Has anyone used Medicaid as Insurance?

Hello, Hello, everyone, first let me introduce my self. My name is Rachel, I am 28 years old. I am a SAHM of 3 boys aged 9, 7 and 8 months. I live in Missouri. I have been struggling with my weight for about 8 years. I am 5 ft. 0 in. and I weigh 190 pounds. My BMI is 37.2. I have high blood pressure, my cholesterol is over 300. I have severe joint problems especially my knees. I have tried lots of diet programs, Atkins, zone, Jenny Craig, Weigh****chers, weight training, all types of exercise. Atkins was the most effective for me, I lost 30 pounds very quickly. But it was impossible for me to keep it off. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I have been doing extensive research on Bariatric surgery, and I discovered the lap band 2 weeks ago. I am cautious of having Gastric Bypass because of the risks involved. I am very interested in lap band, however my only insurance is medicaid. Is it possible to get the lap band with medicaid, or is RNY the way to go for me? I am ready to explore all of my options. Please let me know anything you can about my options. Thanks so much, Rachel Joyce

Which route you go as far as surgery is a personal decision. A lot of people go with what their insurance will cover. As in my case they did not cover the lap band and now they are saying they did not cover the RNY but that's another story all into it's self. I'm fighting that decisions right now as they are refusing to pay my surgeon. Some people will fight to get the lap band and win. First you need to find out what medicaid will cover as far as WLS goes and then go from there but do your research well. If you had a booklet from medicaid then read up on what they will cover for obesity, if not then call them and ask. Get EVERYTHING in writing. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/WLSjourney.html I went with the RNY because I felt that was the best route for me. I wanted fast results due to my size and health. I just felt that I would fail with the lap band. I'm very pleased so far with my WLS Gook luck. Donna 338/185 -153

A friend of mine got the lap band from the Northwestern Wellness Institute with Dr. Alexander Nagle in Chicago. He was on disability because his sleep apnea had become so severe he was losing consciousness during the day. Medicaid paid for his lap band surgery and follow up care. I would assume that you would not meet the weight and BMI requirements for gastric bypass surgery anyway but you might qualify for lap band. http://www.nmh.org/nmh/specialtiesandservices/surgicalspecialties/bariatricsurgery/main.htm

I think it differs from state to state. My SIL's sister lives in New Mexico and her Medicaid covered her surgery here in Texas. She had the RNY though, but has has NO problems at all. I think she's lost about 120 pounds.. hope that helps Jeri H