tmg0100

There is a relatively new certification available for hospitals called the "Center of Excellence" - these are so carefully looked at that Medicare will cover the procedure if done at one of these centers. As far as I am concerned that is far more preferable than leaving the country and getting the procedure done where you really don't know what regulations the facility is required to follow. So the chances of other insurance companies covering the procedure done at a Center of Excellence is much greater - good luck

in general, it is preferable to eat a small amount more often rather than a larger quantity infrequently - this will help stabilize your blood sugar and you will feel better. Also, I have noticed that including protein with any carbohydrate is helpful. But discuss it with your doctor, my comments are only my experience.

This is so crummy, but there is a lesson there - one should never depend on other people for affirmation - one should never give others that much power in their lives. As an intelligent human being, you should decide on your own, from your own evaluation, how great you look. Your opinion is the only opinion that counts.

Just for anyone who might be interested in how this works at Silver Cross in Joliet - interesting perhaps because it is classified as a "Center of Excellence" - from what I can gather, that is a designation from Medicare (??) and is quite significant. There are only six of those types of "Centers..." in the state of Illinois. The informational meeting lasted almost two hours and carefully explained the various types of bariatric procedures and then the process that needs to be completed before the operation (in my case, it will be banding). The surgeon led the session so ALL questions were answered and many people had many questions - there were around 50 people there. Medicare covers it - which is great because in my case I have Medicare disability - so all that I will have to wait to find out is if my supplemental insurance will pick up the other 20%. I am guessing that they will based on the information I got tonight. The one observation I have to make is about all the discussion concerning the quantity of food that is typically consumed afterwards - some people seemed shocked by the small amount. But --- any of the naturally thin people I know eat those minuscule amounts on a daily basis, so why would we be any different?

Hoping to get a Sept. date for the banding - the informational is on wed (today is mon) and I think they do a preliminary acceptance there - maybe. I am hoping that insurance will pay for it :eek:- So if the Sept. date goes thru..... The other hurdle will be figuring out this website:)

Check out Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, not too far from the city. Good Luck