Lost in Central Florida Rant

[Guest guest]

I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in a good

mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time of year. I

hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that vulterize

the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if you

didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison purchasing thier

gift.

But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went through my

annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that they give

me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have no baby

daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams and nothing

else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on disability

since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man and that

just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that Ive been

on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some insurance

companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it cosmetic.

I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl exclaim that

they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I couldn't play

with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of health

problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10, 250lbs with

NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered 100lbs over

weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to change your

eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm sure ppl at

the insurance companies think this way too.

Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had in some

cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4 shots a day

and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp meds at the

same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function; diabetic

neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need... not just

looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and they just

(IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes they win.

And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and I get

MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical bills... and as

soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because I dont

have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just started

getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just started..

before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5 day stay

for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker, the month

of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to start next

week).. is more than *I* can afford.

I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I absolutely

REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't solve my

health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting conditions are NOT

covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of coverage).

ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me the

winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend anyone. If

I did.. well.. deal with it.

Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

[Guest guest]

Dear Spider Woman:

I am so very sorry about all of your medical problems and you financial

situation. I can't even imagine it. Apparently there are kids to support

as well. You seem to have a lot to feel crappy about and I would as well.

I do have to point out, however, that getting angry at other people who had

WLS and saying they needed more willpower is a really big bunch of crap.

Insurance companies are not rejecting surgeries because it is cosmetic or

because they think people need more will power. They're smarter than that.

They refuse it because it costs money, pure and simple. They don't want to

pay because they're in the business to make money.

To say that you've there's been " no mention of health problems " on this

lists just means you've been to busy yapping to read the list very

thoroughly. I wonder how many people on this list wouldn't be here (alive)

to post if they hadn't had this surgery. You're not the first person

through here with horrible medical comorbidities.

Also, in the spirit of telling the morbidly obese " to tellya ass to change

your eating habits " I tell your ass to get real. Did anyone ever tell you

this? Did it help?

Again, I can't imagine what you're going through, but getting mad at a bunch

of strangers isn't going to help you find any peace.

Keep ranting. Just figure out who you really need to rant at. Maybe the

people who aren't giving you enough food stamps. Maybe the " baby daddies. "

Good luck,

Bandas

RNY April 1998

Lost in Central Florida Rant

> I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in a good

> mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time of

year. I

> hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that

vulterize

> the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if you

> didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison purchasing

thier

> gift.

>

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went through

my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that they

give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have no

baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams and

nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

> I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man and

that

> just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that Ive

been

> on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some insurance

> companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it cosmetic.

>

> I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl exclaim that

> they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I couldn't

play

> with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of health

> problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10, 250lbs

with

> NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered 100lbs

over

> weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to change your

> eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm sure ppl

at

> the insurance companies think this way too.

>

> Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had in some

> cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4 shots a

day

> and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp meds at

the

> same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function; diabetic

> neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need... not

just

> looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

>

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical bills... and

as

> soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because I dont

> have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just started

> getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just started..

> before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5 day

stay

> for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

> pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker, the

month

> of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to start

next

> week).. is more than *I* can afford.

> I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I

absolutely

> REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't solve my

> health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting conditions are

NOT

> covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of coverage).

>

> ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me the

> winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend anyone.

If

> I did.. well.. deal with it.

>

> Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Let me start by saying I am truly sorry you are feeling down about Christmas and

even more sorry about your health problems but I have to respond to this. I am

appalled about a few things you have written. Let me start by saying most of why

I had my WLS was because of the way I looked and to be healthy for my kids. It

was NOT a matter of just " change your eating habits, your exercise ethic " . I

could say the same to you. Your health problems may have added to your weight

problems but did not cause the weight problem alone. I did also have medical

problems but I would never look down on others who didn't. I HAD high blood

pressure and arthritis in my back and knees. The weight loss took care of my

blood pressure problems but the arthritis is not gone. It's MUCH better but

still

there. I also know that if I let my weight go longer, it would have only been

the

start of my health problems. Exercise is a problem when even walking is painful

due to arthritis. However, I see nothing wrong with a person wanting this

surgery

so they can feel better about themselves. It's no more of an " eating habit "

issue

for them then it is for someone with health issues.This angers me. Depression

over your weight is a REAL problem. Feeling depressed over being over weight

only

makes a lot of people eat more. So does societies attitude towards over weight

people.

