title 19 (medicaid)

Does anyone know how to get appoval if you have this? I have looked and decided that lap-band would do good for me. I have diabetes tye 2, high blood pressue, arthritus, high cholestral, pcos. How would I start? I live in Cedar Rapids.

Hi Kristy, are you by chance related to Skeeter Blume in Belle Plaine? Just wondering. I'm probably not going to be much help to you because my Lap WLS was back in 6-2002. I think that insurance is a son-of-a-gun these days but what helped me was not only my own health issues (same as yours without diabetes 2 but family history of it) but my long history of trying diets one after another and my families history of health issues like blood pressure, triglycerides, etc. You'll probably need to start either with your family doctor or directly call a WLS for advice. I must add that me personally, I looked at all the procedures also and the bad was the least favorite. It wasn't because the Band was bad, it was because everyone I knew personally.......theirs failed. Failed meaning......they didn't loose the weight. They would loose about 50# then stop and regain (for example). I don't want to say that my type WLS is better than anyone elses type because I don't think any type is good for us. For me, I no longer had any strength to control my eatting habits and I was slowly gaining each and every month. I had given up! I am a Lap MGB person (again, not bragging here). I chose the MGB mainly because it was reversible and because it was Lap. Whatever you decide to do, my best advice is to do it Lap. Also, (band) I didn't care for the pouch idea and needing fills all the time. The Band was cheaper had I had to pay out of pocket, but insurance paid mine whew. Had ins. "not" paid, I'm not sure where I'd be today. "Maybe" a Band? Or, maybe abroad for WLS? Today, I am long into PS. I've had 43 (+/-) procedures, 4 medical vacations to Brazil, and I am going to NY in April (I hope) for a consult on Lipo and a new butt! LOL You take Care of yourself Kristy and I want to wish you all the best in the upcoming "crazy" lifestyle changes. Peggy in Belle Plaine, IA

Have you discussed this with your physician at all? Likely you'll need a referral letter to a surgeon for a consultation. Also check with the T-19 for a referral too. The only facility that I know of that does Medicare or Medicaid is in Grinnell (Surgical Associates). You can check them out at www.grinnellsurgeons.com Dr. Coster is great! Good luck to you. Jillybean

I am 16 weeks post op (Lap-Band) I am also on Title 19. I had to wait a year and half to get approved for surgery . There are alot of hoops to jump through.. and alot of waiting time but I am here to tell ya it is well worth it. I am in Waterloo had surgery at Sartori in Cedar Falls ,Dr.Glass**** and my Primary Care Physician Dr.Woodbury were wonderful ,they helped me so much . I have epilepsey, sleep apnea,GERD, and Hypertension ,Asthma and I personally wanted the RNY but had the Lapband and I tell ya what I am glad that I did. Good Luck...and hang in there ...