Vocational Rehab users

Hey Everyone, I met Arlies Q. on the main board (hope it's ok I dropped your name Oh Queen, hehe) and she recommended I post here. I'm trying to get assistance for my surgery from Voc Rehab in my home state of Ohio. The woman I met with was very friendly but told me she had no idea how my application would go as she had seen a request like mine. She said it would be a good idea to get verification from others (preferably in Ohio, but I can use all the amunition I can get) that Voc Rehab has helped with WLS in the past. I would surely appreciate any help from others who have already been where I'm trying to go. Thanks, and good luck everyone!

It may take a few days to get a reply. But I know Kristi from Meridian will reply, so just be patient with us. We go in fits and starts over here! Smooch, Arlies

Hi La Davis .I have an appointment with Ms Vocational Rehab 18th of May i am not real sure how it all works as this will be my first dealings with them ,but like Arlies said Kristi can tell you more about it ....Sherry

Hey this is Kristi from Meridian, MS. Sorry IM just now replying..it has been a busy day. I am using Voc Rehab (VR) for my surgery since my insurance won't pay. I can tell you about my Mississippi experience with VR. You have to show proof that either you don't have insurance or that yours won't pay. Take them ALL THE INFO YOU CAN GATHER to your first appt. w/ VR. I took them my Dr's medical rec. (that is a MUST), had to give them letters from my employers (part and full time) stating that my weight was a detriment in my job, took them records from every gym i've belonged to, every prescription I have had filled re diet pills or antidepressents, every diet I've been on (dr. supervised and not), copies from all my doc's charts stating my weight at the time and the reason for the visit. Anything you can find and get your hands on that has to do with your weight or your efforts to lose weight is great. If you want to know how things proceeded with me check out my profile on Obesity Help. If I can answer anymore questions I'll be happy to,just let me know! Good Luck and God Bless! Kristi

thanks kristi.....every little bit helps. i'll let you know how it goes!

See! That was Kristi from Meridian!!! We love her! Smooch, Arlies

Hi I just started reading the post I have been in the chat room but never looked at the message board anyway my name is Matt and im from Beaumont Miss. I used Voc Rehab in Mississippi I had open RNY Jan 12 04. The process wasnt hard, I had to get all my medical records froim my regular Dr showing where I had tried diets and failed or gained it back, I had to prove that I had 2 co morbidities which was being 100lbs overweight and having Gout really bad which effected my work I was approved in april of 2003 and had surgery Jan 12 2004. My voc rehab councelor was great and did everything she could to keep me updated after it was all said and done Ill have to pay for xrays and pathology which come to about 1200 dollars alot better than the whjole surgery and that is something new voc rehab stopped paying pathology and xrays. Ill answer any question that i can about voc rehab just ask me lol thanks Matt by the way just over 4 months out Im down 127 lbs and feeling great!!

Muahhhhh Matt! My next appointment with VR is Tuesday. Including you, I now know 5 other WLS patients who used Voc Rehab, and that has to stand for something! It never occurred to me that I would have a problem finding a surgeon. I don't understand why some doctors won't accept VR funding. Why would they care if their money came from an insurance company, a government agency. or my pocket? As long as they get paid, what's the fuss? I have already had my consultation with a surgeon, jeeze I don't want to have to start all over again. Thanks for your help, and congrats on your success! La