Hi everyone. Im so happy to be part of this awesome board. I have learned so much about the VSG, the good and the bad, and I know know even more than before that Im making the right choice with this surgery.

A little about me...Im 5'5", 400lbs, bmi of 66, have high bp, migraines, arthritis, anxiety, sleep/breathing issues, pre diabetes, lower back pain, trouble getting around. Have tried EVERYTHING for years and nothing works. I have been beside myself because I need this surgery to help me get back to being ME, and I wasnt sure if Tennessee medicaid would cover it. I know the sleeve is a tool, but I think its the PERFECT tool to finally help me get back to being happy and healthy. I have 2 kids that I want to be around for. I have been agonizing about the medicaid issue, because if they wont cover it, then I cant have the surgery. And I will die. I know this, I've been told this. Well......

I just found out the Amerigroup in Tennessee (medicaid) WILL cover the sleeve!!!! WOOT!!!

I need 6 months of documented medically supervised diet (got it), need to have a bmi of 40 or higher (definitely got it), need at least 2 health issues as a direct result of my obesity (got that and more), need a statement from my doctor saying that they approve of me having the surgery and feel its necessary (got it from my Virginia doctor and getting it from my new doctor soon, I hope), need 5 years of records showing my weight to be morbidly obese (definitely got it), will need to get a cardiac and pulmunary clearance (dont have it yet but hoping to soon), I need to pass a psych eval (dont have one yet but will soon, I hope), and I need a physician referral to a bariatric surgeon (I will get that soon, as well. I hope)

So hopefully I can get the ball rolling really soon!!! I will be going to the Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity in Nashville, Tn. They are the only ones that do the surgery and will take medicaid. Ironically, I had my daughter at Centennial hospital 5 1/2 years ago when I lived in Nashville before (I moved to Virginia a few years ago and just moved back here), and I really liked that hospital. So Im pretty happy all the way around with things.

So, thats me. No more and no less. I cant wait to be on the other side of this and be on the "losers bench" lol

So glad things are falling into place for you! I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and am so glad i did it! Good luck to you, and may God continue to open the doors necessary to reach your goals!!

Thanks!! How is your weightloss going? What was your starting weight and what is your current weight? Im so excited i can hardly stand it. lol I know I may be looking at 2 or 3 more months before we can set a surgery date, but its just so exciting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!! i feel like the real me has been a prisoner of this fat body for so long. Im ready to break free and LIVE again!!!

Congrats!!! That's great news! I hope there aren't any speed bumps for ya and everything goes smoothly!!!! Can't wait to see your progress!

Thanks!! I just cant wait. Seems like everything is taking so long, when in reality Im already half way there. lol I just want to be on the other side of this so I can start living again.

My name is Sharon. I also live in TN. I was wondering who you talked to about the surgery to get your information. I am 5'3 with a bmi of 62. I have been trying to workout but my body hurts my knees mostly. They told me I have arthritis and maybe that is why I'm having a hard time working out. They also said I have high blood pressure. I have been over weight for sometime as long as I can remember. I'm ready for a change. I want to maybe get the sleeve because it is as close to staying in one peace as I can get. Thanks for any input you can give.