I feel lost and alone, there is no hope left

I have been very depressed lately. See I am on medicaid. In the state of New Mexico they cut the funding for bariatric surgery. My profile on here alone was made back in 2008, yet I been struggling a lot longer then that. I just want to be happy. I am losing sight of that. I am starting to think I will never be happy and their is no hope left for me. I don't have any friends, and my support system frankly is not there. I really need this surgery, but what can I do? I don't come from a background where I will be able to afford such a thing. Yes bad credit is also an issue. So what do I do next? My health is getting worse. Please if someone can show me the right direction to go in I would appreciate it. The New Mexico forum is dead on here, which makes me feel even more alone. Please, please, please let me know if there are any options for me!!!!!!!!

Lost and alone,
                     Me

I am sorry I don't have any magic pearls of wisdom, but by no means are you alone.  Your personal support system may be lacking, but you can always come here and someone will respond...  Thanks for reaching out...  and I wish you nothing but the best and for some sort of blessing !!!

Davina

In Arizona they proposed to cut baraitric but couldn't because of federal mandates.  I looked at some of the current New Mexico medicaid handbooks and they show that it is possible.  Don't give up hope.  You're just going to have to jump through some hoops.  Keep up with your doctor and if you don't have one get a case worker who can help guide you.  I know it's hard, I've been there.  You can do it though, keep fighting for your health.

Are you able to work?  Some part time jobs offer insurance that covers WLS.

I can think of a few options for you.  I don't know which would be feasible for you, though.  You could get a job that offers insurance that does cover WLS.  You could move to a state where Medicaid covers WLS.  You could start saving money for surgery.  You could borrow it from someone.  You could work on improving your credit so you could borrow the money.  I realize none of those are quick answers to the problem.

You should know, though, that WLS does not cure depression.  Losing weight doesn't give you friends or a support system or make you happy.  So I suggest seeking treatment for depression and taking steps to develop a support system now, while you try to figure out how to afford the surgery you need.

Ditto-ing Kelly entirely on her response to you ... ditto-ing the prior two posters also....

If I were you I would continue explore/research all the details of the coverage in your area for loopholes as suggested by Jessie.... you have been offered excellent suggestions.  I would also, if I were you,  seek help for depression now if you have not done so yet .. I believe your current coverage should afford you that...

Weight loss surgery most definitely will NOT guarantee you happiness ... or friends or a support system .... neither will it cure your depression ... Addressing your depression is a good step that will help you start building the other IMO...

There is hope ... please continue to pursue and don't give up.... take care of you FIRST....Wishing you nothing but the best... I am so sorry you feel lost and alone ...hanging around here may help a bit ... seeking help/therapy/support for depression will help a lot... ((((((((hugs)))))))))

According to your profile, you have a BMI of 51. This should mean that you're still in the running, even if the funding has been decreased. (By that I mean that if they're still approving ANY WLS, you should be near the top of the list---hang on!)

Getting a job with insurance that covers WLS is a vry good suggestion, and there are some part-time jobs that have this. Starbucks is one, Home Depot another.

Don't let your 'background' determine who YOU are. And bad credit now doesn't mean you must always have bad credit. Work on your credit!

And---gt into therapy. I'm certain your Medicaid will pay for that, right now. WLS will NOT make you happy---only you can make you happy. And only you can make friends. Therapy will help you figure out how to this, fat or thin.

And there's wonderful support and friends right here on OH. Come on in---the water's fine!

Some hospitals have what is called "charity care" in that they will waive thier fees for patient surgerys for someone who is medically needy.  If fact somone I know personally got the surgery for zero out of pocket money by calling around and finding one who had this program and had a program (clinic) attached to thier hospital. He also went to his church and asked for help and they helped him to pay for the psch eval that was not attached to the hospital.

Thank you all for the responses! I know surgery alone will not make me happy and or get me friends. Losing weight though will give me the confidence I need to possibly go out and make some. I know there is not a quick fix or solution, but as long as I know I am on the right path that is enough for me. I am going to take the step and call around and see what type of medicaid does pay for this surgery. We have 4 different types of medicaid here in New Mexico. I don't think I am able to switch programs till August but I am going to find out.

Well I just called Del Sol in El Paso, Tx so I am right no medicaid. They do not even have a payment option. So maybe a part time Job is my next step. Also I do want to know what states medicaid will pay. Time for research.

I didn't have Medicaid, but BCBS and I live in NM.  I ended up over in AZ at Phoenix/St.Luke's with Dr. Juarez doing my surgery.

Keep pushing and do your research.  You will get there you just may have to push harder than some of the rest of us.  I had to hound his office because they lost my paper work not once, not twice, but THREE times.

FINALLY had surgery about 8 mos. after I started the process.

Best wishes and good luck.

I'm not sure which Medicaid program you are on, if you want to give me any of the info I will help however I can.  The other poster are right.  You definitely have mental health coverage and getting started with some depression counseling will definitely help.

I was told my medicaid (AHCCCS, Mercy Care) here in AZ wouldn't cover VSG and I fought for it and I got the surgery I wanted.