Help!!

Hello, I moved to Maine at the end of February from Kansas.  I have been wanting to have this surgery for a couple of years.  I have done Weigh****chers twice, numerous other diets and even a medically supervised diet through Via Christi St Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.  I have extremely high blood pressure and, although not diagnosed, severe sleep apnea.  Being new to the state, I am not sure how things work here.  I have MaineCare and have heard from some people that they will cover it.  I just do not know where to start.  If anyone can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks.  I look forward to hearing what you all have to say. Cassidy

Cassidy, my name is Deanna and I live in Dixmont.  I am going through Maine General Bariatric Program in Augusta.  In order to see them you must attend their seminar and also get a referal from your primary care physician.  I started the journey in March and my surgery is scheduled for September 26th.   Hope to hear from you soon.  Deanna

Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor has a very good program, but it would be a drive for you. I know Augusta was mentioned and I believe Central Maine Medical Center in Portland has a program as well but I am not positive about that. I think with all programs you can attend an information session but in order to go beyond that you need a doctor, such as your PCP, to recommend you.

Thank you both.  I have to make an appointment next week with my pcp for a physical and I will talk with her about the surgery.  Thanks again.

Hi Cassidy,   Welcome to Maine!  Years ago I lived in Kansas for 3 years.  It's a beautiful state, but very different from here.  How are you adjusting?      Your headed in the right direction with getting your PCP's referral for the surgery.  Next step is the Seminar for whichever Bariatric Center you go through.  I'm going through the MGMC Bariatric Center in Augusta and love the staff there.  There are several hoops to jump through after that if you decide that surgery is for you.       MaineCare does pay for both surgeries if you qualify under their definition of medically necessary, which it looks like you do.  There are several tests that you will probably need as part of the application process....sleep study, etc.  to help document your need for the surgery.      The process can take awhile, but just keep your end goal in mind and it will help the journey seem a little shorter.  Good Luck and keep us posted!   Blessings, Yvonne

Hello, Yes, Maine is very different from Kansas.  I have lived in Kansas for all of my life (28 years) and while I do miss it, I am enjoying it here in Maine.  It took me awhile to get used to it, especially the way people talk but I don't really notice it any more, just a few words. I have my first appointment with my pcp.  I am a new patient and they can't get me in until November 2nd, so I am thinking of finding a new dr. as I would like to get in to get a physical and stuff before then.  But will see.

Thanks so much for the information.  I will keep you posted.

Cassidy

Welcome to Maine :)  I see you live in Sabattus there are new bariatric doctors at CMMC, you may want to check them out. I went to Portland for my doctor and surgery only because at the time I started the program with my PCP there were no longer any doctors doing the surgery here. Im not sure about CMMC but my doctor did the lap-band with laperospic (spelling?) Linda