Question:
I need help with getting a responsible price i can aford

I am only fifteen years old I sould not die at that age please help me I wieght over 400 lbs    — nick C. (posted on March 18, 2003)

March 18, 2003
Hello!!! I have updated my profile today with alot of info. on self-pay. you do have alot of options left open to you. the best thing you can do is never give up searching for your answer. If your still a minor have you tried getting on medicaid? I would think medicaid would help you out alot. Their main concern is for the health of minors so if I were you I would push that option REAL HARD! I wish you the very best of Luck, and may the LORD help you to get through this!
   — latrishanickle

March 18, 2003
You are a very mature young man to understand the dangers of obesity and for wanting to pay for surgery yourself. but you are a minor, and you cannot undertake something this serious without your parents' consent and assistance. Even if you walked into a surgeon's office and plunked down $25,000 in cash, she wouldn't perform the surgery without your parents' knowledge and consent. Besides, a 15-year-old simply cannot make that kind of money without doing something illegal and dangerous. So ask your parents or guardian to take you to a free clinic for a physical. tell them and the doctor you want weight loss surgery. the doctor will tell your parents and you how to proceed. If your parents or guardian cannot do this, talk with your school nurse, or a responsible adult that you trust. But little can be done without your parents' involvement. Good luck, and please let us know what happens.
   — Kasey

March 18, 2003
Hi Nick, First you need to drag your parent(s) to the computer and put them on this website. Have them read all the good that comes from WLS, and the negitive. Like the previous poster said you can't do anything without and adults consent. After having a physical to rule out medical reasons for obesity, talk to your physician about possible WLS. I'm not sure you are eligible at 15 but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Also update your profile on here so we can encourage you as often as possible. Tell us more about yourself, what you like to do, what school's like ect. Your in a terrible situation and I would love to chat and keep up with you. P.S. If surgery is an option but your folks can't afford it possibly medicaid would help because of your age. I hope this helps some, but please keep in touch.
   — Jennifer M.

March 18, 2003
You might check to see if there is a regional children's hospital anywhere near you and see if they have any programs for overweight adolescents. If you can get into something there, you might gain some medical support for your quest to have WLS. I don't want to discourage you, but you may have a hard time finding an adult surgeon who would operate on you, even with your parents' consent. But if you have a doctor that is recommending it, that might get you there. Most adult surgeons won't operate on anyone under 18 years old. You are to be commended for doing the research to seek answers to remedy your problem. If you are covered by your parent's insurance, it may cover the surgery. Good luck!
   — koogy

June 29, 2003
read my profile...my daughter had a sleeve gastrectomy at 13...it didn't work. She is now being revised to a RNY. Her Dr. is Dr. Wetter of Burlingame, CA. The University of Chicago has a whole weight loss surgery center for adolescents--they've been in business over 15 years. If you weigh 400 lbs. appeal it to your insurance. Our insurance paid for my daughter because of all her co-morbidities. Although they did not OK it until I took it to outside appeal. If you need help, I'd be happy to give you a copy of her appeal letter. You are very BRAVE and SMART to realize you have a DISEASE and IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT!!!! Have your parents get behind you, have them call me. This will be the best thing you ever do in your life. I've had an RNY, I'm 2 years out, at normal weight (5'4" 134 lbs.) and my only regret is that I didn't do it when I was 15. You can have a wonderful life. Don't give up. If there's anything I can do to help you, please let me know.
   — sandieguy

June 29, 2003
P.S.--Don't let the naysayers get you down...they probably haven't been there, or done that. Adolescents have this done if they're smart and have support.
   — sandieguy