MileHighGreen
In response to my recent denial from my insurance company I am writing to explain my need for the Lap-Band Surgery. My entire life I have battled with weight. I have tried numerous weight loss programs and lost for a brief period, only to regain more weight each time.
I did lose a significant amount in 1996 to 1997 due active alcoholism. This involved causing my health to deteriorate to such an extent that I would not recommend it to anyone. My skin was yellow, I had liver enzyme readings way out of the normal range and was diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis also know enlarged liver that was turning “fatty”. Though my enzymes have returned to the normal ranges am now concerned that my weight may be causing additional stain on my liver since my recovery. I have been a recovering alcoholic since April 13, 1997.
Since the time of my recovery, I have been gaining, losing and gaining weight. With each failure my ability to lose has become more and more difficult. I have been unable to get below 172 lbs. before regaining. My last regain of weight took me well into the 200’s. My highest weight to date has been 235.
My cholesterol has been above normal for over ten years. The use of cholesterol lowering drugs hasn’t been successful due to my inability to take them due to the side effects. My blood sugar has been at level described to me as impaired for the at least the last five years. My greatest fear is that I will soon develop full blown Diabetes. Diabetes and high blood pressure run on my mom’s side of the family. The numbers do seem drop with weight loss so I am hoping to be proactive in preventing that from happening.
My nocturnal study showed that I am having periods during the night where I am experiencing 50% oxygen levels. I am following that up with a sleep study. The sleep lab called me and have scheduled me to come back for my CPAP fitting on August 14, 2007. My dad has significant sleep apnea too. My dad also has a history of heart problems, high blood pressure and has suffered a stroke.
Another significant problem my weight is causing is the impairment of my ability to be mobile and exercise. I have a condition in both feet known as Morton’s Neuroma. I have under gone treatment for this condition up to and including surgery. I have had surgery twice on each foot in effort to alleviate the pain. The first surgery was done once I achieved a weight of 185. The second followed a regain and weight of 190. Following my last weight gain my foot pain is no longer being controlled by using orthotics and my arches have fallen which is one of the known contributing factors to this type of neuroma.
I had to undergo surgery on my right knee for damages from a car wreck at the age of seventeen. In the last two and half years since topping 200 I have developed chronic pain in that knee. In the last year I have developed chronic pain in my hips as well. I am taking anti-inflammatory drugs regularly and would like to stop.
By bringing my weight under control I believe I can continue and improve my ability to be mobile and exercise. With the ability to remain mobile and exercise I can sustain successful weight loss as well as my career. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight will also help me to keep my now borderline co-morbidities into no morbidities. Covering this surgery now will save the insurance company in the long run as well as assist me in becoming healthy so I can continue to be a contributing member of society.
I have been successful in recovering from alcohol and tobacco addiction. The last step in successfully transforming my life will be to achieve a healthy weight. When you stop smoking and drinking you no longer consume any of these substances. Over time, the ability to live without them becomes much easier. In the battle of the bulge I do not have the option of not eating so the additional tool afforded to me by the Lap-Band is essential in helping me develop the habits I need to reach and sustain a healthy weight.
