A group of individuals from the weight loss surgery community have formed a new non-profit organization to help people who are morbidly obese but unable to get bariatric surgery due to financial reasons.
The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA) was created with the goal of raising funds and resources that will provide weight loss surgery for those who would otherwise be unable to afford the procedure. The foundation also hopes to provide reconstructive plastic surgery to remove excess skin for patients who have already benefitted from weight loss surgery.
Since its inception last month, the organization has already raised enough money to give its first grant for weight loss surgery and one year of follow up care with a Bariatric Center of Excellence. The inaugural grant recipient, Connie, has been turned down for weight loss surgery four times in the past six years. Meanwhile, her twin sister Rosemary, who has the same insurance carrier but a different policy, was approved within one month of choosing to undergo the procedure.
Years later Rosemary continues to thrive and maintain a healthy weight while inspiring others, yet Connie still struggles to survive at 350 pounds because she can’t afford bariatric surgery and her insurance carrier refuses to help. The WLSFA plans to film a documentary about the two sisters, following Connie through her weight loss surgery journey in the coming months.
In addition to providing financial assistance for prospective bariatric patients, the WLSFA plans to be involved in charitable events and support research that will find solutions to further enhance the quality of life of the morbidly obese community. The group encourages members and doctors to get involved by volunteering their time or donating money to help those who are unable to afford the procedure that could very well save their life. For more information, visit www.wlsfa.org.
PLEASE NOTE: The Weight Loss Surgery Channel is not affiliated with the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America and does not provide funding for bariatric surgery. To inquire about grant opportunities, please visit www.wlsfa.org.
July 17th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Is there any body to contact me about this program. DO they do this in louisville? thats where i live.
July 26th, 2010 at 12:13 am
I dont know how to get a hold of this foundation. I need help!!! I’m 24years old, i’m only 5′ 7″, and 240 lbs. I’ve struggled all my life with my weight. I’ve always watched what i eat and i still cant get off of that 240lbs mark. All my life has been diet after diet but none of them seem to have worked I’m hypertensive and i have a family history of diabetes. I dont know what to do. I’m unemployed and i have no insurance. Some times i cant even afford my medication. Please help!!!!
August 20th, 2010 at 6:28 am
My name is ruby i am a 35 yr old Hispanic woman 5’0 and 238 pounds.I work graveyard and have for 12 yrs. I have tried losing weight for years now. I tried changing eating habits, going to the gym, even a diet doctor and nothing seems to help.The most I can lose is 10 lbs. My work even has a nutrition program called apple program we are required to participate for insurance purposes.They even assign us a coach. Well working my shift has a big effect on my eating — I don’t know when to eat breakfast or dinner before i go to bed or wake up. I have tried many different things and the weight won’t come off.I have checked with my insurance and it does not pay for the surgery my BMI is 43%. If there is anything you can do PLEASE HELP!
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:37 am
I too am in need of this service. I recently dropped my insurance after going round and round with them because they will not cover anything obesity related. At 5’5 355 lbs anything I have is obesity related and I am desiring weight loss surgery. It is beginning to AFFECT EVERY PART OF MY LIFE AND i SOON WILL HAVE TO QUIT WORKING AT ONLY 44 YEARS OF AGE. Please help or point me in the direction of someone who can help.
September 25th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I am a type 2 diabetic sleep apnea herniated disc in lower back and my neurosurgeon suggests gastric bypass surgery ,i have no insurance.
can you direct me to whomever gives grants ..Please
October 6th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
My husband if approx 100 lbs overweight. He has a history of type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea. This year he had a heart attack and we found out he is in renal failures. We have health insurance, however the policy we have excludes any type of weight loss. Is there anything out there to help with this? At this point his name would not be put on a kidney transplant list.
October 17th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
The website for the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America is http://wlsfa.org/. You may also want to contact the Obesity Action Coalition at http://www.obesityaction.org for information and guidance.
October 20th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I’m 52yrs old @ 235 and have been overweight for more than 20yrs. It’s effecting my health so I have scheduled gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico for 6,000. I checked with U.S. and they want 16,000 which I don’t have. I don’t have 6,000 either but I got a loan and plan to pay it back overe the next 2 yrs. Just a suggestion for thoses who are desperate. Goof luck yo you.
November 1st, 2010 at 7:28 am
I would like more information about this!! I am 34 years old, and morbidly obese @ 5’3 and 300 lbs. I have a family history of diabetes and heart disease and the incipent beginnings of diabetes. I;m currently uninsured, working part-time as a prek teacher, and have tried everything to loose weight but the weight keeps coming back.
