted on July 18, 2002)
July 18, 2002
Are there any free medical clinics in your area? You could also contact
social services or go somewhere like Planned Parenthood, they have a
sliding fee schedule. Different pregnancy testing centers that are free
also are able to help connect you to getting the proper healthcare while
you are uninsured. I hope you do fine with being only 6 months post op.
Make sure you do everything you can do in your power to stay healthy. Best
Wishes in the next year to come. Take care of yourself.
— Christy B.
July 18, 2002
Elizabeth, I agree with Christy...You should be able to get help from a
free clinic. Here in NY there is a program called PCAP- a special program
to make sure every pregnant Mom gets prenatal care NO MATTER what...It's
important for you and your baby. Please contact your local clinic. Also,
see if your local Head Start has an Early Head Start program. It serves
pregnant women too. Good Luck!
— Metsfan91
July 18, 2002
Try your local welfare office. In Indiana pregnancy medicaid has the
highest income standards of all the programs. I bet it's the same with most
states. Until you can get into an OBGYN perhaps you can get prenatal advice
from your surgeon. What about Cobra? By law you have to be offered your
prior insurance so perhaps you can pay your premium and get back on it.
Good Luck!
— Candace F.
July 18, 2002
I don't know if Planned Parenthood is nationwide, but I would look in the
phone book and see if there is one locally. I know they do all kinds of
medical services for free, including ob/gyn and general medical services.
— Jennifer Y.
July 18, 2002
As a pregnant women you are entitled to medical coverage through your
states social services. Call information and ask for your county's social
services department. They will get you signed up for Medical for your
prenatal, delivery and will also cover your baby after delivery. When you
do get to a doctor, tell them your situation, (WLS) and you will more then
likley be seen by a high risk OB. As for not getting any help from the
father, he may have dumped you , but don't let him get off that easy, it
takes two to tango, and social services will go after him for free to get
child support. Most states attach wages, so he definetley will be paying.
Email me if you would like to chat. Carey
— Carey N.
July 18, 2002
I don't know where you stand on the adoption issue but I just wanted to let
you know that my husband and I adopted our daughter 20 months ago through
an adoption lawyer. They have it arranged where the birth parents pick the
adoptive parents and we payed her medical, law and living costs. We
continue to have a relationship with her and she see's the baby once or
twice a year. I think it worked out great for all involved...Our daughters
birth parents are happy, our daughter is happy and we are OVER JOYED to be
parents after being married for 12 years with no children. Good luck in
all of your decisions and I hope I didn't offend you by mentioning this.
— mamadawny
July 18, 2002
Look in the phone book for crisis pregnancy centers. These place are
pro-life, and back it up with assistance to pregnant moms in situations
like yours who find it difficult to go through a pregnancy but don't like
the alternative either. They can help with maternity clothes, baby
clothes, high chairs, etc. I got pregnant at 275, 90 pounds and 6 months
post my VBG four years ago, with my surgeons blessing. It was a lot of
instant breakfast those nine months, but the baby was healthy and growing
on schedule the entire time. The did some extra sonograms to make sure!
If you need some help, e-mail me. I can help you work through this.
REALLY!
— Karen F.
July 18, 2002
elizabeth,
Contact your local health dept.(look in yellow pages or city directory)
Every state has help for prenatal care when you cannot afford it. They can
also provide help after baby with formula, etc. Don't worry too much about
the baby, they have a way of getting what they need. I had 2 successful
pregnancies before WLS at a weight of 300+. Both my children are perfectly
healthy. Please don't skimp on prenatal care -especially with WLS - babies
are just too important! Take care of yourself, eat right, see your doctor
and don't worry. Just because you don't expect help from the father - you
are entitled to it- so ask for it. It is not for you, but for your baby.
— Pam W.
July 19, 2002
Elizabeth, You can do this! Everyone that has posted is right. Contact
the Texas Department of Human Services in your area. If nothing else, they
will send you in the right direction. DO NOT be to proud to ask for help.
You have worked and paid taxes. Yes, TDHS & The Texas Attorney
General's office will go after the male & garnish his wages. They just
love the dead beat or run away dad. Go to WIC and sign up for their
service. You rcv vouchers for milk, cheese, juice, beans, peanut butter,
tuna and other high protein foods. If you would like to email me you can.
Be strong & remember you are loved! Janie
— TexFlutterby
July 19, 2002
HI, MY DAUGHTER HAD A BABY LAST YEAR THROUGH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SYSTEM.
SHE HAD BETTER CARE THAN I HAD WITH ANY OF MY THREE KIDS. SHE USED A
WONDERFUL HOSPITAL AND DIDN'T MISS ANYTHING AT ALL. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN
OBESE. I HAD THREE KIDS AND NEVER GAINED ANY WIEGHT WITH ANY OF THEM
EXCEPT THE LAST ONE WHO IS 6. I GAINED 4 POUNDS THE LAST MONTH. I WOULD
ONLY BE CONCERENED THAT YOU GET ENOUGH MILK AND VITAMINS SINCE YOU ARE NOT
EATING A LOT. PLEASE SEE THE DOCTOR. YOU WILL DO FINE.
— Pam G.
July 19, 2002
I think you should seek help from your local,public health department. You
have a blessing growing inside of you,don't let anyone discourage you from
having this baby. You do what you think is right. Consult your doctor and
start prenatal care NOW.You can buy the vitamins over the counter. Good
luck!!
— yolanda W.
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