I have been denied care because a provider thought making a point was more important than helping me. As part of my cancer diagnosis, I was told that I had to achieve a certain BMI before I was allowed to have reconstructive surgery. I worked hard, went to a personal trainer, and still had trouble losing weight. I moved to more restrictive eating and started taking drastic measures to try to lose the weight in order to qualify for this surgery. Despite seeing other people bigger than me having this surgery, I was still told by the surgeon that I had to reach the BMI number. I felt depressed and uncomfortable in my skin.

I found support from another medical professional, who vouched for me with the surgeon that I was doing all of the right things and had a baseline of health. This person said, “You know the BMI is not made for people of color.” So this roadblock that I’d been working to overcome for two years did not apply to me. I ended up getting the surgery, but the surgeon gave me no credit for the weight that I lost and made me realize that I was trusting someone I shouldn’t.