New and confused!

Hi Everyone!


I'm a 26 year old mother of three, and I have struggled with my weight since the age of 10. Right now, I'm at 287 lbs, and I'm 6'1. (BMI OF 38) I have hypertension, and GERD. I am having trouble getting this process started, for various reasons. First of all, I can't get a clear answer as to whether or not my Virginia Medicaid will pay for a Lap-Band procedure. Secondly, I would like, if anyone is familiar with the procedure here, to know exactly what I'm in for. Third, I have a doctor who adamantly opposes the gastric bypass, and told me " You'll be dead six months later. People never digest right afterwards. I hate it." Also, I'm very afraid that I won't be approved anyway, due to my mental illness. I have generalized anxiety disorder, depresssion, and bipolar disorder. I do see a pyschiatrist, counselor, and take appropriate meds for these conditions, though. Can anyone who is willing and knowledgable help me make sense of this situation?

Someone told you you would be dead 6 months after gastric bypass? What an ass. I would RUN to another surgeon - sounds to me like this one just wants to do nothing but bands, which is common because they are quick, easy, and PROFITABLE. Oh, and Iwould think a band would only make the GERD worse - as it is, your have acid flowing up into your esophagus. Iw ould think a good way to exacerbate that issue would be to slap a tight belt around the stomach so it essentially makes a small pouch at the top of the stomach where more acid can collect and be forced up toward the esophagus.

I can't help you with VA Medicaid as I know nothing about it. Do you have a card, like an insurance card? Have you called the number on the card and talked to them?

Well, my nurse practitioner is who told me I would be dead. She is blatantly and intensely opposed to gastric bypass, and I retorted to her comments with, "Well, you aren't fat. So you have no idea what its like!" I just keep putting it off. I'm a procrastinator- referring to calling Medicaid. Regardless, I have to be referred to a specialist to get the process started, and that referral has to come from my nurse practitioner or a dr there that I've seen. They were supposed to let me know about my referral two days ago...so I'll just call Medicaid Monday, find out who I need to go to, and I will give you guys the update. Thanks for all your help!

Hi, I had Medicaid when I had my surgury 2 yrs. ago and at that time they considered LapBand experimental and would not cover it. It is my understanding that the position has changed, call the number on the back of your card to be sure. If you have a doctor that is opposed to a surgury that can save your life and better your lifestyle, I say go to another doctor. Their are many stubborn doctors out there *****fuse to see the good in bypass surgury. As for your mental illness, as long as you are under controll with medication, I don't see why it should be a factor in this decision. I also take meds for bipolar disorder and depression and it was not a consideration in my evaluation. Your decision must come from being informed, and that can only be done by going to a surgeons seminar where you will learn about the difference in surgeries and the outcomes that can be expected if you follow the quidelines. Good luck in your journey, Pam.

I've heard the position has changed to. I don't really trust the medicaid customer service reps, they told me my eye exam wouldn't be covered, and it was. LOL! At this point, I'm ready to make a change for the better and change my life. I have tried working out and eating better, and I lose at the most 15 lbs, that is not the type of weight loss I'm talking about....I want to get healthy! I will keep you guys updated, and thanks again!

In the end you have to select the surgery that is best for you.  I will tell you if you have alot of weight and health issues most doctors will recommend the RNY.    You will loose more weight and faster.     

Good luck  

Wow. You need a new doctor, nurse practicioner, whatever. I had RNY gastric bypass almost 5 years ago now and I'm umm, still alive. I also lost just about 220lbs in the process. It saved my life. I guess doctors are now getting afraid that people are seeing these types of surgeries as quick fixes and they are indeed not. My original PCP was not overweight himself, but he was ALL FOR the surgery at the time.

Best of luck to you, and make sure to research your options! 

SIGH.  DEAD?  why the HELL are these people working in bariatric surgery.  #1 - I would report that person.  #2 - seek a second opinion.  I agree with Jill - Gerd MAY be increased with lap band.  Have you considered other options?  please update up us on your progress!

Oh and I would like to add to Julie's response.  I'm 3 years going strong and not dead.  GEEZ.  I just can't believe that person said that.  YES there is risk, but that is with ALL major surgery.  NOT gastric bypass alone...