Irreversible Tissue Damage

I honestly can't remember when I reached the 'obese' category---but I went on my first diet at age 9, and my first diet pills at age 11. And I was dx'd with arthritis at age 20. By waiting until I was 45 to have my DS, I totally ruined my knees, ankles, and feet. My ortho guy had told me just prior to my DS that the only thing he could do for my knee pain was two total knee replacements, but that at my then-weight he didn't think they'd take. That was seven years ago, and while my knees still HURT, I still haven't had them replaced. For some reason, I never turned a hair at the thought of having my guts sliced and diced, but the thought of them sawing through my BONES---uh-uh.

Good luck with your appeal, or whatever you call it. And remember, only YOU know how much pain you're in...