Question:
Why Do people Disappear?

I read all kinds of Medicare and Medicaid patients who have WLS But then they all disappear and I can't find out about Plastics. What doctors where and such I am in Ky and Don't know where to start as there is not as much info on here as for WLS. How do I find these people as I KNOW Medicare and Medicaid pay if medically necessary. So HELP please. Thanks    — Shell G (posted on January 21, 2005)

January 21, 2005
I think people disappear (no matter the insurance) because weight loss gives freedom!! Freedom to move around in the world and truly participate. As for me.....I dont spend much time at the computer anymore. I am too busy working, working out, and enjoying my new found freedom!
   — MissKimberly

January 23, 2005
I think most people disappear as they are selfish and don't want to give back. I had medicaid (NYS) and had WLS. This May I'll be four years out.... so far I'm still here. lol (I love your state! It's beautiful, I wish I could get back there again).
   — Danmark

January 23, 2005
I think people tend to forget the great advise, friendship and commaraderie they got when they were pre-ops. Since there is a very limited amount of correct information about WLS procedures that we can "digest", sites like this one are critical. Obviously those that are here are giving back to the community, and rarely understand that "adios" mindset. I promise though that there are many people who care about the concept of sticking around to pull others up!<br> I am sorry, I don't know anyone in Kentucky... keep asking, hon. Are you in a support group in your area? Does your clinic/hospital have one?<br> Be well, and good luck,<br> Shelli
   — kultgirl

January 23, 2005
Psych docs say a well adjusted patient moves beyond the suvject and gets on with their life. I am 3.5 years out and have seen most people leave:( But I am giving back as part of a promise to God. Anyhow have you tried here? <P> http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/list-all-communities.php<P> OH has boards for everything, perhaps your state board or insurance approval board can help. If not call ALL the local surgeons and ask> You can also search each patients profile to find out what surgeon they used:) or see the plastics board, good luck and happy hunting.
   — bob-haller

January 23, 2005
Hi, ok you really asked 2 questions and are seeking info in one area in nparticular. I am on Medicare, and I have been searchinhg for some of the same answers as you have on Plastic surgery with this insurance. Today I am about to look within my state for ppl here at the site on Medicare and read their profiles to see if any plastic surgery was done..and if so---by who? From there if I find anyone I will email them personally (providing thry kept a current contact address) to see what was required in order to get this done. This is my starting point on this quest. I do know or have read if you are experiencing infections and or rashes as a result of overlapping skin then it becomes medically necessary. Unfortunately I am not experiencing that to give me a reason to use. I simply want it done...and badly. If that skin was removed I would be at my goal I believe. Secondly I agree with the poster who said, people get busy because they have gained a freedom this surgery provided. I too thought ppl should keep profiles updated and share anything they discovered...but I am only in control of me... I found myself forgetting to update my own profile..my excuse? I was working out and into meeting goals I set and forgot to do it. I am back ontrack hopefully now and want to maintain contact and still share what I have learned thus far. If I discover "any" info I will surely pass it along to you and hopefuly you will do likewise. We need to stand in support (everybody) of one another. We definitely need to put back into this site -- our experiences because this is what those who are just begginning their journey need to hear and read. This is what I craved when I began..ppl's experiences. I commend those who have maintain and are still giving back to this site --- for those ppl never forgot that others need them regardless of the stage they are in within the process. Terry
   — TerryS

January 24, 2005
I'm sorry but I take issue with the idea that long-term post-ops don't update because we are selfish-- we're not. I try to update as often as possible but now that I'm 2 years out, there's not much going on except preparing for a tummy tuck this Friday. Other than that, it's the same old story: making smart food choices, taking vits, drinking water and exercising. And I think as people get further out, sometimes their need for online support lessens as they adjust to their post-op lives. It's all relative. As to the Medicaid and Medicare portion of the question, have you tried doing a search in the Q&A database with those words? Medicaid also differs from state to state-- you will need to call the Kentucky office that administers Medicaid.
   — lizinPA

January 26, 2005
As for the "disappearing post-ops"--it's true that we tend to participate much less after the first year or so. Take a look at the questions in the Q & A postings: most relate to pre-op and early post-op issues. We've seen all these questions, again and again, and so many of us end up leaving this forum to those pre-ops and early post-ops for whom these issues are very relevant. While, yes, we are out "living life," long-term post-ops do tend to be very much concerned with two issues arising from our weight-loss surgeries: regaining weight and plastic surgery. So we tend to grativate toward web sites and Yahoo groups that stress those post-op issues.
   — Kay B.