Hello, I'm new here and looking to have the WLS done

I'm new here and at the start of the beginning of my journey.....Met with my DR. again yesterday with the guidelines from medicaid as that is how it will have to be paid for. He says I qualify hands down so he is writting my letter of recommendation and helping me find a surgeon who will take Medicaid patients for the surgery. He had recommended a surgeon, whom he knew, and I checked with them. They do not take medicaid patients for this type surgery....so back to square one with that. I can't wait for us to find a surgeon that will take me. I need to do this....so I can live longer and have a better life. And with no insurance I can't afford to pay for it myself. I am a stay at home mom and my husband is on Disabilty. So as you see, there is little income to take care of a much needed surgery. I have been big most all of my life. I never feel good....I never want to go anywhere anymore....I don't want to get dressed....MY favorite place is my bed. I hate being tired all the time and not feeling good all the time. I just want to be healthy and happy. Thanks for letting me vent .... Blessings, Leslie

Hi Leslie! I'm new too....I posted a note for the first time last night. Just a note of good luck to you...wish me the same! Kat

Thanks Kat! I do wish you luck too! Too me there is nothing I've been more sure of except when I asked the Lord into my heart, married my husband and planned my kids! I'm more than ready and I can't wait to get this ball rolling..... Blessings, Leslie

and feeling great. You are in for the ride of your life! I have had a pretty easy time of it. Sure, there is some pain involved and it is certainly an adjustment to learning what you can and can't eat. The hardest part for me has been finding a protein drink. This website is a fantastic place for support and information. If you ever have any questions, fire away. Karen

Hey Karen! I've been following your journey over the past few weeks...glad things went well for you and hopefully, you're thru the roughest part....I wish I was to that spot. I'm soooo ready to do this. I haven't told alot of people that I'm thinking of WLS.....and I don't really know why I haven't. Maybe as I get closer to the "beginning", I'll talk. I think I'd like to use Dr. Luttrell....I got the packet and film from his office last week. I fear that I'm gonna have to fight with my insurance over this. How does the self-pay thing work? Does the surgeon's office help with the financing? I guess I need to get off my beehind and call the insurance office and then make an appointment with the doc. Anyway, glad you're doing so well and I'll be watching for your posts here. Take care and lose!!!!!!! Kat

Hi Karen, Glad you are doing well. I wondered what you meant by " the ride of your life"? I'm just getting ready to get on that ride,( Wednes.) and any info. would help! Thanks, Sharon Terhune

Hey Karen! I really like unjury protein powder. It mixes easily with skim milk and tastes like regular chocolate milk - without the thickening stuff in so many of the brands. It is almost 100% protein with next to no carbs or fat. If you email me, you can come by and try a sample (I live in WLR). I order it in bulk from unjury.com. I have some extra if you want to buy it. One 8 oz glass of milk with mix has 28 gms protein. Joy

Hi Leslie...haven't heard from you in a while. How's the process going? I talked with the HR director where I work and she says I can borrow money against my retirement savings. I figure, since my insurance has the dreaded "WRITTEN EXCLUSION" for bariatric surgeries, I will dip into this account and be a self-pay...anyway, with all my health problems, I may not make it into retirement to use it!!! I called St.Vincent's Bariatric Center and I plan on going to the seminar on Feb 1st with Dr.Ozment. Any chance you might be there? Let me know if there is....I'd love to meet you in person! Kat

Hi Kat, Glad to hear your getting things done to do this. I'm going to try Dr Baker if I can get medicaid to pay for this....have an appointment with them on the 3rd and I'll havee my reeferal letter from my PCP. Already turned my paperwork in to Dr Baker. So if I don't get medicaid I guess I don't get the surgery...Unfortunately there isn't any retirement or anything elsee to dip into for me....we are a low income family...I don't work...mainly because of my health and I wanted to be home with my son who will be turning 3 and going to headstart this next year. And my hubby is on disability....so four of us live on one disability income....not much to live on I tell ya. Forgivee the extra eee's my keyboard over likes them! LOL Anyway, all I can do is pray. But the medicaid office is asking about any unpaid medical bills...I do havee them but not from the last 3 months. And that is what they are talking about....Dr Bakers office is talking about me going to do a sleep study and I thought maybe I could do that and have a unpaid medical bill, but I rememebered my husband last year, I think, went to get onee and they wanted $900 up front for it since we weree self pay.....if wee can't pay for insurance wee suree can't pay for that! We can't win for loosing.....so I am not sure that will work for me either....although it is a new year....and things do change....I just pray they change for the best.....I havee faith that if I am to get this surgery GOD will see to it....if not then I won't. I'm giving it to him and just doing my part....that is all I can do and pray. Blessings, Leslie PS I would love to meet you too! maybe soon.