Question:
I was told via telephone that my daughter was denied because she is too young
However, my denial letter just arrived and states that she is denied because they don't feel it is medically necessary. I plan to fight this at the highest level possible. How can a 13 years old heart sustain excess fat of 100lbs and they are telling me it is not medically necessary. She has developed sleep apnea and breathing difficulties. She is 3rd generation with this dreaded disease. Already 3 members of our immediate family has had to undergo this surgery...myself included. I plan to fight to save my daughter. Yes, Yes, Yes, we have tried all else and all else has failed like everyone out here. Just signed her up for a personal trainer again. I strongly believe that if she does not get this procedure done her heart will not be able to support this kind of weight for long. She is a child, with a child's heart, carrying adult weight. Thanks to those who supports us and those who don't we also respect your opinion. When I was considering the surgery for myself I had not one person who agreed with it and I was not aware of this sight...I do not regret it one bit. — MARY R. (posted on October 11, 2000)
October 10, 2000
Mary, I just wanted to stop by and say good luck in getting your daughters
approval. I know it must be heartbreaking for you to see her suffer. And
I really feel for her. I was once in her place too and it is hard enough
being a kid, add on some way, shape or form and make them different and
that it. Kids are cruel. Can I make a suggestion?? When you send your
appeal letter in, write a letter from your heart on behalf of your
daughter. Explain how her weight and medical problems affect here day to
day life. I would also have your daughter write a letter. Saying why she
wants this surgery and that she is informed of the risks vs. benefits and
complications. Also stating how her weight and medical problems affect her
life day in and day out. Get your PCP on the phone too!! Get everyone you
know on the phone to the ins co. Did you contact Walter Lindstorm at
www.obesitylaw.com?? See if he has some advise on getting such a young
person approved. I will be praying for you and your family. I hope all
works it way out. And I look forward to the day you post that she was
approved. Hugs and Love....
— Alison B.
October 11, 2000
Dear Mary, I am sorry to see that your daughter was denied. I don't have
any problems with a 13 year old having the surgery if it is medically
necessary and if your daughter has these other co-morbidities then
certainly it is. I do have a concern about the pressure your daughter is
under, though. At 13 it is so hard to be overweight, but even harder when
you are being pressed to constantly battle it. I was an overweight child
and I remember the teasing and cruelty of other kids, but I DID have
friends and I DID live a decent life. Why not let her just go on for the
next 3 years and enjoy life as much as she can without the pressure of a
personal trainer and diets and other complications. She has enough to
worry about with school work, home work, finding supportive friends, etc.
There are many ways to help the self-esteem of overweight children, maybe
you can focus on helping her feel good inside first. I think that in order
for WLS to be successful, you also have to have the right mindset for it.
The strongest of mind are the most successful after WLS. Why not put your
money and focus on counseling or finding activities that can boost her
self-esteem and help prepare her for the strength she will need emotionally
to survive and suceed at WLS. Even though we have all decided that WLS is
for us, it is not for everyone and even though I wanted WLS so that I can
be thin, I never once doubted that I was a beautiful, worthwhile person
when I was obese.
— [Anonymous]
October 11, 2000
— Jamelle S.
October 11, 2000
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! I am now 33 yrs old and am scheduled to have surgery
next month, but if i could of done this when i was a teen i would of,she is
lucky to have you, you have been thru it so you could guide her! good luck
kim
— kimberly G.
October 13, 2000
Speaking as a person who was more than 100 pounds overweight at age 13, I
will have to agree that 13 is too young for this surgery. For all the
reasons stated by Jamelle and the anonymous poster, I believe a person
should be at least 17 to have WLS. It was emotionally painful to be a fat
teen, but I never had any health problems associated with obesity until I
was over 30.
— ramlirobin
October 13, 2000
You go Mom!!! Of course it is your right and indeed your place to make
decisions for your child. Not one doctor or hospital or treatment center
will touch a minor's hangnail without parental permission. Any one of us
who have suffered with severe obesity for most of our lives know the pain
to be endured. How much is enough? How much does one need to suffer before
they are "approved" for treatments? Sure we all have our
opinions but lady, count me in your court and your daughter's too. Maybe
the 60 year olds are too old to benefit from the surgery and the men are
too macho and single women are too vain and married people are already in a
relationship............. guess I am just trying to say that we all have
our reasons and the insurance companies have theirs. To say that this
person is too young is political and financial, especially when the
physician has already stated a medical necessity. Your daughter will thank
you for this, Mom. Frannie
— Fran B.
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