I may have to go the loan route, but don;t know if I can get approved because of my income.
December 4th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I am 45 years old and I am 5’2 and obesed I have medicrea and medicaid but it will not pay for weight loss I am bipolar and the meds I am on weight gain is one of the side affects I have breathing problems and sleeping problems because of the weight problem this is the heaviest I have ever been in my life I’m expecting my first grandbaby Feb,March 2011 and I want to not only lose the weight for him but for my love ones but mainly for me I have to much life to enjoy ahead of me please help Thanks Dotty From Eustis,FL.
December 29th, 2010 at 5:03 am
I am 51 years old and I have diabetes.I am having a very hard time trying to lose weight I am now at 250lbs.I was told by the doctors that if I don’t lose the wait I am going blind because diabetes has gotten in my eyes.I have no insurance and I am unemployed PLEASE help me to continue to see the world.I need HELP NOW I want to see my grandchildren grow up.
January 3rd, 2011 at 11:41 pm
Hi, I am 25 308lbs and have arthritis in my hip I was 256 in march 2010 and due to my hip and my weight i can do nothing about it. I am recently married and I can not work more than three hours at a time. I have no clue what to do from here we are living with my parents due to money issues and i could never afford to even consider this surgery. i’ve tried every miricle cure out there and all i want is a normal life where i can participate in things like rock climbing horse back riding heck even bowling! I was enjoying all these things until my body just gave out and now I feel so depressed. i’m tired of crying and i’m tired of being the one that can not participate because i’m close to 200 lbs overweight. heck i’m only 5’3 I have ulcerative colitis migraines hip ankle and back pain i’m depressed and i had my gall bladder removed little over a year ago and i’m still not recovered from that.
January 18th, 2011 at 4:07 am
I am 56 years old and need help. I weight 405 lbs and am 5’3″ tall. I am umemployed and have no insurance. I have type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lymphedema in my legs and lower abdomen. I have tried to loose weight but have been unsuccessful. It is difficult for me now to pay for all the medications. Please direct me to someone who wants to help.
January 25th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
I am 24 years old I am 5’4″ and I weigh 385…. I have a 3 year old son that I love dearly but I can’t enjoy him I suffered and still suffering from depression … Sumtimes I want to give up on life but my little boy keeps me pushing I don’t have much Money I’m so embarrassed to go out with me being overweight to have a job so I do home health my weight is out of control… I need help bad I need any kind of help…I always feel as if I never really lived my life I just want a chance at living…HELP ME PLEASE
February 12th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
My insurance will not pay for any weight loss related. But if you have a heart attack or need heart surgery, they will pay for that. That’s hard to figure out and understand. I am 56 years old and I have hypertension, diabetes type II, I have been on depresson medication for 30 years. I have had two hip replacements (that my insurance paid for). My knees are bad. I’m afraid I’m not going to live to see grandchildren or even live very much longer. I work at a hospital and feel I should look better (lose weight). It is so hard to do.It is really sad that other addictions are paid for, but not weight lose, which is an addiction to me. Some people are so mean to overweight people. But those who have never had that problem will never understand. I sit here typing this now with tears in my eyes. Blessed are those who help those who have gotten help.
March 24th, 2011 at 1:24 am
Hi my name is justin and im 17 years old. I am currently around 400 pounds possibly more
I am very afraid that i am not going to live that long and i really need help.
I wasnt always this big bu alot of things happened that made me depressed and i guess i
Turned to food for comfort. I cant even walk when its cold outside without sweating.
I am so depressed with my weight i dont like to go anywhere because i feel like people are
Staring at me when i go anywhere. Im so ashamed of my body and i dont know what i could
Do about it. I really wish there was something or someone that could help me.
March 30th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
I am 51 years old disable female. I have pulmonary hypertension, type diabetes, degenerative arthritis in both knees. I did all the requirements for medicare, but the hospital needs the deductable for the hospital and surgeon. There is no way I can afford this. I called the hospitals about charity, both of the hospitals says it is cosmatic surgery. When does it comes medical, not cosmetic surgery.
