I am starting this petition to ask that United Health Care of Texas (and other insurance companies) to stop excluding weight loss surgery (wls) in their plans.  In some cases, wls maybe the only hope of a person losing and maintaining a healthy weight loss.  Trust me, people do not start out at the wls option.  They have tried everything before getting to this point and to be denied is devastating.  This is usually the last ditch chance to become healthy and get rid of their high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, and other weight related illnesses.  The costs of treating these diseases and illnesses are far more in the long run than covering wls so it makes sense to include this option in their health plans.  This can be the lifesaving surgery so many people are waiting for.

For myself, I am currently 350 lbs and have high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, arthritis, hypothyroidism (due to thyroid removal), and a heart condition.  I have tried every diet known to man, none lasted.  Yes, I did lose some weight but it comes right back. At this point, wls is my best and last hope for survival.  Both my parents dies in their 50's due to obesity related illnesses and I will be next in my family to meet this fate.  Unless United Health Care drops their exclusion and decides to help me save my life.

I am not alone, I know there are millions of people out there just like me....please for them, consider signing this petition.  Thanks so much for your time and consideration.

Michelle C from Texas