I'm looking for some help

I have spoken with my PCP and he and I have come to a decision that I need gastric bypass. I don't know of a surgeon here in NW arkansas that would take medicaid or even if my medicaid would pay for it. I spoke with the medicaid office today and they said if my doctor could prove its medically neccessary then I could get it. So does anyone know what has to be proved other than the fact I am morbidly obese? I weigh 365-375 I'm not actually sure how much I weigh I'm just guessing at it because my doctor's office scale only goes up to 350 and I'm past that. I really want this to happen so that my health will get better. I have sleep apnea and know that is getting worse as I am waking up with headaches,sleepy during the day etc. I wear a CPAP mask but think I need to have another sleep study done but can't afford it. Any information anyone could give would be great. Jan

Jan, there is a doctor in this area that performs gastric bypasses, Dr John Kendrick in Springdale, however, there is no hospital at this time that has an active program so most individuals wind up either going to Tulsa to Dr. Luis Gorospe or to Little Rock. I have spent several months doing research on this surgery and Medicaid will pay for it, I am not sure of the criteria other than a letter from the physician. There is also a support group that meets in Rogers twice a month at the St. Marys basement auditorium on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. The phone number for more info on this in either 479-531-1837 or 479-381-0118. Dr. Kendricks office also holds a support group meeting in Springdale once a month and they have not had one yet in October so you may want to contact his office for details. I hope this information has helped. May God bless you on your journey to becoming a new person and the best of luck to you. Kay

Jan, have you called Dr. Leah Oman/Dr. Jack Alston at the NW Surgical Clinic in Springdale. Their number is 751-3202. They did my surgery in May but I had to go to Siloam to have it done. NW Medical is considering opening the program back up in December. I don't know if they take Medicaid but it wouldn't hurt to check. Wendy is their receptionist and she is a doll. Give them a call to see and good luck! Glenn Gay Springdale Lap RNY 5/26/04 76 pounds down