Question:
Needing info for teen son about gastric bypass in NC.

Hi All. It has been over a year and a half since my successful gastric bypass and I am feeling fantastic! Since my surgery, my brother has also had a go at it and is also doing great. Now my 15 1/2 year old son is looking into changing his life in this positive way. We have recently moved back to the Charlotte, NC area and I honestly do not know where to begin for him. What I need is some answers to the following questions- How likely is Medicaid to pay for a teenager to receive the surgery (I had private insurance myself)? My son is 5'10 and 335 pounds so he is definitely considered morbidly obese. He has MANY cases of diabetes and heart disease on both sides of his family...What are the hoops that Medicaid has you jump through- ie. 1 year of doctor supervised diet, etc?...Are their surgeons in the Charlotte/Concord area that perform WLS on teens?...Any help would be highly appreciated. He has an appointment with a new pediatrician that specializes in depression and weight issues so I am hopeful he can help my son. Thank you!!!.....Karen (lap rny- 9/20/02- down over 150 pounds!)    — karmiausnic (posted on June 28, 2004)

June 28, 2004
Hi, try to go to the top of this page and click on find a doc then on your state and that should give a list of docs in your area who do the bypass and call them to see it they see teens, also there is a wls forum for teens at the main entrance at the top of the page click on that then go down do teen wls forum that might give u soem info, also u can go to yahoo and type in information for teen gastric bypass surgery and see what that brings up for you, sorry I couldn't be too much of help good luck to u!
   — Melodee S.

June 29, 2004
Im not sure if they do teens, BUT i know that Dr Grant at Duke wls does take medicaid...and i can say they are the best!! you can look under my profile or go under surgeons on the NC board...good luck to you and your son. Love Amy 9-16-03 260/120\?? 5'1
   — cinamoni

June 30, 2004
I think it is great that your son is thinking about having the surgery, and that you are supporting him on this. I think more and more as time goes on, teens that have had weight problems since their younger yrs (I mean being big due to heredity and family histories) will be getting this surgery at younger ages. I and others on this board know the HELL it is to grow up with weight problems in the teen yrs. This is the hardest time of your life!! I tell my kids if they can make it thru the teen yrs, the rest of their life will be gravy - at least that's how it was for me). Good Luck in getting him approved. My surgeon now does kids at 15-16, and I've personally met one of his young patients. He is the Head surgeon at our local V.A. hospital, and is a superb Dr in every way. My sons best fiend is 13 and wears 4x already. It kills me to seen the pain and negativity that she has to go thru - she is so sweet.... Sorry for rambling. You have a Lucky son to have such a caring mom!!!
   — bufordslipstick

July 23, 2004
Hi, It is great that you are looking out for your son like that! I am 16 and i weigh 360, I just recently got approved for the surgery myself. I am having VBG surgery, well, I would like to know how things go..you can e mail me.
   — Shannon H.

July 23, 2004
Hi, Karen. I am 19 years old. I first considered having this surgery when I was 17, but there weren't any doctor's around here that would do it because of my age, so I had to wait until I was 18. I have been through all the preprocessing and I am battling insurance now. My question is about your son.Is he on any form of you or your husband insurance? Does your son have a job himself? Because Medicare/Medicaid just changed their stance on obesity, you might just want to start there.There is always a chance to go to surrounding cities for a surgeon, but I have been to Charlotte a good few times and I am sure there has to be a doctor who will take his case. If not, I have read that a few teens are heading to NYC to have it done. I am exicited for your whole family. Good luck and keep us all updated.
   — d_n_lear