Has anyone been able to get off of assistance after WLS? I mean diability pay, or other forms of subsidized living? It was a question posed to me at lunch, and I didn't really have an answer for it.

Added :

Is there anyone out there that will or has been able to remove themselves from subsidized pay that they were living on pre-sleeve, after experiencing relief from symptoms due to being obese?

Does anyone have this as a goal?

Yes, I am on short term disability right now. They state of Cali pays 55% of my pay. I had surgery on June 12th. My Dr. asked when I wanted him to say I could go back to work. I said July 17th. So, disability will pay me until then.

Thank you for replying kamrie37.

I'm assuming when you say disability you're not referring to short term or long term disability, but more specifically like Social Security Disability, correct?

I am on permanent disability due to several ailments but mostly because of myasthenia gravis. Unfortunately, losing weight will not make it go away but it will help some of the symptoms such as muscle function in my limbs. Trying to go back to any kind of work,,even if just seasonal, prn or part time has always been my goal.

I'm assuming when you say disability you're not referring to short term or long term disability, but more specifically like Social Security Disability, correct?

Yes - specifically this was posed to me by a friend's daughter that has been following my journey with increasing interest - to the point that her Mom thinks she may change her major...she has to write a paper this fall, and she thought it would be interesting to report on people (not statistically but individually) that have been able to re-enter the workforce after WLS - or will enter it for the first time.

I told her I would see what info I could get.

My cousin had a gastric bypass done about 8 years ago she was over 500 lbs possibly reaching 600. Because of issues she had because of her obesity she qualified for SS benefits. Today she weighs possibly 225-250lbs not to sure because she was around 160 at some point , walks alot goes to frequent appointments for herself and her children and is quite capable of working in my opinion but continues to receive her check every month, public assistance and whatever other benefits she qualifies for. So I think it's just a matter of whether the person who receives these benefits wants to enter the work place.

I think I misunderstood the question.. sorry. I am only off due to the surgery but work full time.

On my soap box....

I think that if the gov't paid for more people to get weight loss surgery there would be less need for them to be dependent back on the government for daily living expenses.

However if one is not movitated to remove themselvs from the system pre-op then I highly doubt that loosing weight would encourage them to do so obviously they are comfortale with the "lifestyle" the govt and us working have provided enabling them to be non-self sufficient.

BUT having said that- the cost of WLS and the food you need to eat, RTD meals etc are a bit pricey in some areas and that could be a deterrant- I doubt anytime soon you will see Unjury on the approved food stamp/WIC list anywhere...

The government has NO idea what preventive medicine means for any type of health care yet they now will run it