Needing Advice On Writing Short Essay For Weight Loss History For Insurance

[Mrs.E 3]

I am filling out paperwork for my Surgeon's office and I have almost completed the Weight Management History portion that has to be submitted to my Insurance company. They stress filling it out in detail, which I understand. I have come to the essay portion that asks me to " describe the limitations ( physical, emotional, employment) morbid obesity imposes on you in your daily activity." I am at a loss as to where to start. I am afraid they will not see my limitations as reasons for surgery. It feels like a test... LOL. I hate tests. I am afraid of writing the "wrong" thing. has anyone else had to do this, and if so could you give me a little advice? Thanks!

[traceyinflorida 499]

I did not have to do this, but I would start with a list or outline before you start writing. Start with 'medical issues' like not getting enough sleep because you have to wake up to pee six times (something that goes away when you start to lose), because of episodes of sleep apnea that leave you gasping for air and fearing for your life. That you cannot exercise because your knees, joints hurt, you get out of breath. You cannot climb a set of stairs without getting winded. You are concerned for your health. The emotional aspects, it is depressing to be overweight. You feel like you do not participate fully in life because your weight holds you back. You may not have all the things I described (these were me) but hopefully it gives you some ideas.

[Mrs.E 3]

I did not have to do this, but I would start with a list or outline before you start writing. Start with 'medical issues' like not getting enough sleep because you have to wake up to pee six times (something that goes away when you start to lose), because of episodes of sleep apnea that leave you gasping for air and fearing for your life. That you cannot exercise because your knees, joints hurt, you get out of breath. You cannot climb a set of stairs without getting winded. You are concerned for your health. The emotional aspects, it is depressing to be overweight. You feel like you do not participate fully in life because your weight holds you back. You may not have all the things I described (these were me) but hopefully it gives you some ideas.

Thank you for the ideas. I really appreciate it!

[funkeechiggen 135]

Building on what traceyinflorida said, maybe you could carry a notepad with you for 1-2 days and jot things down as you experience them. My own experience would include things like: not being able to tie my shoes easily due and difficulty breathing when bending over, difficulty getting in and out of vehicles and chairs (my desk chair for example), difficulty maintaining personal hygiene (wiping while going to the bathroom, showering, etc.).

[funkeechiggen 135]

TMI I know, but i think 99% of this board knows what I mean

difficulty maintaining personal hygiene (wiping while going to the bathroom, showering, etc.).

[Mrs.E 3]

TMI I know, but i think 99% of this board knows what I mean

LOL I hear ya! I will for sure make a list of daily struggles. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Pookeyism 1,143]

I did not have to do this, being selfpay but with what you have said I would say something like this:

I would list my issues and then explain how they fit into my day - explain how they impede your movement, thinking, breathing, career, income both earning and expenditures...quality of housekeeping, being able to keep clean, suffering in extreme weather, prejudice, etc - and go forth to mention specifics that could do more than immediately affect the quality of life...inability to quickly get out of a building if it were on fire or otherwise compromised. Inability to defend yourself if assaulted, robed, attempted rape, home invasion...inability to exit a plane quickly, run away from danger. Inability to correctly perform CPR or most be able to have the strength to correctly perform it on you. EMT not being able to handle you quickly and in many cases at all. Inability to keep up with small children or elderlyin your care, attend seminars, performances, team bondng situations. The mental stress and depression it adds to in all these situations and how little time that leaves open to even leading a mediocre day.