April 12th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Simply put I don’t want to live the way things are. I was put on my first diet before I was eight and I am 26 and have yet to find one that has worked. I am ashamed and depressed with my body. Its truly painful to say I hate my body. I hate the scale that proves I am now 340 pounds and stand 5 foot 10. I’m trapped and scared that if nothing changes my life will end. I have type 2 diabetes. I do what I can to keep moving, to just smile or laugh when I am called names or rejected because of this body. I am a strong person, but I am now asking for help. I need help. I pray someone can understand how hard it is to say that. A simple request to save the life of girl that just wants to start to live before her body ends the life that never got its first chance.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:02 am
I am in need of help for surgery. I am 30 years old and a mother of one. I am 5’4″ and 250 or more pounds. I want to be able to be healthy for my little boy and be able to do more with him. I get winded so fast when we are outside and I can not do half the things that he wants me to do with him. I am working but I can not afford the insurance and I only get 9 hours aweek. I really need help getting this surgery done to help me lose weight I have tried all the diets out there. Some work for a little bit then I stop losing weight. I work out and nothing happens. I do not eat that much as it is and I still am having major problems. I do not want to develop diebetes in my future. I want to be healthy and be a good role model for my son. Please contact me.
April 29th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Hi i had the lapband for about 4 yrs now and ive only lost 10 pounds but gaining the weight back im 23 5’5 241 pounds. please help me i dont have any insurance i need emergency surgery i had a revision 2 yrs ago and now im in so much pain and its like this evey day my dr wanted to do another labband revision to the gastic sleeve.but i dont know want to do. please somone help my i cant take the pain anymore is there anyone out there who can help me please
May 2nd, 2011 at 4:31 pm
I am 25, 5’3″, and weigh 235lbs. I have polyacystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), extreme back pain, knee pain, high blood pressure, no energy, and very low self esteem. I have no insurance and don’t have the money to pay in cash for a surgery. I NEED HELP NOW. I don’t see any way of getting a hold of anyone about this…. I would like some info on how to get this!
May 6th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
I AM A MOTHER OF 7 CHILDREN. I AM OVER WEIGHT AND NEED INFORMATION ON GETTING HELP TO GET WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY. I HAVE 4 BABIES AT HOME THAT NEED THERE MOM AND WOULD LOVE FOR SOMEONE TO HELP ME OUT. I KNOW ITS A MIRACLE BUT GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS. I AM OVER 400 LBS AND HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND MY THROIDS DONT WORK . IF ANYONE GOT INFORMATION PLEASE LET ME KNOW. IM SCARED TO DEATH I WONT BE AROUND FOR MY KIDS. MY KNEES ARE ALREADY GIVING OUT . I NEED HELP BAD.
May 10th, 2011 at 1:35 am
I am a 30 year old female. I weighed 320 pounds just several months ago. I was hit hard with depression after my Mother passed away. I just stopped functioning. I just wanted to lay there and give up. So I did for a few years. Finally I woke up! Only to see the damage I had let happen to myself. I understand how it feels to be trapped inside yourself. Almost like youve walled yourself in a tomb. And your reflection isnt you any more. It took some time and a lot of emotional healing, but I was able to start getting “me” back. I understand fully how all you guys feel and what youre going through. Though, I did not have gastric bypass surgery, I have lost 130 pounds through diet and exercise. I am thrilled to have lost so much weight. And that I am able to continue keeping myself motivated. But now the excess skin I have left over has become physically painful. Its extremely uncomfortable to carry around and limits some of my movements. I am wondering if this program can help me in having this excess skin removed?
May 10th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Sometimes they can get urinary tract infections. Weight Loss Surgery Non-Profit Helping to Pay for Procedures |Weight Loss Surgery Channel: makes sense
June 13th, 2011 at 8:12 am
I’am a 44 year old disable female.I have a paralyzed left arm hypertension type diabetes conjective heart failer.And a very large mid section.And I;am living on a fixed income.Is there any way I can get assistance FOR COSMETIC SURGERY.SINCERLY SANDRA MARTIN
June 17th, 2011 at 3:42 am
I am a 33 year old mother and wife. I weigh 300-307. I have a heel spur and plantar faciatis. I get muscle pulls in my back and neck. I often end up immobile. Keeping from walking, working. I have extreme difficulty finding work with my emotional issues anyway. I don’t know where to begin. I have already changed eating habits….no soda. I am tying so hard, but doing no good. please help.
June 23rd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
i have HBP DIABETES some time i fell like giving up i want to be here for my children.HELP
June 25th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Hi,
Here’s my story.
I’m a 42 male, 5`9 1/2 whole life I’ve been morbidly obese, I lost weight many times but just gained it back anytime I would eat regular portions plus extra weight. I feel like I haven’t really lived my life!
My highest weight was 325, but I’ve been doing the atkins and got down to 300 now. I had afib from my sleep apnea 2 times now which put me in the hospital both times, I had to have a cardiac cath “my arteries are clear thank god”, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and 2 bad knees. I’m gobbling percocets 4 times a fucking day and I hate it!!!!!!!
