My name is Sarah, a 38-year-old single mother, sharing my story on behalf of all those living with morbid obesity and secondary health conditions that limit our physical activities. I have a degenerative disc disorder, a spinal condition that restricts me from traditional means of achieving weight loss, like exercise. Despite my efforts, losing weight remains a battle for me, necessitating surgical interventions like liposuction and skin removal. Unfortunately, these are deemed 'cosmetic' procedures and not covered by Medi-Cal.

Morbid obesity is a disease, and the prevention and treatment of this disease should not be limited to just bariatric surgery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42.4% of U.S. adults were obese in 2017-2018. The current policies overlook the fact that for those of us struggling with extreme obesity and accompanying physical conditions, alternative procedures like liposuction can play a significant role in our health and recovery.

We call on the United States of America to reevaluate and broaden its Medi-Cal healthcare policies encompassing medical procedures beyond bariatric surgery for treating obesity. It is high time to acknowledge and facilitate our need for medical assistance that truly aligns with our health circumstances. We urge policy makers to reconsider the classification of medically warranted procedures like liposuction from cosmetic to therapeutic for people suffering from morbid obesity and associated complications.

Stand with us. Sign the petition. Demand an inclusive healthcare system for individuals grappling with morbid obesity.