Question:
CAN PEOPLE RECEIVING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE QUALIFY FOR THE LAP BAND SURGERY OR ANY OTHER

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE WISH CENTER? AND IS THERE ONE LOCATED HERE IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE I LIVE? OR POSSIBLY ONE LIKE IT? I HAVE NO INSURANCE AND I AM CURRENTLY ON THE STATES INSURANCE (D.P.W) PLAN I AM TRYING TO GET BACK TO WORK BUT I AM KNOWN STRUGGLING WITH OBESITY,PINCHED NERVES ON BOTH SIDES OF MY BACK LACK OF ENERGY,AND DEPRESSION. I REALLY NEED TO HAVE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SO THAT I CAN GET OUT OF THIS DEPRESSIVE LOWLIFE NO LIFE MODE AND TAKE BACK THE INDEPENDENT LIFE IN WHICH I AM MOST USE TO AND HAPPY WITH.CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME FIND SOME PLACES OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ME?! THANKS CATERER2U.    — WWW.CATERER2U (posted on November 6, 2006)

November 6, 2006
Some state insurances pay for the weight loss surgery. Check with yours to see if they pay for it. If not, go see your regular doctor and ask him if he will put it in a letter to your insurance that he reccomends it as it is MEDICALLY necessary. Most can get approval for the surgery that way. Good luck!
   — crystalsno

November 6, 2006
Hi.... to echo the previous person ... some state insurances will pay for the WLS. Especially if you have co-morbidities. If you are on several medications that is $100-1000+ monthly. Alot will deem it cost-effective to pay the $30,000 for the surgery, as usually is the case, you stop taking all diabetic, high blood pressure, etc meds. Have your physician write a letter on your behalf stating your current medical problems and how the WLS would benefit you by dropping a significant amt of weight in a short period of time. If you haven't done so already, start on a documented weight loss program - WW, Jenny Craig, whatever and see your doctor to document the weight, etc, this will help with the approval process. Also there are some books that you could check out at the library ... patient's guide to WLS, doctor's (or physician's) guide to WLS. There are chapters in there regarding the approval and appeal process, if necessary with sample letters.... good luck to you............ :-)
   — Kari_K

November 6, 2006
The only WISH Center still open is in San Antonio, TX. but be wary of how long they'll be know as a center.
   — Michael Eak

November 8, 2006
don't get discouraged. in 2004 I had gastric by-pass and I was on state insurance and ssdi in the state of ohio it depends on what your pcp has to say if your on state insurnce. don't give up just keep trying. I had to drive 5 hrs. one way for my surgery and when I had it my husband stayed at the hospital 1 wk with me....so it can be done. this is the website that helped me. my first dr. in my city moved 6 days before my surgery, that's why I had to take the road trip but it was worth it. 401/250/still going
   — lady-k