Very new at this- and mostly lost....

All my life i have been the big girl- and after a while i got used to it. I was glad to hide behind it, and use my weight as an excuse. But lately life had been changing- and for the better. I just finished my first year of college- which in itself is a dream come true. I have a great internship lined up for this summer- and hopefully next summer as well, and I also have an energetic little brother at home- who i can't keep up with. I WANT TO BE HEALTHY!!! But I'm not. I lie to myself to make it seem as if I am.  But my weight is ballooning out of control. I am told I'm beautiful- but i don't feel like it at all. I am to young to be so burnt out, tired, winded, and mad.  I feel, and this is going to sound ****y, that i have to much to give, to teach, and to be a part. To top it off, it is affecting my academics because most mornings last year- my back hurt to much to get up and go walking around campus.  I am depressed, and I have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I am at a stand still. I am currently very interested in the LAP BAND procedure, but there is one thing keeping me from pursuing it, and that is my insurance. I am currently 19 years old, and a ward of the state. I do not have any other insurance besides the HFS medical card (formally known as Public Aid), nor do I have any financial assistance besides what i make during my breaks, and part time jobs while in college.  But i need this now, I can feel myself getting worse, more tired, and more short of breath every time i move. Help me! Shana

There are plenty of docs who will take PA,mine for one. call and find out. Do not give up. It will be the best gift you give yourself. Good luck

Good luck!! i also have IDPA and i went ahead and went with a DR. Constatine frantzides. he does not cover the surgery itself but the hospital and pre ops are covered!!! so basically you would have to coe with 7960.00 out of pocket! but then there isa website that you can go to and they can see if you qualify for a loan to pay for it then pay them over a course of 24 /36 /48/ or 60 months! that what i did and his office will tell you everything you need to know! the number is 1-847-676-2200  , good luck!

yeah i called, and found that out as well- only thing is 1) i dont qualify for a loan, and 2) i don't have that kind of money nor do i have anyone that i could co-sign with me. so i am very stuck!! but thank you though. I'm trying to get an answer from University of Illinois at Chicago right now, we'll see what happens.

My doctor Dr. vitello at the U of C takes the idepa for the entire thing and he's great. if you email him he responds faster and he will personally call you back within a few days and give you an apt. heres his email

 

[email protected]

Thank you very much! I will send him an email right now. I have called all the major hospitals in the Chicagoin area, and either they accept the card for the surgery but not for the wellness part, or visa versa, it's crazy.