I falling apart because of my weight! I have to do something or I’m going to die for sure!
I went to the bariatric surgeon and it’s either the lapband or RNY. I told the Dr I wanted the RNY because I don’t want to play around.
I’m not scared of the surgery, I’m scared that I don’t have it yet.
I’m waiting for my apnea machine, I’m scared to sleep.. my Dr told me my apnea is very severe & my oxygen saturation drops as low as 84% when I sleep.
I’m also on social security disability because of a severe panic disorder I have, I can’t even work anymore.
My life is falling apart in front of my eye’s and I’m scared!
I have to see a different bariatric surgeon on the 29th because the 1st Dr I seen only does lapband’s. I also have a dietitian appt on the same day. Then a psych eval on July 12th.
But the thing is I can’t afford the 20%, the Dr. want’s 500.00 & the hospital want’s 1,080 before surgery and I don’t have any idea how I’m going to pay for it. I have Medicare which pay’s 80% but I only get 1,060.00 per month I don’t have a car anymore and I live with my parent’s.
My life is the worst as it’s ever been!
I really need help!
Thank you,
Eugene
June 29th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
eugene hang in there,you can do anything you set your heart on.believe”””’.i’m praying for you.
June 29th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
I have struggle with obesity for 30+ years,diet pills,weightloss shakes,and exercising;i’ve tried everything. I have insurance that just want take this case.I would be more than grateful if I could recive any assistance from your organization.My healths detoriating and I would like to lose weight for my health purposes.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Eugene
I read through your story and felt so much compassion for you. I am a diabetic with sleep apnea, high blood pressure and degenerative disc disease. I have been searching for years to find an answer to my weight issues. I found the Obesity Help forum a few years back, and was introduced to the Duodenal Switch. I originally planned on getting the RNY, but had so many friends who had the RNY and then gained back most of their weight – and so I worried I would be the same.
If you have time to look at ObesityHelp.com, I think you might be excited about the DS. It offers those of us who have a higher BMI a better lifestyle (as opposed to the RNY – where we would have to continue to diet the rest of our lives) and it also has the best weight loss retention stats of all the WLS offered.
Good luck to you….I know this is so hard. My motto: Think twice, cut once.
Blessings to you
Kathleen
July 14th, 2011 at 3:35 am
Hi My name is Kari,Im 26 yrs old,5’8,and 345lbs.I have no insurance,medicaid,and no way to pay for this.But my health is so bad already and to be so young and have so many health issues scares me.My dad died from cancer last yr,my mother has already had it twice,and I have PCOS,endometrosis,knees with deterating cartlidge.I have already had to have emergency Gall bladder surgery,and now bc of my weight and female problem,may never be able to have what I desire the most in this world,My own baby.So can someone please get ahold of me and tell me anything,anyway,or whatever I can do to speak with someone about this.I feel like this company is doing something that is beyond amazing.Please help me.
July 15th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
i am Female 273 and on a good day 267 i am 5″2 i really dont like looking at my slef no more i am age 20 i really do not want to be this way i cant take diet pill bc i SVT that is a heart problum and i also have cervical cancer and really would like to have kids be for i get anything done im so sick of being called a fatt ass by my family and people i dont even know it hurts i walk to miles every day i relly dont eat that much any more have been thinking about be comeing balemic not a good thing i know i really need help
July 21st, 2011 at 2:50 am
I’m 24 an I weigh over 550 pounds I need help I’ve tried all sorts of diets an even joined gyms tried walking an nothing helps I have been bigger all my life but it’s only getting worse
July 24th, 2011 at 2:32 am
Looking for any and all HELP that I can recive. I do not have the best credit in the world, but am willing to pay as much as I can so that I am around for my 3 children. Both my mother and father have passed away and I have to be there for my kids cause there is no where for them to go. I am 30 and right around 400 Lbs and only 5″6. I have hernia repair done on my stomach several times and they are still returning. Yes I am able to move around, I do walk cause well I dont have a car so I can get around but just can not loss the weight. I got down to 318 and then it just started comeing back. What can I do?
August 7th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Kari I saw your post feel free to e-mail me. I have a few ideas mlrose30@gmail.com and anyone else that is having issues if I can help I will. I am getting ready to have gastric bypass surgery in a month, I struggled to get it. I have been fighting for it for 2 year years and finally thank God I am getting ready to get it done.
