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!)

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