can you help?

Hello my name is Jan... I am pre op and looking for information on how to obtain a doctor in montana. I have tried just sending a note to medicaid about my circomstances asking for peromission to pursue a doctor for wls. But keep being told that they haven't recieved the requests. I haven't chosen a particular type of surgery as of yet because am not sure what medicaid will help pay for, or what the doctors near me do. I have a bone and collegen disorder which is agrivated by my extreme obesity. I have tried diets pills and programs but nothing I have tried in the last 9 years has helped. my excersizing is a bit rough to do right now... because of loss of sensation in my legs from time to itme... can you give me any pointers!

Jan, I will forward your message to our member service department. I am sure that they will be able to help you. Let me know if you do not hear from them in a few days. Monica Ganz, Ph.D. [email protected]

Hi Jan, When I was researching WLS last year, I was told that medicaid no longer covers it. There may be another route that you'll have to take, but I'm not sure what it is. It may be covered by disability or vocational rehab, but I'm really not sure. There are surgeons in Missoula and Great Falls who do these surgeries, and their offices may have more information for you as far as avenues to pursue. St. Pat's here in Missoula has a bariatric center that handles everything for the 2 surgeons here that perform the open Roux-en-Y. There are also 3 surgeons in Great Falls. They are Dr. Allen, Dr. Rohrer, and Dr. Mortensen. My surgery was done by Dr. Allen and I have been very happy with his staff as far as getting me the information that I needed. You'll have to look up the numbers since I don't have any of that information here with me, but I'm sure they will be able to tell you what will and will not fly here in Montana. I'm sorry I really can't help you, but maybe some of these other folks can. Also, I do know that Medicare covers WLS. That may be another avenue for you to go. Linn