crying out for HELP.............

 IM BASCIALLY CRYIN OUT FOR HELP....IM 26 400+ LBS IM ON SSI AND ONLY INSURANCE I HAVE IS MEDCAID....IVE TRYD EVRY DIET IN THE BOOK NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP IM VERY DEPRESS AND STRESSED ALOT...I WNT KIDS BT I NO ME BEIN THE SIZE IT WILL BE HARD AND VERY UNHEALTH....I DNT HAVE ANYONE IN MY CORNER IT HELP ALOT OF MY FAM IS SKINNY AND OTHER CAN LOSE THE WEIGHT....IM A HOPELESS CASE....SO CAN ANYONE PLZ HELP ME.........

Contact your Medicaid office and ask what bariatric Drs. accept Medicaid. Not many will, and you will more than likely have to travel to get one that does.

I would definately NOT recommend the band, especially at your weight. Start researching DS, RNY, and VSG. All those should be good options for u.

Good luck!!!

 
Medicaid doesn't cover the sleeve, I can't remember if they cover DS.

I had a band placed 2 years ago and I was almost 400 (383).   I've lost about 180 lbs.  Do research all the WLS's and make sure you get the one that is right for you.

I'm sure there are some Bariatric Dr.'s in the DFW area who would accept medicaid, but I don't know for sure which ones.

I'd suggest joining the Yahoo Group DFWBandsters
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DFWBandsters

and asking for recommendations there.  Some of the DFWBandsters list members work for bariatric surgeons and can probably help you.

Best of luck.

 Hi there.  You are NOT hopeless, just confused and in pain.  The best way to pick yourself up is to just take a step in the right direction, and you've taken that first step by coming here to find out your options.  I Googled "medicaid bariatric surgery", and came up with a site for you to check out. 

www.lapbandsurgery.net/medicare-medicaid-lapband.html

Wishing you the best in health,

Tami

 Not knowing the workings of either SSI or Medicare, I can only try the suggestions posted above.

However, we have all stood where you are now. We ALL tried every diet, nothing helped any of us and we were (more likely) all depressed. All I can tell you is to not give up! 

 I know there's a hospital in Grand Junction, CO that accepts Medicaid. It's St. Mary's hospital. They are new to Bariatric surgery and do not have their Certificate of Excellence so they are very happy to take Medicaid. They recently hired a surgeon with a lot of experience. As far as I know, they do all types of WLS's. I'm on SSI/Medicare and recently got the Lap Band. It took awhile to find a surgeon in my area but if you're desperate enough, you'll find what you're looking for. Good luck!

I would think long and hard about banding. Bands provide the slowest weight loss, the least weight loss, the highest regain, and the most mechanical complications of all WLS types. Statistically speaking with your BMI the band isn't likely to be a great option for you.

I know Medicaid does not cover sleeves but I would look and see if they cover DS.