Apt with Dr Bellows in January

hi everyone, i'm new to the board, have LA medicaid because my blood pressure issues caused me to go on dissability.  I've had these health related issues for over 3 years, along with obesity. my PCP refered me to dr bellows as i have also done a sleep study and do have apnea.  i'm just so afraid of rejection !

Only a few people have been denied by medicaid.............. and that was lack of documentation. Once all that is turned in to them they approve you. I had the sleeve done by Dr. Bellows on 9-22-10 and have lost 86 pounds! Good luck with your journey!

thanks so much for the kind words, and congrats on your surgery !   i'm so ready....

Hi, Being you have been to Dr. Bellows I have a few questions to ask.
Do they always take so long to answer the phone?
I was told to fax my referral to 988 5301... I did 3 times and still they say that they havent recieved it, Is this a common problem there?
Are the office visits long?

Hi Katie.  I have only heard of a couple of people who were denied by Dr. Bellow because of lack of documentation. I think things were resubmitted and they were approved afterwards.  I am waiting on my approval now. Welcome to the board and please ask any questions you may have.  Also try to get as many appointments done before your appointment that way they can submit for approval as soon as possible. Anyways welcome to OH...sherri

thanks everyone for the warm welcome !  i am scheduled for another updated sleep apena test this coming week, what other apt's can you all suggest i get done prior to my apt ?

Hello Sherri . I will be seeing Dr Spiegel on Monday to deside on what weight loss revision surgery to have. I had the stomache stapling done 11 yrs ago and i have regained all my weight back. I am hoping to get my approval by the first of the yr. Dr Spiegels assistant told me just to bring my operative report from my last surgery and that they would handle all the insurance stuff. I live in Westlake but i work in Texas and have Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Texas insurance.

Make sure that you any documentation that you had tried to loose weight thru a Dr or weigh****chers or some type of program not just on your own. You will also need a psyc evaluation to make sure ur stable to have surgery. You will also have to see their physical therapist. After those you will need to see a cardiologist. He/She will do a stress test and make sure your heart is ok for surgery. they will need to give you a letter of clearance for surgery. Thats all that I can think of right now. Its a process but it will be soooooo worth it in the end to feel better and not have so many  medical problems caused from obesity. Dont loose hope and dont give up. Always try to remember why you chose to have surgery. To have a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life. Sometimes it will feel like it takes forever ( trust me I know ) lol.  But there is a happy ending. Take care and talk soon...sherri

Hello Sheila. Nice to meet you.  I live not too far from you.  I am having my surgery in New Orleans. I have heard that Dr. Speigal is an awesome surgeon. I did hear that his bedside manner was not great. But hey, I could live with that. I dont even getto meet my surgeon until pre-op. I have had the pleasure of working with my dr's staff and they are all very sweet. I am having the sleeve procedure. It is similar to the bypass just not as aggressive. I wish you great luck with your surgery and hope that we can keep in touch. I will be attending my first support group in December at Womens and Childrens. No RSVP needed. lol I hope to see you there...Sherri