The insurance companies do not want to approve the surgery because of the cost.

Plain and simple. Someone who has never had a weight problem has no idea how

hard

it is. It's hard on our bodies even without health issues. If an over weight

person doesn't have problems now, more than likely they will in the future. It's

only a matter of time. Walking up and down stairs, sitting in a regular sized

chair, being starred at because of your size, getting in and out of your car,

buying clothes that fit, sitting and standing, heck, just walking in the door of

my house was an issue. I was always out of breath. This is not considered a

health issue but they are part of an over weight persons life. What is wrong

with

wanting to be able to breath without effort? I also see no problem with someone

wanting the surgery " for their children " . They want to be able to give their

kids

the best life possible. That means not having their kids teased because they

have

an over weight parent. Kids can be cruel. Why would you want your children

teased

because of the way their parents look? Let's face it, they DO or WILL be teased

because of it. And what is wrong with wanting to be able to run around with our

kids? The extra weight prevents us from doing that. We want the best for

ourselves and our children. I think that is to be commended, not looked down at.

How would or does it make you feel if someone says to just get off your butt and

eat right. Put the fork down and stop eating the things you do and you will lose

the weight? These are things I heard. It's not as simple as that. Those comments

only made my weight worse. Like I said earlier, depressions is hard to deal with

when you are over weight. Why not have the surgery to prevent future health

problems? If losing the weight was possible I think almost all of us would have

just done that, LOST THE WEIGHT. There is more to it then that. Who are we to

judge? That is not what I am here for. I am here to support the surgery no

matter

what the persons reasons for having it done. It was the best thing I ever did. I

started out at 5'6 and 273 lbs. I am now a size 4 and weigh 126 lbs. That is 7

weeks after having a baby. I have never been happier with my appearance. I have

never felt healthier, never been able to breath so easily, never looked so good,

and never been able to play with my kids like I do now. So what is wrong with

that? I am so happy I had the surgery and am grateful I did it. I see nothing

wrong with anyone having the surgery for their own reasons. Weight gain is not

just a matter of " getting some self control " .In my opinion this is an appalling

statement. If that was all there was to weight gain, I don't think any of us

would need to lose weight. Eating is a comfort to many people. Who is it for us

to judge? We all have our reasons for needing or wanting the surgery.

Again, I am sorry for what all you have to go through but why make anyone else

feel like they are in less need of this surgery and should just " get some self

control " . We all NEED it for our own reasons. Let's just support one another

for

those reasons. I am here to help anyone that I can in any way I can. I see

nothing wrong with any reason for fighting for our right to surgery, even if it

is just for cosmetic reasons.

If there is anything I could do for you, I would. I wish I could change your

situation and make things easier for you but we all have to do what we feel is

right for us. We all make choices, just like you chose the father/fathers for

your children. We did not make those choices for you. I am sorry they are not

there to help you with your kids. That really stinks but why rant and rave about

others having surgery when it's our right to choose it just like it's your right

to make your choices in life. I am sorry you feel the government is not more

help

to you. That stinks too but we did not make the system the way it is. This is

such a bad situation for you and your kids and I am so sorry about that. I just

don't think it's up to you to rant about other peoples reasons for making the

best of their lives.

Take care hun and if I could be of any help to you, maybe just to chat even,

please let me know. I wish you well. I just don't like the idea that anyone is

looked down on for possible PREVENTING health problems or simply improving our

quality of life by having surgery, even if it is just helping our self esteem.

spdrwm@... wrote:

> I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in a good

> mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time of year. I

> hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that vulterize

> the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if you

> didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison purchasing thier

> gift.

>

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

> I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man and that

> just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that Ive been

> on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some insurance

> companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it cosmetic.

>

> I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl exclaim that

> they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I couldn't play

> with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of health

> problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10, 250lbs with

> NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered 100lbs over

> weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to change your

> eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm sure ppl at

> the insurance companies think this way too.

>

> Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had in some

> cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4 shots a day

> and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp meds at the

> same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function; diabetic

> neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need... not just

> looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

>

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical bills... and as

> soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because I dont

> have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just started

> getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just started..

> before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5 day stay

> for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

> pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker, the month

> of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to start next

> week).. is more than *I* can afford.

> I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I absolutely

> REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't solve my

> health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting conditions are NOT

> covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of coverage).

