It's a long story but a year ago I fell and tore a tendon and bruised an ankle bone. It still hurts, I can't walk more than a few blocks without being in severe pain.

I started researching in February and had the surgeon call UHC. They said I just needed a 5 year history over 40 BMI.

I called twice and was told the same thing.

In the meantime I've gone to seminars, support groups, spent hours and hours online researching. I have never spent so much time on deciding anything.

Finally I decided for sure, went to all the tests. Had to make up all the time off work.

They finally submit and I get a denial because they want me to do a six month diet.

I'm 41, I have done every diet known to man, hypnotherapy, supplements, psychotherapy, and exercise.

I've been told if I don't lose my ankle won't heal. But I can't work out because of the pain.

I'm on an antidepressant that causes weight fIn and makes weught loss almost impossible. I have tried numerous times to get off of it. I even have taken other medication and nothing works.

I am trying to get my WW history but they are playing games with me. I was thinning maybe after surgery I might go back but not now. Because I'm not a current member they won't just print off a receipt. After I went through this a week ago and was emailed my receipts for the online tools only.

Today they say they have to fill out a form to have a department email me my reveille which takes 7 business days.

I feel fat and ugly. I hate my clothes. I have moments when I think I don't want to go on if I can't have the surgery.

I'm thinking I may just end up having it in Mexico.

Trying to keep my head up but I feel so down.

You can do this. I was the opposite of you. As long as the surgery was in the somewhat distant future, I was fine. The office called and scheduled the surgery early with only two weeks notice. Then I went into panic mode for about a day. Well, I did it and I am ecstatic. I'm looking forward to hearing your "after" stories.