MikefromCO

WOW!!! Thank You Lene716, This sounds even more encouraging. I appreciate the update. Mike

Thank you Jtickle, There seems to be some kind of regional variation on the gastric sleeve. According to the folks at Exempla/St Joseph in Denver, Medicare only covers Banding and the bypass in this area. However, it never hurts to ask then to check again. If the surgery costs a bit more, that will be OK.

I appreciate all of the wonderful input. It sounds like it's going to be an uphill climb just to get into the operating room. There are some very well thought of Bariatric surgeons in Denver. You can't go wrong with any of these surgeons. They are all excellent. Dr. Doru Georgescu, http://www.denverobesitysurgery.com/doru-i-e-georgescu.html (removed my gall bladder) Dr Frank Chea http://www.skyridgemedcenter.com/conditions_we_treat/bariatric_surgery/meet-our-medical-director.htm (in my network) Dr Tom Brown http://coloradobariatric.com/staff/thomas-r-brown-md/ Take Care & Thanks Again. Mike

Perfect! I apologize for the confusion. The sleeve rates #1 on my list followed by banding as #2. Medicare only authorizes (in CO anyway) Banding or Gastric Bypass. (additional item) Also, as much as I respect Dr. Alverez's work. Mexico is out of the question as any side effects would not be covered.

Hello, Just discovered this forum. I'm an old member on Cruise Critic and Trip Advisor as well as photographic forums. I'd appreciate your input on the following demographic info. How much of an uphill battle will this be? Preferred Procedure: Gastric Sleeve followed by Banding Medicare Covered procedure: Bypass and Lap-Band Would like completed before Thanksgiving Age: 68 Weight +120 BMI 46.4 Insurance: Medicare and UHC Medigap Currently working in IT leadership Gall Bladder (in a jar) Long documented past history of Medical and other interventions for weight issues. General Health: will be perfect if I drop the weight. Co-morbidity of hypertension. My prior MD was rather small minded. He would not approve me for surgery the first time I asked. He said I couldn't follow through based on my history. Of course, his clinic booted all Medicare patients that would not use recommended advantage plans. My new Doctor is much more outcome oriented. Thank You Mike