>

> ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me the

> winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend anyone. If

> I did.. well.. deal with it.

>

> Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Let me start by saying I am truly sorry you are feeling down about Christmas and

even more sorry about your health problems but I have to respond to this. I am

appalled about a few things you have written. Let me start by saying most of why

I had my WLS was because of the way I looked and to be healthy for my kids. It

was NOT a matter of just " change your eating habits, your exercise ethic " . I

could say the same to you. Your health problems may have added to your weight

problems but did not cause the weight problem alone. I did also have medical

problems but I would never look down on others who didn't. I HAD high blood

pressure and arthritis in my back and knees. The weight loss took care of my

blood pressure problems but the arthritis is not gone. It's MUCH better but

still

there. I also know that if I let my weight go longer, it would have only been

the

start of my health problems. Exercise is a problem when even walking is painful

due to arthritis. However, I see nothing wrong with a person wanting this

surgery

so they can feel better about themselves. It's no more of an " eating habit "

issue

for them then it is for someone with health issues.This angers me. Depression

over your weight is a REAL problem. Feeling depressed over being over weight

only

makes a lot of people eat more. So does societies attitude towards over weight

people.

The insurance companies do not want to approve the surgery because of the cost.

Plain and simple. Someone who has never had a weight problem has no idea how

hard

it is. It's hard on our bodies even without health issues. If an over weight

person doesn't have problems now, more than likely they will in the future. It's

only a matter of time. Walking up and down stairs, sitting in a regular sized

chair, being starred at because of your size, getting in and out of your car,

buying clothes that fit, sitting and standing, heck, just walking in the door of

my house was an issue. I was always out of breath. This is not considered a

health issue but they are part of an over weight persons life. What is wrong

with

wanting to be able to breath without effort? I also see no problem with someone

wanting the surgery " for their children " . They want to be able to give their

kids

the best life possible. That means not having their kids teased because they

have

an over weight parent. Kids can be cruel. Why would you want your children

teased

because of the way their parents look? Let's face it, they DO or WILL be teased

because of it. And what is wrong with wanting to be able to run around with our

kids? The extra weight prevents us from doing that. We want the best for

ourselves and our children. I think that is to be commended, not looked down at.

How would or does it make you feel if someone says to just get off your butt and

eat right. Put the fork down and stop eating the things you do and you will lose

the weight? These are things I heard. It's not as simple as that. Those comments

only made my weight worse. Like I said earlier, depressions is hard to deal with

when you are over weight. Why not have the surgery to prevent future health

problems? If losing the weight was possible I think almost all of us would have

just done that, LOST THE WEIGHT. There is more to it then that. Who are we to

judge? That is not what I am here for. I am here to support the surgery no

matter

what the persons reasons for having it done. It was the best thing I ever did. I

started out at 5'6 and 273 lbs. I am now a size 4 and weigh 126 lbs. That is 7

weeks after having a baby. I have never been happier with my appearance. I have

never felt healthier, never been able to breath so easily, never looked so good,

and never been able to play with my kids like I do now. So what is wrong with

that? I am so happy I had the surgery and am grateful I did it. I see nothing

wrong with anyone having the surgery for their own reasons. Weight gain is not

just a matter of " getting some self control " .In my opinion this is an appalling

statement. If that was all there was to weight gain, I don't think any of us

would need to lose weight. Eating is a comfort to many people. Who is it for us

to judge? We all have our reasons for needing or wanting the surgery.

Again, I am sorry for what all you have to go through but why make anyone else

feel like they are in less need of this surgery and should just " get some self

control " . We all NEED it for our own reasons. Let's just support one another

for

those reasons. I am here to help anyone that I can in any way I can. I see

nothing wrong with any reason for fighting for our right to surgery, even if it

is just for cosmetic reasons.

If there is anything I could do for you, I would. I wish I could change your

situation and make things easier for you but we all have to do what we feel is

right for us. We all make choices, just like you chose the father/fathers for

your children. We did not make those choices for you. I am sorry they are not

there to help you with your kids. That really stinks but why rant and rave about

others having surgery when it's our right to choose it just like it's your right

to make your choices in life. I am sorry you feel the government is not more

help

to you. That stinks too but we did not make the system the way it is. This is

such a bad situation for you and your kids and I am so sorry about that. I just

don't think it's up to you to rant about other peoples reasons for making the

best of their lives.

