Newbie, just registered on site......any advice? I need it.

I am new and desperate to find out how I can have Gastric Bypass Surgery. I am unable to work anymore and I'm going on medicaid. I called and medicaid does pay for the surgery but I dont' know who accepts it and the few people I have called has a longggg waiting list. Does anyone know how to get started with this? I live in Richburg SC near Chester,Lancaster and Rock Hill but am willing to travel anywhere. I'm sure since it is SC medicaid I would have to go to SC doctors. Thank you so much for any advice. Renee

Hi Renee, Welcome to the board I had my surgery done in spartanburg SC by Dr. Ross and I have to say he's done a very excellent job of taking care of me and a few more people I know... You can contact the Regional Surgical Weight Loss Services and get started ........ Just give Dianne Smith (Program Coordinator) a call at 1-864-560-6935 and she can help you with more questions..... Dr. Ross's program is a center of excellen as well so that will help on the medicade part.... Anyway good luck to you sweetie on your journey and keep us posted on how things turns out.... *hugs* Stephie

I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH MEDICAID SO HOPEFULLY SOMEONE CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT AREA OF INFORMATION. BUT, FROM US ... WELCOME TO THE BOARD MS RENEE & WE WISH YOU THE BEST AS YOU GO ON YOUR JOURNEY TO REGAIN YOUR HEALTH THROUGH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY. THIS IS A FANTASTIC MEDICAL PROCEDURE & CHANGES YOUR LIFE IN SO MANY WAYS! GOD BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk

Hi Renee, I met someone else here who was going through Medicaid. I can't remember who she is though. I'm sure someone will contact you once they read your post. Try posting the question on the main board as well. Sometimes others from different states have good advice. Welcome to our family here, you'll find that we are a very encouraging and close bunch of people *****ally care about each other. We are here to help each other in anyway we can. Please continue to come back to visit so that we can help you gain the strength that is needed to get through this battle. I'll tell you now that the process does take a long time sometimes months, sometimes almost a year but it's always worth the wait. You are about to start a journey to save your own life, get tough now, you'll need it when you start your battle with insurance. Talk to you soon hun, Robin

Didn't Sandy Browning get her surgery through Medicaid? I haven't seen her on the boards lately ... I just E-mailed her telling her Ms Renee needed some info. God bless you ... Dawn & Nick

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this site, I don't feel all alone anymore. I'm really excited and scared at the same time. I know God is in control and everything will be fine. Thanks again !!!!!!!!!

Maybe you could contact MUSC in Charleston, SC. Dr. Byrnes is the greatest. You can read all about him right here. You can even apply for an application packet on line. It will take about 1-2 weeks to get the packet. There is alot of info to fill out and send back. In about 2 more weeks after returning the packet, they will mail you an appointment date to come in and see the doctor. The more info you have the faster and smoother things usually go. This a great site and everyone is so helpful and full of love. Good Luck !!!