New here...BMI 71

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site, and am I happy I found it!!! I have always felt like I was walking alone with my major weight battle and thanks to this site I know now I have friends!! A little about myself. I'm 41, very happily married to a man that has stood beside me through thick and thin. I have a 16 year old son that is also very supportive of me. My family also took in my 23 year old nephew after my sister passed away. He was mental disabilities and is sometimes a challenge, but lately has really been a big help to me! My health is really going down hill, and when my pulmonologist told me I have to have WLS or not be here in 4 years it scared the pee out of me!!! I have began my journey, but was stopped cold in my tracks after my insurance company approved me I was informed that the weight loss center I was going to expects everything the insurance doesn't cover to be paid 100% upfront before a surgery date will even be scheduled. I about fell on the floor when they told me that my share was approx $8500 Thanks to some very helpful people on one of the other message boards I began searching for other places and am going to keep my prayers going that it is all going to work out so I can have my surgery. I look forward to getting to know you all!! Hugs Theresa

HI Theresa, WELCOME! This is a great board for those of us that felt alone even on the other boards around here. These are a special group of people. My prayers are with you on your journey. May you find the path that will lead to a healthier you. Jennifer 11 weeks out 357/308/175

Theresa, I know this is a difficult challenge, but, it will be so worth it in the long run! Welcome to this board! Lori 384/260.5/168

Theresa, W E L C O M E!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you found us! I'm always so excited to see new people here.This board is the best! willby thinsoon

Hi Teresa, welcome to the board. It is a wonderful place were you will find lots of nice people who will help in anyway the can. I dont know what I would do if it wasnt for my friends here at OH. bye love marie

Hi Theresa, We are glad to have you join us Glad to hear your surgery will happen, don't ever give up! Amy

Hi Theresa! Welcome to the best board on OH!! Huggs, Ruth

Hi there Theresa, Welcome to the board. I'm Shelley. My BMI is 68.4, so I can really relate. I am sorry to hear that have run into some snags. Is it possible that you could get on disability and have it paid for that way? With a BMI of 71, I doubt they could deny you. It takes time to get on it, but it might be worth a try. My sister is overweight and on Medicaid because she simply cannot work, and they are going to pay for her surgery. I hope you find a way. Best of luck to you and take gentle care.

I have been trying for the last 2 years to get my disability approved. I've turned it over to an attorney, and since that (almost a year ago) they have denied me twice, for a total of 4 denials now. I'm not going to give up on it!!! I know this surgery will give me a life back, and I refuse to give up. Believe me, there are times I just want to lay down and say enough is enough, then I look at my son and I know that I want to see him graduate, I would love to have grandchildren some day, and this weight is not going to stop me. (Boy I'm awful strong this morning I believe all your wonderful support has A LOT to do with it too!!! Have a great day everyone!! Hugs Theresa

HI, I spend a lot of time on the over "50" forum (age that is) but I could have more than qualified here also! When I had lap rny on 2/16/05 (soon one year!) I weighed 377 lbs. I'm 5'3". I think my BMI at that time was 68 or so. I now weigh 213 and am still losing slowly. I have had almost no complications and am now living life fully for the first time in many years. I ended up being a self pay (my 94 yr old mom loaned me the money) as my insurance "Wouldn't pay even if medically necessary!) I hope you don't have Uniform Medical Plan not exactly the most caring health care company. However, I have no regrets. This is the best money I've ever spent.If I had to I'd take out a "home equity loan" or whatever. I figure it's like buying a car only it should last much longer! I have my life back. Last summer after losing over 120 lbs I went tent camping, hiked into the campground, hauled all my equipment, slept on the ground, blew up my air mattress. . . amazing! I completed a 5K walk with my son in December, a bit over 3 miles. I'm working out at a gym several days a week and getting ready to walk a 7 mile Bloomsday Run/Walk in Spokane in May. I'm not only dreaming dreams and making plans I'm living them. Theresa, I wish you good health and realized dreams. Don't give up. It is a test of persistence but you can do it. Karen