Take care hun and if I could be of any help to you, maybe just to chat even,

please let me know. I wish you well. I just don't like the idea that anyone is

looked down on for possible PREVENTING health problems or simply improving our

quality of life by having surgery, even if it is just helping our self esteem.

spdrwm@... wrote:

> I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in a good

> mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time of year. I

> hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that vulterize

> the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if you

> didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison purchasing thier

> gift.

>

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

> I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man and that

> just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that Ive been

> on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some insurance

> companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it cosmetic.

>

> I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl exclaim that

> they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I couldn't play

> with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of health

> problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10, 250lbs with

> NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered 100lbs over

> weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to change your

> eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm sure ppl at

> the insurance companies think this way too.

>

> Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had in some

> cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4 shots a day

> and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp meds at the

> same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function; diabetic

> neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need... not just

> looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

>

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical bills... and as

> soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because I dont

> have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just started

> getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just started..

> before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5 day stay

> for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

> pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker, the month

> of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to start next

> week).. is more than *I* can afford.

> I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I absolutely

> REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't solve my

> health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting conditions are NOT

> covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of coverage).

>

> ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me the

> winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend anyone. If

> I did.. well.. deal with it.

>

> Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/28/2001 8:59:52 AM Central Standard Time,

kenntonip@... writes:

> I agree 100%. The insurance companies shouldn't be paying if someone is

> not morbidly obese. I also think the dr should not even consider doing

> the surgery for someone not morbidly obese. This surgery is not meant as

> a " diet " . It should be used as a tool and to help save lives.

You have said eloquently what I could not in my anger and frustration.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/28/2001 8:59:52 AM Central Standard Time,

kenntonip@... writes:

> I agree 100%. The insurance companies shouldn't be paying if someone is

> not morbidly obese. I also think the dr should not even consider doing

> the surgery for someone not morbidly obese. This surgery is not meant as

> a " diet " . It should be used as a tool and to help save lives.

You have said eloquently what I could not in my anger and frustration.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/28/2001 8:59:52 AM Central Standard Time,

kenntonip@... writes:

> I agree 100%. The insurance companies shouldn't be paying if someone is

> not morbidly obese. I also think the dr should not even consider doing

> the surgery for someone not morbidly obese. This surgery is not meant as

> a " diet " . It should be used as a tool and to help save lives.

You have said eloquently what I could not in my anger and frustration.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Spider Woman,

I and I am sure everyone who read your e-mail acknowledges that

you have a rough row to hoe.

Please understand that no one in their right mind undergoes major

surgery and WLS is major surgery for trivial reasons. Before my

surgery I had taking many medications a day. Now I am down to

two or three depending on how you count. While my health wasn't

that bad, I looked upon WLS as a pre-emptive strike to make sure

that my health didn't get worse. I am going on to 62 and have a 15

year old son at home with a daughter in college. Like you I am a

single parent. I want to live to raise my children.

Before my surgery, I did do as much research as I could and one

document that I would like to bring to your attention is the National

Institute of Health's Consensus Report of, I think, 1990. In that

report, they indicate that diet is successful between two and five

percent of the time. Dieting goes against man's natural instinct for

survival. Man evolved under conditions where food was scarce and

you had to eat as much as you could when it was available. These

instincts are built into us and it is very difficult to go against them.

The Pima Indians of the southwest are an excellent example of

this. The region in which they traditionally lived was quite barren

and they constantly lived on the edge of starvation. The result is in

own modern society, about 80 percent of the Pima Indians are

morbidly obese.

I sincerely hope that you get the help that you need. You might

consider posting to the list what problems you are having getting

the help you need. We have people from many walks of life on

these lists and they might be able to provide you with advice that

can help you get the help you need.

Good luck

Sue

[Guest guest]

Spider Woman,

I and I am sure everyone who read your e-mail acknowledges that

you have a rough row to hoe.

Please understand that no one in their right mind undergoes major

surgery and WLS is major surgery for trivial reasons. Before my

surgery I had taking many medications a day. Now I am down to

two or three depending on how you count. While my health wasn't

that bad, I looked upon WLS as a pre-emptive strike to make sure

that my health didn't get worse. I am going on to 62 and have a 15

year old son at home with a daughter in college. Like you I am a

single parent. I want to live to raise my children.

