HELLO from SE Ky... got questions...

charlesmyrick78
on 2/19/08 10:01 am - Bimble, KY

Hello all,

My name is Charles. I am from Southeastern Kentucky, and work as professional graphic designer. I am 29 years old, 6’1”, and weigh a whopping 575 lbs.

I have tried since 2000 to get a gastric by-pass but the various insurances I have had seem to always have either iron-clad exclusions or ridiculous requirements. I have done Weigh****chers and did lose 130 lbs., but gained back 200. Yep. I have tried diet pills but they raise my blood pressure.

I have a connection with my local state representative who is working hard for me in Frankfort to see what can be done to get me government help, without taking me out of the workforce. But as one of those he has working on this told me, it may come to the time that I have to leave the workforce and get it through Medicaid.

At my age, and my size, I am blessed to not have heart disease, diabetes, or even chronic high blood pressure. The worst problem I have is sleep apnea which affects my attention at work and church. I have had three bouts of cellulitis because I have swelling in my legs. The swelling isn’t horrible but annoying. The most recent bout was in my right inner thigh, and that area still swells and is sore and uncomfortable most all the time even though the infection is gone. I am trying everything I can right now to lose weight to make my legs more comfortable. I am able to walk distances but can’t now because of my leg.

Self-pay is not an option for me. I do hope my rep can come thru with something but if he cannot and I must go on SSI or disability to get the surgery, I need to know what to expect, what is required, and I want to know if anyone else on here has had to quit work to go on disability just for this. Honestly I am disabled … I can’t do anything but my job which is a 8 hr a day desk job. If something were to happen that put me down for any length of time I can see how people can easily become bed-ridden at my size.

Anybody that can help me out with info and / or their experiences I would appreciate it!

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