Spydr

Thank you so much Heather. Good info to have.

The Magic Bullet would be great for early post op since it mushes everything. It doesn't really chop very well, everything ends up soupy. I would vote for the cheaper Wal-Mart version.

Medicare is of no help. I think I may have found someone who will work but don't want to jinx it. I'll keep all posted.

I was told that carbonated drinks were a bad idea because the bubbles have nowhere to go. Makes sense to me.

I am on Medicare and it seems that doctors in Dallas are no longer taking Medicare because they are not getting paid. I was scheduled with Dr Benivedes and as of Sept 1st he will no longer take Medicare. I have a psyc eval tomorrow and no doctor. Any help would be great as I am very frustrated. Thanks!

Thanks for all the help. I may have some answers and I'll keep you posted.

Thanks. I also posted in the Texas section but I thought some people may not read all sections. Just trying to cover my bases.

I just wanted to drop in and say hello. I'm still in the "hunt" stage of the lap band. I have a consult with my 2nd doctor tomorrow and am feeling discouraged about the quality I'm seeing but I still hold out hope. I'm tired of being fat and I'm willing to do what it takes to make a change. I have to have a sense of humor about this all because there are moments in my lap band search that just get crazy. I may have some weird questions to post to you guys since I trust your answers. I mean, you've been there! Anyway, here's to becoming a big fat loser!

I may have found a doc to use but there are so many hoops to jump through when using Medicare. IT makes it easy to give up. Thanks for the warm welcome and I'll see you guys around on the board!

I have heard from a bypass patient, that when he was doing his research on surgery that he found organs can grow attached to the lap band device and with sudden movement can cause ripping and internal bleeding. Anyone know anything about this?

Thank you to everyone that posted. And thanks Doc for the insight. It must just be one of those urban myths floating around out there!

I had contacted Dr Barker's office last week but was told he no long accepted Medicare. I got a call this morning from his office stating that if I found another pay method, they would love to help. Then lady suggested other doctors that might work with Medicare. She was very helpful and I didn;t even ask. I too have had bad experiences with docs and if the staff isn't up to par or there is a problem with the ofice (bugs) I would think that would reflect on the doctor in question. Make sure you have all the facts and then decide. What worked for someone else may not be good for you. You are the one who will have to live with this. Be strong!

I know that Medicare will cover lap band but Medicaid has different rules. Your best bet is to call the medicaid office and ask. Make sure you have plenty of time to be on hold! Good luck! Spydr

I'm afraid my exerience with Dr Maese's office was not a good one. I went in for a consult and Dr aMaese wasn't even in town. I could have told he was on vacation and rescheduled. I really wanted to meet him. The staff could not seem to get their answers together. Everyone said something different about what tests were needed, costs and recovery. It was like playing a game of "she said.." with a group of children. The PA did not have answers to my technical questions and no one wanted to find the answers. I'm a bit at a loss as I am Medicare and not may doctors will accept it due the problems in getting paid. I am still hopeful that I can find someone as my situation is getting progressively worse.