August 9th, 2011 at 11:44 am
FYI*** those who have Medicaid-will pay for all cost!!!!
August 14th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Hello. I am a 44 years old 5’4 and 260lbs My BMI is 44. I have Diabetes, hypertension, Hypothyroidism, and Neuropathy. I have tried every diet you can think of. I even joined a gym and did Boot Camp, changed my eating habits. My insurance approved the gastric bypass surgery. I went to the doctor for my counseling and I get a phone call from the insurance that the surgery was Denied. No explanation from the insurance only that they made a mistake and Surgery is Denied. If there is anything you can do for me please contact me. Thank you for your time and I hope you have a bless day. Colleen
August 23rd, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Hi. I’m 35yrs old and 234lbs. I have tried every diet under the sun. i’ve yo-yoed for years and never gotten smaller that 186 lbs. I have 3 children and work very hard for very little. I make sure my kids have everything they need, but in doing so i have ended up without quite a bit. Not upset about it, just praying there is help for me. I do realize there are alot of people out there just like me. We’ve all had it hard is some way or other. Please consider me, if there is any help that can be given. Thank you. Denise
September 7th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Hi. I am 42 yrs old, was in a car accident a few yrs ago, had major back surgery. Due to the severe pain before surgery I became inactive and have gone from 170 to 295 lbs @ 5’8″ tall, and a BMI of 43…I lost my job, had referral for bariatric surgery, but lost insurance. All the weight is really wearing me down, my knees are hurting now, my low back still hurts and I know the majority of it is from the weight. I can’t sleep very well, sleep apnea has come into play and life has just become miserable….I need help terribly. Please contact me if you can help. Thank you.
September 14th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
me and my sister both are very large woman i am 39 5’7 and weigh roughly 400lbs. my sister vicky is 41 5’7 and roughly 375lbs. my son jayson, hes 10, has only 2 wishes in his young life. one, to grow up and be a pro basketball player. 2nd, for me and my sister to live long enough to see him play. we are all he has. hes an honor student.very sweet.just an all around good kid.recently i had a nervous breakdown, because im tired of bein fat.im tired of being tired. i wanna live. i need your help. please. we are just two sisters raising my son and we both need lapband surgery.but we couldnt begin to afford the surgeries.we barely make ends meet.sad thing is, because money is so tight, when we are able to really grocery shop for our house, jayson is starting to pick up our habits like when we were kids EAT CUZ IT MAY NOT BE THERE FOR AWHILE AGAIN. jayson is almost 5’5 .again 10yrs old and weighs 155lbs. please please help me and my sister. so we can live.
September 14th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Please help me i want to live. 8 yrs. ago my only son got killed by drunk driver. on my birthday within 5 hours my brother died of colon cancer.I have been gaining every since. i have had 6 knee surgeys on right and 1 one left weight has played a big factor. Please help me.
September 14th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
i want to live starting gaing when my only son got killed by drunken driver on my birthday. within 5 hours my birthday died of colon cancer. i have had 6 surgeys on right knee 1 on left knee. Please i want to walk and live help me.
September 26th, 2011 at 10:46 am
I am 50 years old and weigh about 300 lbs. and I have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and now osteoarthritis in my knees. I am in a lot of pain and I know that if I can lose weight then it would relieve some of the pain. I have no insurance and can’t afford to get insurance on my own since I am unemployed and on unemployment. I want to work, but I know it will be hard with the pain. I have just recently applied for disability and who knows if and when I will get it or if I will even be approved. I would give anything to be able to have weight loss surgery. I want to get healthier and do somethings to get my life back in order.
September 30th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
My story sound so similar I’m 5 ft 4in and I weigh 270lbs. I want and need the surgery so bad. I’m unemployed with no health insurance because I was laid off in 2010. I have been trying to do it on my own but no results. I have type 2 diabetes simply because of my weight. I need help
October 7th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
I am 41 yrs old and used to weigh 417 lbs, I’m a diabetic and have lost now over 100 lbs . I’m now at 300 lbs, and have a lot of excess lose skin that needs removing. Medicaid doesn’t pay for this, and I’m on a very low income. I would like to go back to work soon, I haven’t worked since 2007 because of the weight and health issues caused from the weight. I really would like to know more about this program, please help me!!
October 9th, 2011 at 7:41 am
Hello
I am 64 yrs old and weigh 237 lbs. I AM 5’2″ TALL. I am on medicade
and I pay an insurnace premium but they will not cover the surgery I have tried everything. n most important concern is my health and of course like any other woman I would like to look nice again.I get so discouraged. I have so may things to do and see in my life ,but i fear I will not live long enough to acomplish these things.
