I came across this powerful stance from a college freshman (and didn't know where to best post it):

Powerful Student Advocate Marissa Lindstrom

This is Walter Lindstrom's daughter. Fantastic stuff!

Her post mentioned the Obesity Action Coalition. They are having a conference, Sept. 25 - 28 in Orlando, FL.

OAC also has walks to raise money and awareness. My hospital is supposed to have one in October and I'm hoping to run it. I think the longest run/walk is 2K -- I could easily walk it now but I want to build up to run it.

You might go to their website to see if there's a walk/run in your area.

G

Lots of good points on Walter Lindstrom's blog: "Lessons Learned: Celebrating 20 Years as a Bariatric Surgery Patient"

http://wlsappeals.com/2094/walters_bariatric_surgery_blog/20-years-bariatric-surgery-patient/

There is help out there for folks who have been denied insurance coverage for bariatric surgery (or want to do everything possible to avoid the denial in the first place) - http://wlsappeals.com/ .

I do not have any first hand experience with these folks but would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has experience. Under the ACA, many states have chosen not to cover bariatric surgery under their plan offerings. Sadly that includes many of the states that have some of the highest rates of obesity in the country.

Bravo to this young lady for speaking out. She deserves our support as do all of the victims of the disease of obesity - which let us not forget includes their friends and loved ones.

Edited July 25, 201412 yr by DLCoggin

There is help out there for folks who have been denied insurance coverage for bariatric surgery (or want to do everything possible to avoid the denial in the first place - http://wlsappeals.com/ .

I do not have any first hand experience with these folks but would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has experience. Under the ACA, many states have chosen not to cover bariatric surgery under their plan offerings. Sadly that includes many of the states that have some of the highest rates of obesity in the country.

Bravo to this young lady for speaking out. She deserves our support as do all of the victims of the disease of obesity - which let us not forget includes their friends and loved ones.

I know Walter for quite some time now. He's a great patient advocate!