Before my surgery, I did do as much research as I could and one

document that I would like to bring to your attention is the National

Institute of Health's Consensus Report of, I think, 1990. In that

report, they indicate that diet is successful between two and five

percent of the time. Dieting goes against man's natural instinct for

survival. Man evolved under conditions where food was scarce and

you had to eat as much as you could when it was available. These

instincts are built into us and it is very difficult to go against them.

The Pima Indians of the southwest are an excellent example of

this. The region in which they traditionally lived was quite barren

and they constantly lived on the edge of starvation. The result is in

own modern society, about 80 percent of the Pima Indians are

morbidly obese.

I sincerely hope that you get the help that you need. You might

consider posting to the list what problems you are having getting

the help you need. We have people from many walks of life on

these lists and they might be able to provide you with advice that

can help you get the help you need.

Good luck

Sue

[Guest guest]

I probably shouldn't put my 2 cents here but as you can see by the

paragraph quoted below it's easy to see why most of us assumed you

were saying you DID have kids but no " baby daddies " to support them.

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went

through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that

they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have

no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstamps

and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on

disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

I also completely understand your frustration in getting insurance

when you have so many medical problems & you'd think the insurance

would approve you right away & then you go on to read postings by

folks who appear to have no serious medical problems.

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and

they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes

they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and

I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I hope I didn't offend anyone.

No you didn't offend me. I just felt bad you were having such a hard

time. I also felt you were completely out of line in assuming our

responses had an " ethnic " slant to them & thus we couldn't understand

your situation. That is very short-sighted of you & quite frankly

prejudiced on your part.

Lori

[Guest guest]

I probably shouldn't put my 2 cents here but as you can see by the

paragraph quoted below it's easy to see why most of us assumed you

were saying you DID have kids but no " baby daddies " to support them.

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went

through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that

they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have

no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstamps

and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on

disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

I also completely understand your frustration in getting insurance

when you have so many medical problems & you'd think the insurance

would approve you right away & then you go on to read postings by

folks who appear to have no serious medical problems.

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and

they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes

they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and

I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I hope I didn't offend anyone.

No you didn't offend me. I just felt bad you were having such a hard

time. I also felt you were completely out of line in assuming our

responses had an " ethnic " slant to them & thus we couldn't understand

your situation. That is very short-sighted of you & quite frankly

prejudiced on your part.

Lori

[Guest guest]

Notice, this Yahoo group states the language is English. No wonder

most of us had trouble understanding the following post.

Eligible to join this group in three months.

J

They want to get 'all up in ya bidness'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/30/2001 6:28:15 PM Central Standard Time,

Loreli@... writes:

> No you didn't offend me. I just felt bad you were having such a hard

> time. I also felt you were completely out of line in assuming our

> responses had an " ethnic " slant to them & thus we couldn't understand

> your situation. That is very short-sighted of you & quite frankly

> prejudiced on your part.

>

Lori, I do see why you (or anyone not in the know) would misunderstand the

'no baby daddies' statement in conjunction with child/family services. In

some states the same agency is called Human Resources or Human Services or

HRDC (don't know what the DC stands for)... and all applications for aid,

except those given out by SSA (such as longterm disability, suvivor's

bennies, etc) go through them.

The only ethnic slant that I saw in the replies was that this group didn't

get my 'ethnic' phrase while the ossg-black group did understand it. And no

one thought that I had several children by several men as a few here did. I

din't mean to imply ethnic or racial slanting in anything else other than

understanding of phrasing. sorry if I gave that impression.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/30/2001 6:28:15 PM Central Standard Time,

Loreli@... writes:

> No you didn't offend me. I just felt bad you were having such a hard

> time. I also felt you were completely out of line in assuming our

> responses had an " ethnic " slant to them & thus we couldn't understand

> your situation. That is very short-sighted of you & quite frankly

> prejudiced on your part.

>

Lori, I do see why you (or anyone not in the know) would misunderstand the

'no baby daddies' statement in conjunction with child/family services. In

some states the same agency is called Human Resources or Human Services or

HRDC (don't know what the DC stands for)... and all applications for aid,

except those given out by SSA (such as longterm disability, suvivor's

bennies, etc) go through them.

