Question:
Any 16 or 17 year olds, trying to get surgery with MEDICAID? Anywhere or GA?

I have been dealing with problems since last October with this surgery, and had Cigna PPo, but now might try to go with Medicaid, since i was denied with Cigna, they said I was too young, and needed 26 week supervised diet. I'm 17.    — Simone F. (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 13, 2003
My question to you is: have you tried every other option to lose weight? This surgery should be a last resort but i am sure that since you are computer literate that you have researched and researched. Only a few docs will do surgery on someone less than 18. But there are a few out there. I don't know any that take medicaid though. Even older than 18, it is hard to find anyone these days that accept medicare and medicaid. Good luck!!!!!
   — Delores S.

July 14, 2003
I, too, would encourage you to try every other way possible to lose weight PRIOR to thinking about this surgery. Since you were denied by Cigna, have you not had a 26 week diet in the last year? Perhaps you should? I really do feel for you, I was a very overweight teen - but I just encourage you to try other routes first (a structured program, therapy) as this one is so drastic and life altering. I wish the very best for you in what I know is a long journey!
   — MissKimberly

December 9, 2003
Hi sweetie. I'm not much older than you, I will be 20 by the time of my surgery. I just encourage you to do lots of research on this surgery. I know I did. I also have Medicaid...I will hopefully be going to Dr. Redmond. He's over in Douglasville GA. That's kind of a drive for you and I, but he and only one other group in ATL accept Medicaid. So, try that. And also, I know alot of people on this website will make you feel like you are too young, or that you haven't tried hard enough. But YOU are the only one that knows that is right for you. Even if you have to wait until you are 18, it will be worth it. Good luck, and e-mail me if you need to. [email protected]
   — megganmurphy