Is there any help for me . I surlely cannot afford this procedure. I should surly been thinking more when I was shoving food in my mouth. PLEASEHELP!
October 11th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
I am 39 years old Mother of two. I have struggled with weight issues all my life and have tried every diet out there I know several how have suggested the surgery to me after receiving it with great success. I have a disabled child who depends on me. at this point and weighty my quality of life is rapidly decreasing I am afraid if I do not find a solution I will not be around very much longer to take care of my children does anyone know of any help out there for those of us who have no insurance?
October 11th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
I am a single mom of 3 daughters age 20 15 and 9. I also have a 3yr old grandson. I have lost my whole family to heart disease my father in 1987 my sister in 2004 my brother in 2005 and my mother in 2009. I do not want to die from heart disease or diabetes and leave my daughters and grandson without a mom or mimi! Please help me I am. All they have left
October 16th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Hi!! I have been trying to get surgery for about 3 years now. I spent time researching, and going to seminars; two different surgeons in two different states. At the time, I had insurance, but the first doctor wanted an additional 7000.00, and the other was out of state and the insurance did not cover there. I also went to two seminars with the same Bariatric group, but would get to certain point, and hit a roadblock. The first time, I had to have 250.00 for my pre operation exams, and did not have it; about 6 months later, I tried again, having to go to the seminar and everything again. This time I did get to go to the pre exams, but then my husband lost his job, therefore loosing his/our insurance.
It’s so frustrating!! I am an educated woman, with a teaching degree, and I have been taking a course to earn a paralegal cerificate. The problem is I am afraid to get out in the working world again, especially because of my weight. It is really causing me to become really down(I take meds for bipolar). Not only that, I just do not have any energy! I am 45 with a BMI of 41, and I desperately want a better quality of life, able to enjoy my family: 3 sons, 12,11 and 21, who has my granddaughter who is 6 months old. And although my husband loves me big, he is supportive of my getting the surgery to better my health.
I really would appreciate help to be able to complete the last step I had to go to a new, better, healthier way of life. PLEASE!! Thank You!
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
I have lost 160 lbs after weighing 265 to 3oo lbs for 32 years. After losing this weight I have excess skin on my stomach and the inside thighs. I have worked very hard to keep this off and for 2 years I have done just that. But it is very discouraging when the excess skin keeps me from being able to get my cloths to fit without spandex. I will be 55 years old in Feb. and am trying to find a way to be more confident with the way I feel and look. Is there anyone who can get me information to help with this. I don’t have insurance and can’t afford it. I dont know any other way to have this done. I am in front of people all the time and with my job and ministry I need help to get past the last hurdle of this journey. I would be forever grateful if someone could help me find a way to do this. thank you very much
October 23rd, 2011 at 4:07 am
I am 32, with a lifetime of weight issues! I got skinny at one point of my life-through eating disorders. I stopped killing myself and now I am 250lbs(I did once weigh 300 and through starvation/bulimia/over exercising I got down to 130lbs-nothing was healthy about it) now I am normal and back to my fat self. I am unemployed, uninsured-I need help, desperately! My weight makes me depressed and on the verge of starting old habits! I can’t do this the rest if my life but can’t afford surgery to fix it! Please, please help!!
October 24th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
hi i am 41 years old and have been over wieght all my life and dont have any insurance and have struggled with depresion . went through 20+ years of drug addiction and im really wanting to lose wieght but cant sem to do this i have tried everything from the cabbage diet to every pill on market even phen phen pills . i need some kind of funding help im tired of being 450+ pounds . i would lke to have kidds someday and be able to see them grow up. please try to provide me with some info.email me bigeuphold@hotmail.com
October 24th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I recently traveled to university of virginia where i was approved and my doctor refered me. My appointment was on the 10/20/2011 at 8:00 am, so i went up there the day before got a hotel room and the next morning i went. Now mind you i drove 4 hours to get here. So i got checked in for my pre-op and went to the seminar. At the beginning of this seminar there was a insurance guy there asking the people one by one what kind of insurance they had. Then he got to me and i told him i did not have insurance but i was approved by university of virginia, he told me then that he advised me after the seminar to not see the doctor and get labs cause just the labs alone would be about 1,800.00 dollars. Well when the seminar was over i went downstairs to medical billing, and i was so upset. I asked what was going on and they told me i was approved to go back up there and wait to be seen by the doctors. So i waited and waited and finally the nurse took me out in the hallway and said that this is not a elective surgery and will not be covered, so i got upset again and had too drive 4 hours home. I cannot go on like this i weigh 315 pounds my height is 5’6” i relly had my hopes up for getting this done, but now i just dont know what to do any help would be greatly appreciated thank you
November 2nd, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Hi, I’m 35 yrs old, 5’0 and weigh 275lbs. I have struggled with weight my entire life. I have tried many diets with no success. I have tried a trainer for a 6mth period and only lost 7lbs. I’ve tried working out on my own, changed my eating habits and nothing has worked. I often find myself immensely depressed about my weight. Last year, i was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which causes a hormonal inbalance. Basically my doctor instructed me that i needed to loose weight in order to get this condition under control. He also informed me that one of the side effects would be weight gain, i have since learned that losing weight with this condition is EXTREMELY difficult, thus i feel like i’m in a “Winless” regarding my weight. I feel like surgery is my last resort. I was laid off almost a year ago and thus, don’t have any health insurance and have yet to find gainful employment. I am in desperate need of assistance to help me get healthy. I’m so afraid of developing diabetes, heart disease, HBP, or worse as a result of my weight. Please help!!!
