help....

I have gone  thru all the steps to get RNY  I'm just waiting to get a date. I have been reading stuff on this website,  I am second guessing if it is the right surgery for me. Any one in Illinois been approved for DS with medicaid/public aid? How do I find out if its covered? I didn't even know DS existed til I joined OH. My surgeon only does RNY and lapband. If it's covered can all my paperwork be transferred? Oh I am sooo confused and stressed about this!!
Any Info is appreciated!!
Thanks
Nee'

 i dont know... try illinois board....  good luck.. with ur journey

VERY hard to find a surgeon in Illinois that accepts IPA and is trained to do the DS. I looked for 6 months and came to the conclusion I'd have to go out of state.

Good luck to ya!

~Heather

Thanks. I think maybe the DS'er are getting to me. One said with a BMI that I shouldnt have the RNY as I will fail ... I think since I made it as far as I have with Dr Gibson I should just continue....

It's understandable. They get to a lot of us RNY-ers.  Go to the RNY board and see how many successful people are on there.  I love my RNY.  No regrets here!

There are about 7 surgeons who take Illinois Medicaid/public aid (though many have a several years long waiting list) but Peoria Surgical Group has 3 surgeons who do DS and take Illinois Medicaid/Public Aid.   From the date of the first info meeting to my surgery date was 6 months.  The process was really quick and easy without any problems, plus Illinois doesn't require prior authorizations for weight loss surgery anymore!

Yes, you can get a DS with Illinois public aid/Medicaid.  That's how I got mine.  Illinois no longer requires a prior authorization for weight loss surgery.  How far are you from Peoria?  If you want, you can send me a private message and we can talk in more detail but you can totally get a DS with Illinois Medicaid/public aid!

You need to do your own research and not trust what a group of people tell you who've not had RNY.  There are many, many people who were high BMI who have had RNY and succeeded.  The surgery is a tool, not a crutch and you have to make the commitment to change your lifestyle too.

I am 2 years out, have lost 154 pounds and am still losing...and there are many more just like me.

Each of the surgeries has pros and cons. You need to research them all and find what fits your lifestyle the best. It is your decision and it's a permanent thing -- so research it to death.

Best of luck!!

 I would say don't let people sway you one way or the other - it's YOU who have to live with your surgery choice.  There are certainly differences between the DS and RNY and these are the reasons why people choose one over the over - each has it's advantages and disadvantages.  I'm biased - as is everyone who has had surgery because they always think their surgery is the best and most of the time they are right - it is the best - for them.

That said, if you are second guessing your decision - research research research.  Make sure you can live with your decision - it sounds like you can get the DS if you want it  - yes it may delay your surgery slightly (you said on your blog that you have a Jan date for the RNY and a prior poster said you were looking at around 6 months for the DS - but 3.5 months is the scheme of a lifetime of living with the wrong surgery it's not very long.  SO do you research and make sure you know what you want and can live with the consequences.

If you have any questions about the DS feel free to PM!