The only ethnic slant that I saw in the replies was that this group didn't

get my 'ethnic' phrase while the ossg-black group did understand it. And no

one thought that I had several children by several men as a few here did. I

din't mean to imply ethnic or racial slanting in anything else other than

understanding of phrasing. sorry if I gave that impression.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/30/2001 6:28:15 PM Central Standard Time,

Loreli@... writes:

> No you didn't offend me. I just felt bad you were having such a hard

> time. I also felt you were completely out of line in assuming our

> responses had an " ethnic " slant to them & thus we couldn't understand

> your situation. That is very short-sighted of you & quite frankly

> prejudiced on your part.

>

Lori, I do see why you (or anyone not in the know) would misunderstand the

'no baby daddies' statement in conjunction with child/family services. In

some states the same agency is called Human Resources or Human Services or

HRDC (don't know what the DC stands for)... and all applications for aid,

except those given out by SSA (such as longterm disability, suvivor's

bennies, etc) go through them.

The only ethnic slant that I saw in the replies was that this group didn't

get my 'ethnic' phrase while the ossg-black group did understand it. And no

one thought that I had several children by several men as a few here did. I

din't mean to imply ethnic or racial slanting in anything else other than

understanding of phrasing. sorry if I gave that impression.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/31/2001 12:18:01 AM Central Standard Time,

jweir30@... writes:

> They want to get 'all up in ya bidness'

>

and the last time I checked the above statement WASNT spanish or German.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/31/2001 12:18:01 AM Central Standard Time,

jweir30@... writes:

> They want to get 'all up in ya bidness'

>

and the last time I checked the above statement WASNT spanish or German.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/31/2001 12:18:01 AM Central Standard Time,

jweir30@... writes:

> They want to get 'all up in ya bidness'

>

and the last time I checked the above statement WASNT spanish or German.

[Guest guest]

Dan wrote:

If she didn't have a tale to share....it wouldn't

have shown up here in all it's detail.  That's one of the purposes

here...the good and the bad in an objective fashion.  Ojective being

a key word here.

Objection= something (as a situation or chain of events) that symbolizes or

objectifies a particular emotion and that may be used in creative writing to

evoke a desired emotional response in the reader.

Why is this ORIGINAL post being PICKED to PIECES by people that dont sit in

her shoes???? Its like the a bunch of ants ganging up grasshopper going

about its own world. I didnt wanna get involved but geeze

already.............

[Guest guest]

Dan wrote:

If she didn't have a tale to share....it wouldn't

have shown up here in all it's detail.  That's one of the purposes

here...the good and the bad in an objective fashion.  Ojective being

a key word here.

Objection= something (as a situation or chain of events) that symbolizes or

objectifies a particular emotion and that may be used in creative writing to

evoke a desired emotional response in the reader.

Why is this ORIGINAL post being PICKED to PIECES by people that dont sit in

her shoes???? Its like the a bunch of ants ganging up grasshopper going

about its own world. I didnt wanna get involved but geeze

already.............

[Guest guest]

Dan wrote:

If she didn't have a tale to share....it wouldn't

have shown up here in all it's detail.  That's one of the purposes

here...the good and the bad in an objective fashion.  Ojective being

a key word here.

Objection= something (as a situation or chain of events) that symbolizes or

objectifies a particular emotion and that may be used in creative writing to

evoke a desired emotional response in the reader.

Why is this ORIGINAL post being PICKED to PIECES by people that dont sit in

her shoes???? Its like the a bunch of ants ganging up grasshopper going

about its own world. I didnt wanna get involved but geeze

already.............

[Guest guest]

We're dealing with it...and I'm truly sorry you're having to deal

with the situation(s) that you've posted here.

This really is a good bunch of folks, but it's that time of year

again where you've got those that are having the " best Christmas of

their lives " and then...the rest of us. I hope next Christmas

will be a bit easier for you and those that chose to get into an

argument with you given your comments. I don't suppose to know the

conditions...just to react to your comments; my reaction is I'm

really sorry you're having to deal with stuff like this at this time

of year.

You're tough...obviously you'll get past it soon and I do wish you a

better New Years.

For the rest of you....everyone's entitled to their own lifestyle and

reality to deal with. I can't imagine a note that describes a more

unsettling situation than the one posted given financial, physical,

health and morale. If she didn't have a tale to share....it wouldn't

have shown up here in all it's detail. That's one of the purposes

here...the good and the bad in an objective fashion. Ojective being

a key word here.

