Question:
Trying to Help Someone Who Needs Surgery

I have a cousin who probably weighs over 400 pounds. He has such severe sleep apenea probably for the last two years. He was here over the weekend and kept falling asleep, snoring and stopping breathing. It reminded me of myself three years ago. He can't find a job. Maybe partially because of his weight, but also because he can't stay awake. He's generally fired after two weeks when he does find a job. He probably would like to have the surgery if he could afford it, but without him able to get a job (he's 23 and a college graduate) and no health insurance, it seems like that is impossible. Even if he could find someway to get his sleep apnea under control, that might help him be able to be able to keep a job once he does find one. I wish I had some advice for him or someway to help him. People looked at him in disgust the way he snores and falls asleep. I know that horrible feeling of sleep deprivation. Anyone know of anything that might help him? I've even thought of buying him a CPAP from ebay and telling him to try and sleep with it. I know it won't be set for him, but I'm just at my wits end on what would help him.    — Lisa N M. (posted on January 11, 2005)

January 10, 2005
Look into state vocational rehab, they sometimes poay for surgery to get the person working.
   — bob-haller

January 10, 2005
Look into state vocational rehab, they sometimes poay for surgery to get the person working.
   — bob-haller

January 10, 2005
Lisa, your cousin clearly is unable to work. Morbid obesity in itself is a disability due to the comorbidities and health problems related to the condition. Sleep apnea, too, is a disability. It also sounds as if your cousin could have narcolepsy. Definitely, he should have a sleep study done. I would suggest that he file for disability benefits. With disability he would have a steady income coming in that would allow him to recover from his health problems both before and after WLS. Also, he would have medical benefits which would cover his WLS and other health issues. There is no magical answer. And chances are, he will be turned down a time or two before he is granted disability. However, he is clearly eligible for it if he's willing to fight for his rights. I would suggest that he start doing this as soon as possible. Granted he is young, however, with his health problems, it is most likely probable he will not live to be very old.
   — SnowWhiteDove459

January 12, 2005
I agree with the first response. I was granted disability on my first appeal. I knew a bit about what to do because I attended law school for five semesters before becoming disabled. I advise he contact legal aid on that front. They charge a sliding scale, down to nothing. The important thing is that he should apply for mediCal, or medicaid(depending on where he lives) NOW! I am in California, have MediCal. I had a BMI of 39.1, with several comorbidies, but nothing as extreme as it seems your cousin is going through. I was approved in twelve days. MediCal just requires medical necessity. I filled out my doctor's papers, including a list of past attempts at losing weight, and medical history. It helps to list obisity caused problems your parents may have had. The office was very efficient, took care of everything. By the way, they deal with people out of state all of the time. You might want to give them a call. I am not advertising, just trying to help. Lite Demensions (714) 966-2009. Good luck. I am three weeks out, have lost weight, and have new hope. Maybe, I will even be able to finish that law degree at some point. E-mail if you'd like.
   — lindarodham6