kelseygwynne

I have been researching Medicaid stance on bariatric procedures, and here in WV, I found interesting information: You have to have a BMI over 40 (check) for the past FIVE YEARS. Five years ago I was 19, and I was around 35. You have to be diabetic. I have never heard this before!! I know you have to have co-morbidities, but this is specifically diabetes?! You have to be using a walker or wheelchair because of limited mobility, which I have never heard of. These seem like VERY restrictive guidelines...any fellow WVians experience this or anyone from another state have similar hurdles? There is no way I can meet all of these criteria!!

The saga continues...talked to my doctor today, she told me that Medicaid here doesn't cover any weight loss surgery, only Coventry Cares Medicaid, which I have never even heard of (formerly Carelink). I emailed them, but haven't heard back yet. You would think I was asking someone to pay for me to have an extra head implanted!!

Has anyone had any experience getting sleeve approval from Medicaid? I don't even know how to BEGIN

That is such a good idea. YOU ARE A GENIUS.

You were right...I've contacted every sleeve surgeon in my state and none take Medicaid...but they won't pay out of state either..great!!

Well, I just called my center to sign up for the info session, the big first step! And they currently aren't accepting Medicaid patients The hospital in my town only does bypass and band, no sleeve available. Very discouraging.

Hi! I am a 23 year old female living in West Virginia. Recently, I got to my highest weight, 230 lbs. I am 5'4 and my BMI is 39.5. I am scared and embarrassed and humiliated and nervous for the trajectory my life could be on. My main problem is compulsive eating. I have a NEED to eat, and if I don't I feel off, like I can't concentrate on anything else. I also tend to choose awful foods like fast food. Sometimes I think I'm doing it on purpose because I hate myself and who I've become and the unhealthy food is a punishment. I'm currently in therapy for binge eating and anxiety to hopefully deal with that. Because of those issues, I'm worried if gastric sleeve will be able to help me. Certainly it'll help my physical self, but I'm afraid my mental food blocks could be too much. Can anyone else speak to this and relate? Thank you so much! Kelsey

Thanks everyone. I'm just confused about it all still I guess. I've been reading a lot, but I still don't understand--once you're at your goal weight, CAN you eat all of your favorite foods?? Just smaller portions?? I know you won't be able to eat a whole pizza, but can you still have the occasional slice?