Advice Please

helloe veryone i am new to this board and would like some advice on how to go about things..i am 36 5ft2 247lbs..I have tried everything from over the counter weightloss medication to Dr. perscribed medication to gyms to on my own exercising..And yet still nothing positive has come about..I am totally disabled at this point and time due to a back injury and 5 months post op from back surgery..I have molina medicaid and have spoken to my Doctor about the Lap Band..Has anyone ever dealt with Molina Medicaid about weight loss surgery??How did it go?? Was there special requirements that needed to be met??I have DDD threw out my spine Arthritis as well..Ruptured disc's in the mid spinal area..I am concerened that if i do not get help soon with getting some weight off that my spine will become more damaged as well as other parts of my body.. HELP Please..

It will be a long process for medicaid to cover the procedure right now im going through the process of waiting and see if my insurance wil cover it I have straight medicaid and medicair the sent me to a psyciatrist and a nutritionist Im waiting for my test from my psycotrist just go and talkd to ur doc and have documents ready they will ask for weight loss document within the last 5 years thats all I can say for now thats all I can say on my part im just starting the process for my surgery.

First thing you need to do is get your PCP on board with this surgery. Research what type you want and what your insurance will cover and go from there. Call MMPC and see if they take your insurance and what their guidlines are. kp

thanks for the replies..i have spoken with my PCP and he has started the process and is behind me on my decision..i have checked with MMPC a year or so ago and at that time they did not take Molina Medicaid..I have been researching the Lap Band and feel that that is the safest procedure..I can get all my files dating back to when i was a child and with weight problems stemming from when i was about 5 yrs old..

First I would call Molina Medicaid and see if they cover the procedure, Then ask them what there requirments are to qualify for surgery then have your PCP send a referal to the surgical program that you are interested in going to and then call the office and get scheduled for there orientation. The surgeon office usually will handle all the paperwork which will be submitted to Molina for authorization for the surgery. But your pcp needs to have a referal on file before you see the surgeon or it will not be covered. Good luck Tricia

thanks Tricia..i was able to find a surgeon who acce[ted my Ins and set up a appt for orientation in the middle of Jan which will give me time to get all my ducks in a row..The lady told me i did not need a referral but i am getting one anyhow and also and am getting a letter from my PCP and one of each of my Neurosurgeons..And have already started a letter myself.. for anyone who has had the surgery or lapband..how are you doing since??

I just wanted to say how happy I am that you found someone that accepted your insurance ! Thats a great start ! Do alot of research on LapBand, visit that board on here. It will really help ! ! Good Luck with everything ~~Rona