Question:
I am desperate for help

Hello! Please forgive me I am new to this group! I am desperate. I am 31 years old 5ft 6 and weigh 450 lbs. I have battled my weight all my life and even lost 150 lbs at one point- but gained it back. I have wanted surgery for 2 years but was not insured until I was recently picked up by our state's (PA) "Adult Basic" program . It clearly states that WLS is not covered. (I had waited 2 years to be covered and I cried hysterically when I read that!) I do not qualify for medical assistance because my husband is disabled and recives SSDI payments. Even though it is only 1,200 a month for 5 of us, it is considered too much for me to quailify. I have so many health problems and I am terrified I will die young and leave my three boys without a mother. My husband has been very ill for years, he would not be able to care for them. Finances are getting beter since we have started our own business but are still so tough. Our credit is horrible, so we would never qualify for a loan - I tried that! My family is poor and can't help either. I would do ANYTHING to get help. Travel anywhere, do anything, but I don't even know where to start. I am so scared and desperate. I Have been trying so hard to make a difference in the world (that is what our company is about) but I need an Angel to help me. I don't want to be a super model... I just want to be able to fuction, to run around with my boys. (They are 8 and 2 (twins). I don't dream about being beautiful, I dream about playing soccer with them! Can anyone offer some suggestions or even just a shoulder to cry on by someone who understands? I am so desperate.    — GONEWITHTHETWINS (posted on March 18, 2005)

March 18, 2005
Hi Heather. I don't know if this would be possible for you with your current life circumstances, but could you work part time for an employer that provides health care that includes WLS? I've heard Home Depot mentioned on here a few times in terms of health care including WLS for part timers. Good luck to you.
   — Yolanda J.

March 18, 2005
Have you looked into your states Vocational Rehabilitation program? I had a WLS through State of OKlahoma Rehabilitation a few years ago. I had no insurance.
   — LaKeAffy

March 18, 2005
Have you considered applying for Social Security Disability for yourself? Once approved, you'll also get Medicare after a waiting period. (Used to be two years, don't know how long it is now.) Medicare most definitly WILL pay for WLS.
   — MsBatt

March 19, 2005
HI- I feel your pain....Try Voc Rehab- I heard they will pay for WLS. Also the SS disabilty is another solution. You may need an atty for that. They always turn you down the first time. Start on a MD supervised weight loss diet and exercise program- monthly visits to the dr....Dieting attempt documented in your records each visit. You will need that to get approval from wherever. God Bless- Carolyn
   — Dec16-04

March 21, 2005
I feel your pain and sympathize for your situation. Try writting letters to some of the teaching hospitals to see if they will use you to train other Med School Doctors on how to perform the surgery. If I am correct you are in PA and just about all Philadelphia hospitals are teaching hospitals. Good luck and I f you would like to e-mail feel free. Sharon
   — JerseyGirl