Thank you!!!
November 8th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
I am 58 years old 410 lbs need help to pay for lap band please help.
November 28th, 2011 at 4:11 am
I am 52 years old and I struggled with my weight for my whole life. I weight 350 lbs 5 foot 5. I also lost my job and have not found a new one because my weight is part of the problem. I really could use some help.
December 5th, 2011 at 8:25 am
My strife started early in my childhood. When I was very young I suffered heavy bouts of asthma and chronic bronchitis. Something with the medical treatments went seriously wrong and I started to gain weight uncontrollably. However, since my life was in direct danger from my other medical issues, no one was really concerned about a kid’s little weight gain. Later when my childhood health issues subsided it became obvious that my obesity had become a serious problem on its own, and despite all my desperate attempts it seemed beyond my control to help it.
I am a small frame but on my 21st birthday I weighed at 120kg (265lb), heavy with all the ridicule and attacks that I had experienced all throughout my school years. I started seeking out ways to improve my physical condition with the hope that I might somehow be included in society, that I might be noticed for my qualities and character, and not only for my extreme obesity. I was so consumed with the stigma of my weight that as a young person I did not even aspire for professional development and career. All I wanted was to be “normal” in the eyes of my piers. So I finally took things in my hands and after many months and gargantuan efforts, excruciating starvation and dieting I managed to reach the dreamed of weight of 60kg (132lb). Except as you can imagine nothing was dreamy about my physical appearance at this point. My overstretched skin was hanging all around me; while I still didn’t fit in the sizes I should have been able to wear being 60kg. From the extreme dieting and nutrition depletion my gums and teeth became diseased. The skin on my face aged beyond my years. I was disappointed beyond words and scared for my health.
At this point I started looking for medical help, but was told that the Bulgarian public health system does not provide an avenue for my kind of ailments. I took financial credit and sought help from private clinics but this was in vain too, as the cosmetic surgery industry in Bulgaria is fairly new field with only few privileged customers who can afford it. The complete procedures that I required were priced beyond anything I or my family could afford.
I was completely crushed that despite all my will power, personal efforts and financial investment I was still in the same desperate state that I started from without hope for a different future. It has been more than 10 years that I have maintained my goal weight of 60kg, but still as far away from my dream as back then.
My dream is a really a simple one – it is really a hope for a normal life. I believe that a woman’s call is to be a mother and a lover, to give birth, to raise a family and create a home. I want to be that, I want to do all these things in my life. But how can I ever hope? I have been alone for many years now – not for lack of interested parties. But I have been intentionally avoiding any romantic involvement, for fear of the day when I would have to stand in front of him naked.
And in everyday life and at my job I want to reach out and apply my full potential. But I am terrified to ever come to the front or raise attention to myself – for what if they notice some piece of hanging flesh that I failed to conceal and what if they talk like it usually happens.
I understand that one cannot lead a full life if they are in a constant state of defensiveness and intense self awareness. This is not how you fight with the challenges and hardships of life. For this one needs confidence – a quality that I understandably lack.
So I turn to you with a plea for help and cooperation. I don’t know whether my story has moved you at all, yet I dare to hope that you might be able to help me achieve my dream for a normal appearance and life. How and by what means I would leave to your judgment and suggestions.