I don't propose to read between the lines...but there are some

letters where it's not necessary and I would hope that those that

took the opportunity take a whack at the writer might go back and

read the original content again...as posted below, objectively.

Forget the objections.

Be that as it may...Best of a New Years to Everybody in Good Health,

Wealth and Comfort as a goal for 2002.

Pax y'all

Dan

rny 10.13.98

EdWaits,MD-Atlanta

> I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in

a good

> mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time

of year. I

> hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that

vulterize

> the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if

you

> didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison

purchasing thier

> gift.

>

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went

through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that

they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have

no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams

and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on

disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

> I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man

and that

> just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that

Ive been

> on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some

insurance

> companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it

cosmetic.

>

> I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl

exclaim that

> they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I

couldn't play

> with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of

health

> problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10,

250lbs with

> NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered

100lbs over

> weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to

change your

> eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm

sure ppl at

> the insurance companies think this way too.

>

> Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had

in some

> cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4

shots a day

> and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp

meds at the

> same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function;

diabetic

> neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need...

not just

> looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

>

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and

they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes

they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and

I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical

bills... and as

> soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because

I dont

> have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just

started

> getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just

started..

> before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5

day stay

> for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

> pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker,

the month

> of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to

start next

> week).. is more than *I* can afford.

> I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I

absolutely

> REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't

solve my

> health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting

conditions are NOT

> covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of

coverage).

>

> ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me

the

> winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend

anyone. If

> I did.. well.. deal with it.

>

> Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We're dealing with it...and I'm truly sorry you're having to deal

with the situation(s) that you've posted here.

This really is a good bunch of folks, but it's that time of year

again where you've got those that are having the " best Christmas of

their lives " and then...the rest of us. I hope next Christmas

will be a bit easier for you and those that chose to get into an

argument with you given your comments. I don't suppose to know the

conditions...just to react to your comments; my reaction is I'm

really sorry you're having to deal with stuff like this at this time

of year.

You're tough...obviously you'll get past it soon and I do wish you a

better New Years.

For the rest of you....everyone's entitled to their own lifestyle and

reality to deal with. I can't imagine a note that describes a more

unsettling situation than the one posted given financial, physical,

health and morale. If she didn't have a tale to share....it wouldn't

have shown up here in all it's detail. That's one of the purposes

here...the good and the bad in an objective fashion. Ojective being

a key word here.

I don't propose to read between the lines...but there are some

letters where it's not necessary and I would hope that those that

took the opportunity take a whack at the writer might go back and

read the original content again...as posted below, objectively.

Forget the objections.

Be that as it may...Best of a New Years to Everybody in Good Health,

Wealth and Comfort as a goal for 2002.

Pax y'all

Dan

rny 10.13.98

EdWaits,MD-Atlanta

> I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in

a good

> mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time

of year. I

> hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that

vulterize

> the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if

you

> didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison

purchasing thier

> gift.

>

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went

through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that

they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have

no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams

and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on

disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

> I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man

and that

> just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that

Ive been

> on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some

insurance

> companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it

cosmetic.

>

> I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl

exclaim that

> they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I

couldn't play

> with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of

health

> problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10,

250lbs with

> NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered

100lbs over

> weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to

change your

> eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm

sure ppl at

> the insurance companies think this way too.

>

> Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had

in some

> cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4

shots a day

> and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp

meds at the

> same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function;

diabetic

> neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need...

not just

> looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

>

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and

they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes

they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and

I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical

bills... and as

> soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because

I dont

> have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just

started

> getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just

started..

> before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5

day stay

> for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

> pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker,

the month

> of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to

start next

> week).. is more than *I* can afford.

> I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I

absolutely

> REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't

solve my

> health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting

conditions are NOT

> covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of

coverage).

>

> ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me

the

> winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend

anyone. If

> I did.. well.. deal with it.

>

> Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We're dealing with it...and I'm truly sorry you're having to deal

with the situation(s) that you've posted here.

This really is a good bunch of folks, but it's that time of year

again where you've got those that are having the " best Christmas of

their lives " and then...the rest of us. I hope next Christmas

will be a bit easier for you and those that chose to get into an

argument with you given your comments. I don't suppose to know the

conditions...just to react to your comments; my reaction is I'm

really sorry you're having to deal with stuff like this at this time

of year.

