Yesterday 7/10/08 I had my consultation with Dr. Bell. Everything went really good and he took the time to not only answer all of my questions (which were 3 pages long), he also explained more about the surgery.

My next step now is to have my Psych Evaluation done. They have it set for the 24th, but I will have to reschedule that.

While I was there I found out that Medicaid does cover it, but they may not allow me to have the surgery done here at the hospital near by because it is not a teaching hospital. I really do pray that they will allow it, because we cannot travel to and from Greenville all the time for everything. That would be like a 2 hour trip, whereas the hospital that is close to us is only like 10 or 15 minutes away.

My husband said that if they do not allow me to have it done to the one closest to me, that we would appeal it. I personally do not know if that will even help or not, because I am only one person.

I do however understand the teaching hospital, but when you are not doing so well health wise and cannot afford to pay the outrages gas prices to make sure there is always plenty of gas, then one closer to you should be considered for that person with these problems.

The Dr's office is suppose to call me today and let me know if they will allow it or not, so I will let you all know.

I don't want this to come of mean, but if your health is too bad to travel then are you sure having surgery is safe?

Many people make the sacifice to travel far to have their surgeries and see doctors. Cut out a couple of things, sell something on eBay to get funds and save for gas. If losing weight is something that will improve your life then you will find a way.

Good luck with your LB journey!

I do however understand the teaching hospital, but when you are not doing so well health wise and cannot afford to pay the outrages gas prices to make sure there is always plenty of gas, then one closer to you should be considered for that person with these problems.

When I spoke about not doing so well health wise, what I meant was that I have back and knee problems and trying to get comfortable for that long of a trip is something that I would have troouble with.

As for the money. I talked with an old friend of ours today and he told me that if they will not allow me to have it done then he would help us out with the gas to get back and forth on the long trips.