I watched last night's show and I was so upset about Marc. I have had WLS and I wasn't nearly as heavy as he is, but it changed my life.
I want to find out why the doctors couldn't donate the surgery. I also wanted to find out if there is a fund for Marc. Maybe one could be started. I feel like saving Marc will also save his dad. I can't imagine why insurance won't pay for this man's surgery. Is there some way WLS patients can go to bat for him. Maybe write to the insurance company. Please let me know what to do.

Does he have a web page? Maybe someone could set up a web page for him with a paypal donation account or something.

That's a great idea Shenacat. Could someone inform us of his status and if that is what he wants?

quote:

Originally posted by bestauntie:

I want to find out why the doctors couldn't donate the surgery.

Doctors aren't the only cost to surgery. When I had back surgery the cost for the hospital was more than the doctor. Not to mention the cost of equipment and so forth. Even if the doctors decided to donate thier time, who pays for the hospital, nursing staff and equipment?

Marc isn't the only one who needs help because insurance companies screwed them over. Is there a general fund for this type of thing?

There should be a charity for this. The insurance companies aren't stepping up.

Without more information I don't think we can say Marc got "screwed over." I think most insurance companies cover the procedure and we would need to know why Marc was denied.

I watched last night's show featuring Marc Bracken, I felt sorry for him especially knowing that he's almost imcapable of taking care of himself, but still being discharged from the hospital.
We often wonder how someone can reach a weight that high, but years ago I NEVER thought that I could weigh 300 lbs either. I hope and pray that things will work out for him and that his insurance company will relent and approve of him having wls, because it appears to be his only hope for now.

My heart goes out to Marc and so many others in the same situation. When he was saying that he could only "hope" he gets the surgery. I could see it in his face and hear it hear in his voice that he's just heard it too many times and nothing is happening fast enough. Just plain tired and discouraged. I can relate because it also happened to my younger brother. He was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and morbid obesity at 35 years old. He passed away at 38 years in his sleep while in the hospital due to cardiac arrest. His early death came very unexpected because the doctors were helping him to get rid of fluid that had built up on his legs. The next step was bariatric surgery to help him get his weight down so would be easier on his heart. Everything was moving along and we were all so happy that he was getting help. I'm just so sad because he didn't make it to the bariatric surgery. The last time I spoke with my brother I promised him I would have the bariatric surgery with him. Even though he's gone now, I still kept my promise. I am 14 weeks post op and doing great. It's been for all the right reasons. I'm just hoping and praying that Marc gets the help he needs soon.

I'm sorry I didn't make myself clear everyone. I am a former gastric bypass patient. Over 3 years out. I know that it takes more than the doctors donating their time. But it is a start. Afterall, he allowed his story to be on television and that benefits them.
I was lucky and my insurance approved me. But he is not so lucky. Marc please let us know how to get in touch with you. Your local media can help you get a fund going. I know this because I am a writer and have done lots of stories like this. Call your local newspaper. Or let this forum help you get started. I will be happy to help anyway I can. Also, redhead best of luck to you. I'm sorry about your brother. But you made the right decision and he is looking over you.

Thank you for your kind words bestauntie. Best of luck to you too with everything.

Marc got the surgery. Yeah! Now lets pray for his recovery. And that Rose gets help too.