You're tough...obviously you'll get past it soon and I do wish you a

better New Years.

For the rest of you....everyone's entitled to their own lifestyle and

reality to deal with. I can't imagine a note that describes a more

unsettling situation than the one posted given financial, physical,

health and morale. If she didn't have a tale to share....it wouldn't

have shown up here in all it's detail. That's one of the purposes

here...the good and the bad in an objective fashion. Ojective being

a key word here.

I don't propose to read between the lines...but there are some

letters where it's not necessary and I would hope that those that

took the opportunity take a whack at the writer might go back and

read the original content again...as posted below, objectively.

Forget the objections.

Be that as it may...Best of a New Years to Everybody in Good Health,

Wealth and Comfort as a goal for 2002.

Pax y'all

Dan

rny 10.13.98

EdWaits,MD-Atlanta

> I know that it is Christmas time and everyone is supposed to be in

a good

> mood. But I most def am NOT. I usually never am. I hate this time

of year. I

> hate the commerciallism and the 'what cha gonna get me' asses that

vulterize

> the stores, family/friends homes and have the nerve to get upset if

you

> didn't get them a gift or run yourself into debters prison

purchasing thier

> gift.

>

> But that's not the only reason that I'm out of sorts. I just went

through my

> annual anal probing from child/family services for the NON-aid that

they give

> me. They want to get 'all up in ya bidness' and then because I have

no baby

> daddies, they claim that I'm only eligible for 10.00 in foodstams

and nothing

> else. Despite the fact that I've been medically disabled and on

disability

> since my 3 month hospital stay in Feb '99.

>

> I was relaying stories of why ppl had weight loss surgery to my man

and that

> just made me even more mad. On this list and other OSSG lists that

Ive been

> on or currently am on, I've found the exact reason why some

insurance

> companies absolutely refuse to pay for this surgery and call it

cosmetic.

>

> I know a lot of ppl lurk on these lists, but I've 'seen' ppl

exclaim that

> they wanted this surgery because 'thier face was too fat', 'I

couldn't play

> with my small kids', ' I had low self esteem'... but no mention of

health

> problems. I've talked with via the lists to wo/men who were 5'10,

250lbs with

> NO health problems. Now I do understand that that is considered

100lbs over

> weight, but with NO health problems... I would tell ya ass to

change your

> eatting habits, your exercise ethic and send you on your way. I'm

sure ppl at

> the insurance companies think this way too.

>

> Me, this surgery was recommended by my doctor because I have (had

in some

> cases, they've been resolved now) diabetes (type 2 taking 2 - 4

shots a day

> and STILL out of control); high blood pressure (taking THREE bp

meds at the

> same time); enlarged heart; enlarged liver; 40% kidney function;

diabetic

> neurapathy; and severe water retention. *I* had a medical need...

not just

> looking in a mirror and going " oh my ghawd, I have a double chin " .

>

> You have ppl fighing insurance companies to get this surgery and

they just

> (IMHO) need to buckle down and get some self control. Sometimes

they win.

> And I still say good for them.. but then I look at my situation and

I get

> MAD. I can't get insurance to save my life.. literally.

>

> I had to file bankruptsy in 2000 strickly because of medical

bills... and as

> soon as I'm able to file again, I'll probably have to. WHY? because

I dont

> have any baby daddies and can't get much goverment help. I just

started

> getting medicair so I only have to pay 20% now.. but that just

started..

> before I was paying 100%. Still... 20% of the 17,000.00+ for my 5

day stay

> for my leg amputation (and that doesn't include the OR, anesthesia,

> pathology, the surgeon, my prosthetic, the wheel chair, the walker,

the month

> of casting and recasting, and physical therapy that I'll have to

start next

> week).. is more than *I* can afford.

> I can't even get married like I planned to in march 2002 because I

absolutely

> REFUSE to saddle my man with my medical bills. And NO that won't

solve my

> health insurance problems... just remember 'pre-exsisting

conditions are NOT

> covered (sometimes not at all, sometimes not for the 1st yr of

coverage).

>

> ok.. I'll stop ranting now. If you read this.. thank you...Send me

the

> winning lotto numbers ... pray for me.. and I hope I didn't offend

anyone. If

> I did.. well.. deal with it.

>

> Sign me 'Lost in Central Florida'.

>

>

>

>