I'd love to be there to walk with you! I hope some of the others can make it to go with you, I will see all of you at the meeting though- looking forward to catching up :)

Jen

Hi.  My name is Terri and I had gastric bypass in Portland at Good Sam last year.  I am a social worker in Vancouver with the state of Washington.  I currently have a client that has started navigating through the system as a medicaid client going to the UW.

I finally made contact with a real person today, but still have questions.

This guy was approved for "stage 1" in November 09.  He has completed the psychological (I think), met with a nutritionist, and I think physical therapist.

I know for sure that somehow he has to show two months of not smoking, lose 5% body weight and MAINTAIN that for 6 months (I didn't have to do that), make an appt. with the surgical team for a consult.

I'm sort of questioning this guy's motivation, or lack therof, but have a soft heart as well.  He weighs somewhere between 471 and 521, depending on who you talk to.  Pretty much chair bound, bed bound.

What I'm not sure of is how a medicaid client connects with a dietician outside of the UW system, and if the state requires that someone lose their 5% within a 6 month period of time.

Any help would be great as I try to assist this client.

Thanks!

It may be something that they were asked to put together for your case.... Unfortunately I don't know the true answer. Sorry.

An angel is another member from OH that you've connected with who will keep in contact with you while you are immediately pre and post-op. They are there to support you, answer questions, and keep your other friends on OH updated on your progress on your surgery support page. Its a pretty neat duty! Let me know if you want an angel, its fun to do!

Thanks to all for the well wishes and encouragement.  I just love this site!