My Situtation - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

vocley · 03-08-2009, 10:22 AM

My name is David, 18 years old and a college student at Baylor University in Waco TX. I weigh about 450 pounds, and my BMI is around 65. I sometimes have trouble sleeping and on occasions find it difficult to get from one place to another, walking. I have always been obese, since I was 10 years old. I have gone to the doctor several times when i was young, and to a nutritionist, and nothing ever came about. Diets just never worked on me. My aunt and uncle recently got the gastric bypass surgery and they have both individually lost over 100 pounds and they seem much happier. I have recently been looking into surgery and it seems like this is the only way I can become a healthy human being.

Here is the problem. My policy doesn't cover the gastric bypass surgery. I called the number on my card and they flat out told me I was not able to do anything. MY card has the following information on it. "Aetna Global Benefits" PPO, "ITT International Plan"

So here I am, asking you. Hopefully someone who was in my shoes in the past will be able to point me in the right direction. What can I do?
Help is very much appreciated, thanks.

niknak77 · 03-08-2009, 10:39 AM

I'm afraid I can't really help you with your insurance, not familiar with it. But I just wanted to say that you have already started on the path to change just by looking at your options. So congratulations on that first step! Keep trying, I know it can be hard but there are many people on these boards who will help keep your spirits lifted and give some great advice.
I'm not sure of your situation but could you go to your primary care doctor for a physical, as well as to rule out any medical issues that need to be addressed and recommendations/referrals that your insurance may cover as far as dieticians/fitness programs? I know you said that they didn't pan out but it is worth a try at least since your insurance refuses to help cover a surgery.
Have you considered the lap band surgery? Would your insurance cover or at least partially cover that? Or is it too similar to the standard bypass and they won't?
Also maybe you could get help from one of the few clinics that help (no offense) the morbidly obese? I think there is one in Ohio (not sure though) that will try to help the patient get insurance coverage by making sure that the care is medically necessary. (please do not take offense to this idea, just trying to throw out ideas to help you figure out what may be an option)
Good luck on any and all things you try.

Misty800 · 03-08-2009, 05:02 PM

I have a suggestion for you. Since your aunt and uncle are now eating a new way post surgery, get a copy of their diet/portions etc. and give it a try before having surgery.

If they can live on smaller amounts of food, you should be able to do so too without having surgery. It will take willpower and then some.

Practice keeping an invisible zipper in closed position when in presence of food other than small servings at meal times.

Snacking is a downfall for weight loss. Keeping food near the computer or TV is an absolute no-no. We can nibble away loads of calories a little at a time. They all add up.

Have you had a complete physical to rule out health problems that may be a cause of being obese?

I can tell you from personal experience that sweets and starches will add weight fast to anyone that is insulin resistant. You do not have to be a diabetic to have insulin resistance.

Good luck, give your aunt/uncle's diet a try, could save you money and misery.