Laura Gomez’s journey reflects the barriers millions of Americans face when seeking evidence based care for the disease of obesity. 

Diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, as a teenager, Gomez struggled for decades with persistent hunger and weight gain despite maintaining a nutritious diet and active lifestyle. Like many individuals living with obesity, she cycled through diets and structured programs, losing weight temporarily only to regain it. In 2019, she lost 33 pounds in a medically supervised program, but the weight returned after the program ended. As her weight increased, so did related health complications. In 2017, she underwent total knee replacements due to osteoarthritis exacerbated by excess weight.

By 2022, her care team determined bariatric surgery was medically appropriate. Her insurer, United Healthcare, initially approved the procedure, then reversed the decision. Her employer sponsored plan through Roanoke City Public Schools categorized obesity under “Exclusions: Physical Appearance,” denying coverage.

When she contacted the school system representative overseeing health insurance, she was told there was nothing she could do. She refused to accept that answer. Shocked but determined, she responded, “Who makes the decisions regarding what is in our healthcare plan? I want to speak with them!” That moment marked the beginning of her advocacy.

Rather than accept the denial, Gomez requested meetings with district leaders and presented clinical data supporting metabolic and bariatric surgery as an evidence-based treatment. With guidance from Chris Gallagher, Washington Policy Advisor for the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and The Obesity Society (TOS), she developed a comprehensive case addressing both health outcomes and cost concerns.

Her first presentation in 2022 did not result in change. She returned in 2023 with additional data, aligning her argument with the district’s strategic priorities and addressing concerns about insurance premiums. At the start of her second presentation, she made her position clear:

“For you, this may be policy. For me, this is a matter of life and death.”

After months of follow up, the school board announced in October 2023 that it would expand coverage to include bariatric surgery for all eligible employees and their families. The new coverage took effect in January 2024. Gomez underwent gastric bypass surgery on July 1, 2024, weighing 255 pounds on the day of surgery. She has since lost more than 100 pounds and experienced significant improvements in mobility, cardiovascular fitness and overall quality of life.

Her advocacy extended beyond her school district. In March 2024, she traveled to Washington to participate in OAC Advocacy Day, meeting with congressional staff to support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act. One year later, she returned as both an advocate and speaker.

Gomez’s story illustrates the profound difference access to appropriate health care makes. For years, she followed recommended lifestyle interventions without sustainable results. When evidence based treatment became accessible, those same efforts finally led to lasting change. No patient should have to fight for coverage of medically necessary obesity care. Obesity is a chronic disease, and access to comprehensive treatment, including surgery, medications and supportive services, should not depend on persistence alone. Through determination and advocacy, one educator changed a policy and expanded access for an entire community.

Ready to take action? Explore this resource from the Obesity Action Coalition and EveryBODY Covered to learn how you can advocate for comprehensive obesity care coverage in your workplace and help drive meaningful change.