Fw: [OSSG-MiniGastricBypass] Re: (insurance companies and gastric bypass)

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I've been thinking a lot about why most all insurance companies don't cover

gastric bypass. Yes, a lot of money can be saved by the patient. But what does

the insurance company get out of it? If a person improves his or her life by

having a life saving surgery like gastric bypass, they save a tone of money by

not turning around and giving it to their doctors and insurance companies to

treat their obesity related issues. We have everything to gain and they have

everything to loose. The insurance companies and medical professionals would

actually loose money not having to treat all of the nasty health issues of the

obese. The people who would benefit the most would be the patient, surgeons,

hospitals and the associated staff who are involved in the procedure. THE

INSURANCE COMPANIES WOULD BE STUCK WITH THE BILL. I think that is really why

they don't cover gastric bypass. If I am right, then every person who has been

denied surgery by their insurance companies and died as a result of their

obesity related illness, family members should receive compensation by the

insurance companies. It amazes me how greedy insurance companies and

pharmaceutical companies can live with themselves. If they didn't have fat

people to treat, they would have to deny other life saving surgeries and

procedures to make up for the billions of dollars lost not caring for the obese.

(This is in no way directed toward the caring doctors employed by these greedy

companies)

Just my " BIG " two cents

in Phoenix

Dr. Hargroder

02/19/04

[OSSG-MiniGastricBypass] Re: Action Hero Makeover

That's what my mother and I were talking about as we were watching

the show tonight. That takes a lot of humility and raw emotion and

strength of character to be that open - on camera, no less! And to

realize that there was more to his journey than just his own process

in losing weight and getting healthy. There's a bigger goal here,

and that's to educate America and the healthcare industry and the

insurance companies about what is the way for THEM to save money -

by helping us to get healthy!!

I've watched a lot of programs on DH and other channels about weight

loss surgeries and the process that people go through, and I must

tell you, this is by far the easiest and smartest way to do it. I

don't mean easy in that it's the " easy way out " , but a simple

surgery, a simple plan for eating, and a sensible road to a new life

of health and vitality.

I applaud everyone involved in this broadcast, and I'll be watching

it again, this time with a tape in the VCR! lol

Thank you, Dr. Rutledge, and thank you Gil Gerard for letting us

share this with you! Maybe yours will be the voice that is needed

to wake some people up about the obesity epidemic in this country -

AND about Dr. Rutledge and his MGB!!

And Gil - you look MAHVELOUS!!!!

Carol C. in NC

preop

> Just got through watching the Action Hero Makeover show

with Dr.

> Rutledge and Gil Gerard.

>

> WOW!! What amazing character Mr. Gerard has to share with all of

us

> like that.

>

> Dr. R, it was great to see you show cased as well. Thank you for

> pioneering this opportunity for us.

>

> Dr. P, really looking forward to my quality time with you on

February

> 23rd!!

>

> A.

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>