Anyone here have any experience with Medicaid / the Health Plan? That's what I have, and when I went to Dr. Akkary's seminar, I was told that they might require two six month diets before approving surgery. Will I really have to diet for a year before I can have my VSG??? The thought of such a long wait is pretty depressing.

Hi! I'm Melody, and I'm just starting out on my journey with WLS. I attended Dr. Akkary's seminar last week, and am waiting to hear from Preston Memorial about my consultation. I don't know how long I'll have to wait for the appointment. I'm nervous and excited. I'm hoping to have the VSG.

I don't drive, so I am hoping to find someone attending Preston Memorial's support group willing to take me, as well. Morgantown is not a great place to live when you don't drive, but I can't imagine living anywhere else.

I think they must be really busy the past few weeks. It took me three weeks to get a call back. I was starting to get angry. I left message after message. Either they were busy, or their phone service was acting up. I did finally get through though! I go Monday for my nutrition class!!!!

I am scheduled Yay! I called back on Monday and was able to talk with Jackie. For some reason my message didn't go through. I think I pushed buttons trying to send it. She said if you do that your message gets erased somehow, said to just hang up and the message saves itself. So it was my fault. It all worked out though. I am in there.
She is such a nice lady. Very helpful. She was crying over the phone with me too. Bless her heart.

PEIA is very strict, you don't have to have all the co-problems to get approved.
I saw where someone else is going to Dr. Shinn, that is the DR. that did my surgery.
Get your primary care doctor to refer you to Dr. Shinn, CAMC Weight Loss Program (Pre surgery)
they will start you on a program, the most important part is your food log, be honest, spark people is a good site to get started on. This will last for a year, you will meet monthly with a dietician who will monitor your progress, give you support and tips on weight loss, this will last a year or until you lose the 10% of your body weight. These people know what to do and how to deal with PEIA and how to present your case to get you approved.
They also have a medical non surgical program you and your physician may wish to check into
before getting the more invasive procedure.
Dr. Shinn and his staff are top notch.