How To Start Process??? - ThinnerTimes

Susan R · 01-11-2005, 08:58 AM

Hi, My name is Susan and I am 150 lbs over weight. I'm very depressed and desperate and I want to get bypass surgery yesterday. I'm on social security and have straight Med-i-cal. I do not have a primary care physician and go to Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Carson California for my care. I do not know how to start or if I can even qualify. I thought my best bet was to go to people who have been there and know the ropes. I have e-mailed one of the members here privately from this board who works in the 'field' for his advise as well, but thought I'd open up to the board too. Your help would be truly appreciated. I guess I don't have to tell you how hard my life has become and how the bigger I get the more I'm ignored and shamed by the world. I also just had surgey and they removed my female organs and my incision will not heal because my stomach is so big it just keeps ripping it open. My knees, ankles and back are in constant pain. I am short and I small framed and this extra wieght is killing me. I can't even walk outside without deep fear people will say mean things to me or stare. Please help. I want my life back. Thanks Susan R

Christina · 01-11-2005, 10:10 AM

You are right, we have walked in your shoes. I think your best bet right now is to make sure you have documentation on a diet regimine that did not work for you.. six months is what most Insurance companies require now before they will pay for surgery. Check with your Insurance and make sure it is covered. You should quialify with your co-morbidities and your BMI seems to be in the right range if you are 150 lbs over weight.

Good luck to you and let us know if you need ANYTHING it is a long road but worth it in the end.

Susan R · 01-11-2005, 09:18 PM

Thanks Christina! I was hoping to see if anyone on the board has been approved that has med-i-cal and social security. Also how they went about it. That's really why i came here first. I appreciate the other info too though.
Susan

Tara · 01-11-2005, 09:37 PM

The next time you see a doctor I would ask them if they refer people for WLS. I would think you could contact med-i-cal and see if they cover it. Make sure the doctor documents on your chart the problems your having with your last surgery that you listed. That also could help your case. Hope everything turns out for you! Good luck!

cedesigns · 01-11-2005, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan R

Thanks Christina! I was hoping to see if anyone on the board has been approved that has med-i-cal and social security. Also how they went about it. That's really why i came here first. I appreciate the other info too though.
Susan

Susan,

Not all GB surgical clinics accept medi-cal/ss but some do. There is a clinic in Orange County that works with medi-cal. Since this is the site for another clinic I will not post that info. If you want to post me privately I would be happy to give you the info. The only snaffoo that I can think of is that your general physician would have to refer you to their clinic (I am fairly certain that is how it would work). My e-mail addy is cedesigns6@aol.com.

Good luck on your quest. I can speak for myself and I am sure others on this list, that we have all been where you are. Carrying that amount of weight is miserable, everything hurts, and it can begin to affect all parts of your body over time.

Carol
5weeks post op / laproscopic RNY, no big scars!

watergirl · 01-12-2005, 08:25 AM

I don't know anything about insurance, but I wanted to wish you well in your journey. Good luck with your approval. I was where you are now only a short 5 months ago, I feel your pain.

Bigs ((((((((hugs))))))))

Susan R · 01-12-2005, 09:26 PM

Thank you so much Kim. I am going to keep my eye on the goal and try not to allow myself to get discouraged. Goo dluck on your journey as well!

watergirl · 01-13-2005, 07:26 AM

Thank you for you kind well wishes. Keeping your eye on the goal is a good way to look at this. It is a process both mentally and physically.

You Go Girl! We'll be here for you during the process.

onederlandbound · 01-14-2005, 01:22 AM

Like Kim, I don't know anything about your insurance, but I wish you well on your journey.

Susan R · 01-14-2005, 06:09 PM

I actually received good news about my insurance today and it looks as though I'll be able to get the coverage i need next month!!! Thanks for your support- it really means a lot. Congradulations and I'll be seeing onederland myself one day too now! God is so good.
Susan