How Do I Get Surgery?

[kopite4ever 0]

Hello! I am a 43 year old guy, 6ft 2" and weigh 468 lbs as of today. I recently was diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, IBS, chronic dry cough, an enlarged heart and they are still testing me for heart disease which is big in my family. With all the pain and suffering from being 270 lbs above my weight as a former athlete, I feel like I will die soon. I am on 6 pills to control my conditions but it is so tough to move my body without pain and getting breathless and dehydrated, that I have to procrastinate about doing anything...I rarely leave the apartment. I used to be a social person and get on with everyone, but now I am embarrassed to be seen out. I desperately want the lap band surgery so I can lose 100 lbs over the next 12 months and get my energy and strength back to be active again and drop down eventually to 200 lbs. But I earn below the poverty line and medicaid does not cover this surgery. I don't want to die this young.

Does anyone know how I can get this surgery?

[Humming Bird 275]

From what I understand medicaid does cover this surgery. I think you should check into that more.

Search this forum and others. Make calls to lapband surgeon's offices. You will find much help that way.

I really think you can get it done. Good luck to you and stick around LBT for great support and info.

[kopite4ever 0]

Dear Hummingbird,

Thanks so much for your reply. I will check with them again and follow your advice. But the kind of medicaid program I am on is called Health Alliance and being in DC they are very limited to what they will cover. I believe lap band surgery is considered cosmetic and so they do not cover that. But I will check again. I see some very differing prices on here from $5000 to $30,000 but wonder what that will cover and I guess the lower the price the less the aftercare.

[Aquarius12459 0]

Check out Advanced Weight Loss Solutions There are 2 offices - Rockville and Reston. I attended one of the online webinars last fall and it was very helpful. There is also a section about finance and paying etc. I'm sure they can assist you in providing information/options etc. Will all your other conditions, it shouldn't be considered cosmetic for you. Also, you may need to have referal from a Primary Care Physician if you have one. Good Luck. :thumbup:

[kopite4ever 0]

Aquarius,

Thanks for this information. I will definitely check them out. I am seeing my PCP at the end of the month and will ask about a referral and about getting my insurance to cover me. I will update here as I learn more.

[Aquarius12459 0]

Aquarius,

Thanks for this information. I will definitely check them out. I am seeing my PCP at the end of the month and will ask about a referral and about getting my insurance to cover me. I will update here as I learn more.

Dr. Eric Pinnar is the main surgeon there for the lapband procedure. Good Luck to you!

[Majj 0]

I am not from the USA so I don`t know anything about your medical system ...But I just wanted to wish you luck with your Quest , I hope you can get the help and support you need ....

Take care and don`t give up....

Marion