Hello to every one this is my first time to post. I'm a 64 yr. old :) male that has been over weight :cry for sometime. Because of past back surgery and in need of a knee replacement I have not been as active as I would like. So therefore have gained to where I'm over 100#:cry plus . Like several others have tried several different ways of losing and gained it back plus.

Some of my questions are where should I have the surgery in the states are in Mexico? I have health choice Ins. with the state of Oklahoma, they will not pay, I don't think. Has anyone used them?

I will be eligable for Medicare in July does anyone know if they will help with cost?

What is the recovery time before you can start being active?

My wife and I were going on a vacation this summer driving to Alaska how long should I wate after surgery?

What is it like after three or four years do you still control your weight?

I know I will feel better after the surgery there is so much of the unknown before.

Please help the old man:help:

flip

Hey Flip. I recommend going to this website for Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. www.obesitycontrolcenter.com . HOWEVER, I haven't had my surgery yet. I will go Next Friday!! YAYAYA! Others who have gone to him and the testimonials on the website are amazing! I was a self pay and they are $8,500 with no hidden costs which is about half or a fourth of what you will pay in the U.S. I checked a local hospital in NJ and the hospitalization alone was $13,000, thats not including the Surgeon or the anisthesiologist (sp). I am excited cuz hubby wants to go so we are flying in to San Diego and the escort is picking us up and driving us to Mexico. There is a message board on that site also. GO check it out.

Flip,

Welcome to the site...I can't help with insurance questions, but I can tell you the surgery is wonderful...I was banded on 4/6/07 and have lost 24 lbs...I was up and going after one week...I was still a little bit sore, but was able to get around pretty good...I also had a hernia repaired when they put the band on, so some of my soreness was due to that...My doctor advised me to walk right away but not to walk on treadmill until 3 weeks after surgery....I had my surgery done in the states...I have seen where others went to Mexico...I can't say which is best...my insurance denied me two years ago and I finally decided to self pay...and I have no regrets...I would do it again....

Di/Texas

Flip,

I was banded in February. Based upon my healing process I would wait three to four weeks post op to take a long road trip. Your surgeon will want to see you 2 weeks post op and you could get clearance at this time for your trip. I cannot answer the Medicare or Mexico question, as I was self pay in Texas, $13,500 all inclusive with one year fills. Since you are still in the research phase, let me recommend a couple of places for you to read and ask your questions. Go to DFW Bandsters a yahoo news group. There are a lot of old time bandsters and medical professional who can answer your questions about Mexico and Medicare. I would also recommend reading Wendal Edwards story at http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/wendell_edwards/ he has answers to a lot of questions preop and post op.

Flip,

In regard to your Medicare question, I just found a post in the Fort Worth Star Telegram newspaper, here is a quote and I'll add the link so you can read the article.

" Another important factor: The federal Medicare program, which often leads the way for private health plans, agreed last year to cover weight-loss surgery for elderly or disabled beneficiaries in certain cases.

In general, the agency pays for surgery only at facilities that are certified by the bariatric surgery society or the American College of Surgeons. And obese beneficiaries have to suffer from an additional problem, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, to qualify for coverage."

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=118DC89C660137B0&p_docnum=1

You have been very helpful. Thanks for all the information. Did you have your surgery in DFW ?

Good luck. Lived in Euless for 11 years before moving back to Oklahoma.

thanks again

Flip,

You're very welcome. My family is from Ada, OK. I live in Duncanville, southwest of downtown Dallas.

Hi Di/tex

Thanks for the information.

May I ask where in Tex. did you have yours?

I would like to talk to the Dr.

thanks flip

Thanks for the info. GOOD LUCK.

flip

Flip,

Dr. Wade Barker, Dallas,Tx performed my surgery.

Flip, most insurances will pay if the Dr. states that it is medically necessary. I was on two blood pressure meds and still could not control HBP. I also have a bad back, ankles and other health issues. I had to show that I had tried and failed at other weight loss programs. They had to have past 5 years of medical records. I had to go through x-rays, blood test, thyroid test, etc. It was all worth it. I wanted to know that there was no medical reason I was overweight and could not have the surgery. Finally the day came....March 29, 2007 7:30 A.M. Now I am 21 lbs lighter and treasuring each new day! I was able to drive after 1st week. Good luck!!