New to Cali board

I was trying to look at Valley Care yesterday. I also found a Dr. Coates in Modesto but not finding a website for him. Valley Care has some info online. I will look up some that you recommended. I think my biggest issue at moment is if I will work or go on SSI because I have alot of issues and everytime I go to work I end up sick and have to take off and they fire me. I am working on my Masters Degree and yet no one will hire me and it is because of my weight. I know this. My gramma and family think I need to go on SSI and have the surgery so that then I will have better options. I get blood clots in my legs and have sleep apnea. I don't have diabetes but I am tired all the time. Thanks for the help!

I will be living out by Turlock for now. I probably could do some traveling. I am going to apply for GA and Medi Cal just till I can apply for SSI. My BMI is so high that I am hoping I can get surgery through Medi Cal but was not sure if Medi Cal covered it. I know that if I get on GA that they will help me file for SSI. I am so excited to hear that it may be an option on Medi Cal.

I agree with your plan, having would for Tulare County I worker with Medi-cal and GA clients. Also look at IHHS (In Home Health Services) to do some of those things around the house you need help with. If you go to the top post on the Cali boards you will find one that list doctors that take Medi-Care/Medi-Cal. If you follow this link there are some newer postings about Dr. Coates if you contact one of them they may have a web site for him. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+p rofile+Patrick+Coates+MD+jct.html

Welcome back to California.

Thank you for your comment and I am truly sorry for your loss. My son is Army National Guard and graduated from Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC today. I can't imagine but know how proud you were of him because I know how proud I am of my soldier. My son is PFC Dominic L. Wolfer. I was wondering if there is a time frame when you move into a state before you can file for GA. From what I am seeing online it says 15 days. But not sure if that is for residents moving county to county. I feel so blessed to be able to come home because I feel that I am going to get this surgery. It has never been as strong a feeling as this time. I just appreciate you for the information.

Oh, I was thinking you'd be in Hayward! I'm not exactly sure where Turlock is but I'm thinking east of Hayward??

If so, there are a bunch of programs in the Sacramento area, particularly UCDavis. The doctors in Pleasanton also operate in Livermore as well. LapSF has a satellite office in Stockton.

Okay, are any of those near Turlock?

I am going to look into the Dr in Modesto and Pleasanton. Thank you so much. I appreciate the help so much!

Maybe I am stupid, but what is GA???

Hi Melissa and welcome to the CA boards and back to California in general!

I grew up in the SF bay area...native SF'er but parents moved us over to San Leandro...right next door to Hayward!

I do not know of doctors in the area if that is where you are moving back to. I would suggest just going on this site and researching doctors in the area. I am sorry that you were turned down twice, but my theory is that everything happens for a reason and that perhaps you were meant to get back her to CA and have it done here!

Don't give up...because if you pray and do something everyday even if it is just thinking about what your next move is in terms of getting approval for surgery...it will happen!

Keep on posting Melissa and be a part of the CA group...there are lots of people up in your area too that will be a great deal of support to you!

 

Hi Melissa!

I just wanted to take a moment to welcome you to the board, and back to CA!

Looks like you have gotten some great advice here already, and I just want to echo everyone else, definitely check out Medi-Cal, and don't give up no matter what! Like someone else said, some of us on this board had to fight and fight to get our surgery, but it is never impossible!

I will be moving back to the bay area (San Jose-ish) myself soon, glad to see another member up in the area!


Shells