letter to grievance board

[Guest guest]

Hi Family...This is a draft of the letter I'm bringing to the grievance

committee. If you have any thoughts on changes or additions or anything,

please do tell me. (I don't have a printer so my best friend is printing

it for me.)

I'm also bringing letters from my doctors, a list of comorbidities, a

list of medications & their prices, and a list of weight loss attempts

already made.

Love & Hugs....

Tess

Dear Providence Board: I am here today, grateful for the opportunity to

speak with you.

At a weight of ___, and BMI of approximately 65, my 5 foot 3 inch tall

frame is losing the battle for strength, endurance, and good health. I

can walk only a short distance without use of a walker. Though I am

bright, intelligent and creative, I am not able to work because my

morbidly obese body tires so easily, and experiences tremendous pain

even with slight exertion. I cannot pick up my grandson, nor play

actively with my granddaughter. Church pews and theater seats cut into

my sides. Mostly, I stay in my home. Some days it hurts too much to

stand and cook dinner. I am exhausted after showering. I awake in the

night from pain. Life is very, very difficult. But I am not a quitter,

and that's why I'm here today.

I'm on multiple medications, a list of which I've included for you. They

help, but they do not eliminate nor heal the many comorbidities I have.

I am now on four injections daily of insulin, and 2 oral agents, high

blood pressure medication, a diuretic, pain medications, plus many more.

This is only a stop-gap measure, and my doctors tell me things will only

get worse at the weight I am at. They tell me my life will be cut short

by this morbid obesity. Statistics bear this out.

I am seeking a consult with a bariatric surgeon to know if this is even

an option for me. Certainly my weight, BMI and comorbidities support the

wisdom and prudence of finding out if one of the types of gastric bypass

surgery would be appropriate for me.

I have done a lot of investigating of the various types of bariatric

surgery. I have educated myself on the pros and cons, the benefits and

risks. I have sought out patients who have had success with these

procedures, and patients who have not. I am very aware that this is not

at all a 'cosmetic' surgery, but a very serious, life-altering

procedure. I know that on-going support from other patients, my friends

and family is a necessity for a successful recovery, and that this would

be a no-turning-back, life-long venture.

I understand the costs involved, but I also understand the financial

deficit it will take to keep me on all the medications I am on, likely

medication increases in the future, with all the necessary and varied

doctors I see, follow-up lab work, and further surgery that may be

required because of my comorbidities.

Please hear me. I want to live. I want to work. To have a social life,

to be able to play with my grandkids, to be a active, contributing

member of our society. I believe I have so much to offer. But to

paraphrase an expression, " My spirit is willing, but my morbidly obese

body is far too weak. "

I truly believe that a consult with a bariatric surgeon is a wise and

necessary step in the right direction. This is not a frivolous nor

inconsequential event for me. It may very well mean my life. Whatever

information I can glean from a consult with a bariatric surgeon, whether

surgery is advised or not, will supply me with more information, and

more opportunities to make healthy changes in my life.

Living the way I do at this weight with these comorbidities is a sad and

painful existence. Please allow me the opportunity to explore this

avenue of possible hope.   It is my fervent prayer that you will say

yes to a consult. Please.

Sincerely,