Every year at this time, I get information about my medical insurance coverage for next year. As I was leafing through the materials the other day, I noticed that weight loss surgery is covered by my insurance, but nutritional therapy is not. So, the insurance company is willing to pay thousands of dollars for me to have my stomach physically altered, but will not help me to learn to fuel my body in a more healthful way.
The cost of weight loss surgery can range from $17,000 – $30,000. That’s a lot of money to spend on something that could make me sick, will likely drastically alter my life, and while it will probably result in some weight loss, can’t guarantee that I will maintain that weight loss. While weight loss surgery is a best option for some people, what if that’s not for me? (Just to clarify, this is just a hypothetical conversation for me.)
Now, let’s say I could take that money and spend it on a health resort, a place that teaches me how to prepare nutritious food, move my body in ways that strengthen it, and care for both my body and my mind. Wouldn’t that be a better way to spend that money? Or, shouldn’t it at least be an alternative way to spend that money? Many health resorts focus on this whole-body approach to wellness, including the very important mental aspect. Imagine feeling strong, fueling your body with delicious and nutritious food, and learning to love and accept your body through all stages of wellness. Doesn’t that sound like a good way to improve your health?
Unfortunately, because these resorts can cost thousands of dollars per week to attend, the cost is prohibitive for many people who could seriously benefit from the education they would receive there. And insurance won’t cover it – at least not mine. (I’ve thought about how interesting it would be for me to spend a week at a health resort that recently opened here in upstate New York, which offers a program of fitness, nutrition, and education, but at a cost of at least $2,000 per week? Forget it!)
It’s sad that my insurance company would be willing to let me go under the knife, but doesn’t want to help me learn and embrace habits that could help me to lead a longer, healthier life without entering the operating room.
