hi my name is cody and im new to the forums,ive been needing some help with weight for a very long time,i can hardly exercise cause of my ankles are killing me,ive got severe scoliosis, and it hurts a lot,im 5'10 and current weight is 310 so that averages my bmi is 44,ive got high blood pressure,high cholesterol,type 2 diabetes,diabetes has caused diabetic neuropathy,ive recently been put on disability because ive tried to work a few times and couldn't,ive did some research and found out that Medicaid will cover it if its bad enough,i think my case is somewhat bad and I think they approve me,ive made numerous attempts and cant seem to keep it off,i I cant seem to stop eating,icant seem to get full,the thing im wandering is how do I get started with the process or who do I contact,has anybody else have it done with Medicaid,thanks

Ya Medi-cal is covering bariatric surgery right now. I would look up bariatric surgeons in your area that are centers of excellence. Call them and ask if they take Medicaid. Your BMI and comorbidities should qualify you.

hi my name is cody and im new to the forums,ive been needing some help with weight for a very long time,i can hardly exercise cause of my ankles are killing me,ive got severe scoliosis, and it hurts a lot,im 5'10 and current weight is 310 so that averages my bmi is 44,ive got high blood pressure,high cholesterol,type 2 diabetes,diabetes has caused diabetic neuropathy,ive recently been put on disability because ive tried to work a few times and couldn't,ive did some research and found out that Medicaid will cover it if its bad enough,i think my case is somewhat bad and I think they approve me,ive made numerous attempts and cant seem to keep it off,i I cant seem to stop eating,icant seem to get full,the thing im wandering is how do I get started with the process or who do I contact,has anybody else have it done with Medicaid,thanks

Your medicaid provider list should have the hospitals and surgeons. Also, you might want to call Medicaid because they will probably have requirements for you to get the surgery. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to move forward.

I found this place,its roughly a hr away http://www.atlantabariatriccenter.com/choosing-weight-loss-surgery/paying-for-surgery,do I call them first or ask my primary care physician,im going to see her next week,I read that Medicaid covered gastric bypass,thats the most effrective,I know my stomach is severly streached,im very motivated and have high spirits and would love to lose the weight, forgot to mention I was 21,i was told if I lost weight I may can stop insulin and possible others to

I know this is just a forums but with my conditions and problems by the way it sounds wonder what my odds are of getting approved?

Hi Cody, welcome to the forum. This is a great place to come for support and information. We hope you will visit often and make comments. From what you have described, it certainly sounds like all of your comorbidities along with your weight should qualify you for one of the surgeries. Pick up the phone and talk to somebody at Medicaid. I've heard of other people in the forum who have used Medicaid but I am not sure what the requirements. Either way, you can't proceed until you know if they cover bariatric surgery or not. One of the tabs at the top of this page says "surgeons" Click on it and type in your location and see if one is listed for your area. If not google Bariatric Sugery in xxxxxx town, Georgia * you know, what ever town you live in. They will be able to set you up with a seminar where you will learn about the various surgeries. If you have any problem in that regard, come back and ask one of us to help you. I wish you much luck and hope that this journey will put you on a healthier and happier path. Good luck.

Ok thanks ill update as I go along I'm going to call the the center Monday morning and I'll post what I find out

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Edited June 7, 201412 yr by pontiacgp

ok i just completed the online seminar at the atlanta bariactric center in georgia,it was showing the 3 types of surgery,gasttric,sleeve or lap band,im not sure what medicaid covers but do you think the lap band is effective,it says it takes up to 18 months or more to lose weight,the sleeve or gastric bypass is very quick

The sucess rate with bypass is highest of the three. A lot of people on here have revision surgeries, to go from band or sleeve to full bypass. You will need to speak with your insurance or the patient advocate at the surgeons office to find out which your insurance covers for you. One thing to check... do they cover a revision surgery. My insurance is specific, it will only pay for one wls surgery. If I fail at one I would have to pay out of pocket for additionals. That amung other things made up my mind for me. So keep researching then decide.

I'm banded and it's working for me but I do recognize the band requires more discipline to lose weight and the complications with the band is more.

Here's one of the bands successes: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/310313-300-pounds-lateram-i-living-a-dream-or-is-this-in-fact-reality/?p=3502477

Jennifer above has a good point. I'd never thought this way before but it's a legit concern?

I went to my doctor today and I discussed it and we talked about after the surgery and before and she's had 2 medicaid patients who has had it done and she said she will fill out any papers that need to be done and help get the process started, she said it could take up to a year and it's lots of paper work, is it a difficult process?Also the surgery center wants me to call Monday with my insurance information, if other ga medicaid patients have had it done shouldn't my medicaid cover it?

I know I've got to lose the weight first but will they pay to have the skin fixed?

i spoke with the center todsy,they took my medicaid info and they said they will contact me when they hear something from medicaid,does anybody know how long that usually takes?

Follow back up with this center in a few days. Just keep bugging them until you have what you need. You don't want to be put on the bottom of the stack. Be sure this center is definitely willing to take you as a Medicaid patient. (Sometimes they don't like to because they don't get paid enough from Medicaid. They can make more money from patients with regular insurance.)

Getting ready for the surgery will be a long process, and yes, as long as one year before you get your surgery is probably very realistic with Medicaid. But do not be discouraged by that. Given your medical conditions, you sound like a good candidate for the surgery. Your decision to look into having surgery, changing your eating habits and improving your health for the rest of your life at age 21 is the best decision you will probably ever make in your life. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment and dedication to yourself to stick to the rules of WLS that we all have to follow to be healthy and successful, but it is so worth it.

No matter how tiring all the paperwork, etc gets, keep plugging away until you get into your pre-op program. The time will go fast and getting your surgery date will happen before you know it.

Good luck and please keep us posted how it's going for you!