December 13th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure , I have no insurance, I make 200.00 a week for myself and 6 yr old daughter to live . We live in moss point, MS. I have no insurance. I don’t make any money to live . I know I want to get the sleeve surgery , because I want to see my daughter graduate school, get married, and way down the line have me some grand babies . Please help me I really need help in thus matter. Thank you very much
December 14th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I am disabled and was on steroid treatments for 5years to treat MCTD. I am 35yrs old and have been weened off the steroid but not before gaining 100lbs. Since August 2011, I have lost 80lbs and feel better, but the sagging, extra skin is causing rashes and pain from the hanging. I also feel like I am in an 80yr old body. I did not have any surgery to loss the weight… I did it naturally. Being on disability, I can’t afford to have the skin removed, even though it is causing me health problems. If there is any one out there that know anyway I can get the treatment I need, please let me know… I AM DESPERATE!!!!
December 22nd, 2011 at 7:30 pm
im a 39yr old woman whohas struggled with my weight for the past 10yrs. after i had my second son i have had nonthing but promblems. i cant seem to stop gaining no matter how hard i try. i went from a size 9 to a 30w and way around 400lbs if not more right now. i was also diagnosed with Narcolpsy in 2006. it has a major part with my weight gain. also im a diabetic. now have high blood pressure and copd on a bypap machine and oxygen in day. i lost my job from my health increasing had to get on disability. but even with my medical insurance i cant afford or get help paying for any type of weight loss surgery. i would really love ur help. i dont want to die at an early age. im a mom and granny. i want to enjoy them. its hard because i can barely breath enough or walk far enough to the mailbox not along climb stairs well.
December 27th, 2011 at 8:33 am
Well-great stories–but most a bunch of garbage of folks who do not respect themselves enough to do the HARD work of eating right and changing their life!! I know it sounds harsh and I know it will make many of you angry–but in 20 years of obesity and cardiology treatment there is always the folks looking for the easy way–and not pay for it themselves!! If I go to your car right now–how many fast food items and soft drinks will I find, look in the pantry–are there cakes and cookies? YES??? Look inward–there is always another excuse, I do not buy any of them. This foundation needs to be for folks who have had mental health counseling, and may need to have the skin surgery after they have made the personal committment to lose the weight-not for those looking for surgery to try–and gain back the weight again. I will wait to see how this foundation selects the patients BEFORE I give money and/or time. I feel for all the obese but get off the couch before you look for a hand out!
December 27th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
I am 41yrs old and am extremely overweight. I have a BMI of 53.3. I have read each and every one of the stories here. Gosh I honestly felt alone in this battle with my weight and now know that I am soooo not alone. I work for the local hospital and have insurance but, they will not pay 1 red cent towards weight loss. It’s disgusting especially because they are bending over backwards to help Cigarette smokers. I need help desperately…..
December 28th, 2011 at 12:37 am
Hi im all to familiar with the pain these people have to live. Im not going to tell my whole story I will tell you this. I am 33now I have been in a fight with my body all my life well sense 1985 I know all to well how mean people can be and there kids can make a person feel even worse ( look mommy how fat that lady is ) I know you want to just run back to your bed and hide because I do. Im a sick lady I have medical problems myself I can’t exercise now I have rheumatoid arthritis I have two kids 15 year old boy and a 12 year old daughter I was a only child 26 years now I have a 10 year old sister who looks up to me well she is over wait to and is putting on more I try to talk to these kids about this painful problem in our lives but they think im kool its not kool to me I know how life can treat bigger people I have felt the pain of our community/ society I hurt everyday of my life now for my family more than myself I realy want to live to hold my grandchildren I want to hold my nieces or nephews one day. I feel my days are numbered in this life and I need help I want help I will do all I can to change my life I need help I am on ssi so yea im poor too I can’t stress enough how much I need the help i need my life back. I will fight for my life for my kids someone plz help….
December 31st, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Hello everyone,
I’m 32 years old 4’11 and 230 pounds. I’ve tried just about everything to lose weight. I am involved in a water aerobics program every other day. I usually eat three times a day and I don’t eat big meals.
I participated in the water aerobics class for four months and lost a total of two pounds. I’ve worked out before endlessly and still I can’t seem to lose the weight. I’ve been heavy since the age of 13 when I stopped growing. At age 22 I gained 50 pounds from birth control.
I have tried just about every diet there is. I just don’t seem to be losing weight. I am not diabetic yet. Many years ago I had my thyroid checked. Its functional.
I have no medical insurance. I have no children and I am not married. I am a full time college student. I can’t breath, I can’t sleep, there are days where I have no energy. I just don’t know what to do anymore. If you can help please give me information.