I'm having trouble getting my insurance to pay for me to have gastric surgery. They say they no longer pay for it under any circumstance. I've already had the mental evaluation, meeting with nutritionist, and been to the seminar they require you to go to. I have all the documentation even photos and medical records from a sleep apnea test that showed I have a bad case of sleep apnea due to my size. I've pretty much given up on ever getting health insurance to pay for the surgery and I'm looking into other methods. I've done some research of Medical Financing and I've thought about maybe applying for disability and see if I qualify for medicare. I was in the Army for 3 years before I got honorably discharged for failure to meet weight standards. I was thinking since I was discharged for weight problems the VA might pay for me to have the surgery. I don't want to go on disability if I don't have too, I'm working in a call center now and it is a struggle walking more than 50ft without having to sit down. I live in an apartment by myself and it's hard trying not to over eat. I know it sounds like an excuse, but when there is no one there to answer to I over eat. When I was living with my mother I lost 60lbs in about 3 months. When I moved out I gained back the 60lbs plus more. I wish I could be locked away in a food addicts rehab where I didn't have access to food other than what I need to live. They have drug rehab and rehab for alcohol, why not for food?

Robbie,
When I first read that you lost 60lbs staying with your mom, the first thing I thought was that it doesn't say much for your mom's cooking! Yes I've been called a smart mouth a few times in my life.
I'm home a lot too (husband drives a truck and is always gone). That is when I found that I eat really bad. Since I'm in control of the grocery shopping, I just stopped purchasing all the crap I do need to put in my mouth. I noticed I mostly eat when I'm bored, so I'm trying to find little things to keep me busy.
Good luck with journey!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,

I posted previously, but I think they blocked it. You sound like you eat when you are bored or loney. I can understand this since my husband is on the road a lot, and we have no children. I've learned that I just can not keep the 'bad stuff' in the house or I will eat it. Instead I keep the cookies or ice cream that my husband likes, but I know will not tempt me. Also, if I find myself bored and wanting to snack, I pick up something to do. My husband actually bought me a Playstation Portable and I'm hooked on Lumines. Sometimes I just do a crossword, sudko or walk the dog. Anything is better than going into the kitchen. This was a really bad weekend since my husband was gone the whole time, and I was really bored. Needless to say, my bathroom is SPOTLESS, and I'm halfway through reorganizing my closet.

You know Robbie, it's situations like yours that makes me wish that I was rich, lol. I would SERIOUSLY sest up a clinic just for people who "deserve" the treatment based on health issues and would have it be pro-bono. There are soooooo many programs and grants out there for just about everything... and the fact is, is that obesity is becomoning a HUGE epidemic in America. Why can't some people shell out some cash and start a program or clinic to offer this surgery for people who meet certain criteria.

That is my dream, and I will do that if I ever come into enought money to be able to do so. Why let lack of money or insurance companies dictate who can get a life-saving surgery? There are cancer centers, animal shelters, etc for those in need.... well, there's a need for those who are overweight and someone needs to start helping those people too!

Hunny, if I had the cash, I would pay for your surgery provided your doctor's felt it was medically neccessary and would benefit your quality and quantity of life. But, in the meantime, I am gonna keep playing those numbers and perhaps one day if I do get rich I can come back in here and announce a new clinic for pro-bono patients.

Jessica from Ohio