sharon160

You might consider Las Vegas. I don't know for sure but your BMI may be too low for medicare to cover you, unless you have some co-morbities....acid reflux, high blood pressure, high cholesterol , sleep apnea, the center in vegas is called Surgical Weight Control Center of Nevada, http://bandandbypass.com (702)221-8446. I live in Northern Nevada and will be going down there for my surgery. I'm 65.

Well, things are moving along swimmingly. I've finished everything needed for the surgeon, and just waiting for the PCP letters and forwarding everything to the surgeon. Then appt with surgeon will be the next step..... We're headed to Quartzsite on the 17th and will be there thru, probably the 26, so if anyone will be there during that time would love to meet up with you. I'm wondering what you are all doing for your arthritis? I hear we won't be able to take our meds for it, and that may very well be a deal breaker for me. I'm sure, huddling in a ball, wimpering would not allow me to exercise, let alone do anything else, I have severe arthritis in my back, knees, hips and hands. Do any of your surgeons make exceptions for us older ladies and gents? would love to hear your remedies and suggestions.

and then pleasantly surprised that it did work??????

Does anyone remember what that urine injection diet was called? and I think it was in the early 70's, not the 80's. I was trying to remember what it was called to put on my references for the Doctor. I did it too, and lost really well on it. Then I did Medifast and did really well, but nothing recently has worked, in fact I'm working now on trying to raise my calories, cuz I haven't been eating enough and CANT loose anything (pre-band) so trying to get my metabolism working properly for the band to be effective.

Thank you for all your comments. I'm not banded yet, and I hope it will work, and have told only my VERY best friends (like 2) for fear it will not work for me.

I am 65 and going thru the process of getting banded, hopefully before I'm 66. Wish it had been available 30 years ago.

airfare is deductible if the trip is primarily for health reasons (i.e. surgery, fills) according to publication 502 of the Internal Revenue tax code.

I'm a medicare patient, but, like you, am just starting my research. I believe that the requirements you are hearing, are your surgeon's requirements and not medicare. From what I' ve heard, medical necessity is medicare's only requriement. But I'm still a couple of weeks from finding out for sure.

That's good information to have, but wouldn't you be covered as outpatient use of the hospital if you didn't stay overnite. Well you say this is special for lapband....glad they are writing it off for you.

Did Medicare have any pre-requirements....I bet not, if they don't pre-approve. Who is your secondary, and what approval was needed from them. They usually pay after medicare pays. I have AARP for secondary, and just hoping to get the lapband. Will have to travel to Vegas, as surgeons here in Reno don't accept Medicare. Really would like to know what you had to go thru to get things all set up. Thanks Sharon in Gardnerville, NV

I'm not banded yet, but did have the colonoscopy today. My pre stuff was HalfLytly. Only a half gallon, and each 8 oz was chugged quickly every 10 minutes for 1 1/2 hour. It crossed my mind, what if I had been banded and if I could chug 8 oz. Proedure itself was simple, I slept thru it. no pain, no nothing.

Thanks FoxyGramma, I take meloxicam and it is a little teeny tiny pill, much smaller than the Celebrex, I used to take, so I think taking it with a full glass of water would slide that little puppy right on thru the band. At least I won't be without anything for pain relief.

I'm 65 and just starting the journey. The clinic in my local area does not accept medicare patients, but I think I have found one 400 miles away that does. I'll know more next week. They say there is no waiting list for medicare patients. My brother lives in that town, so I could go stay with him right after surgery. My biggest fear is arthritis and not being able to take my NSAID that keeps me pain free most of the day. What has been your experience with arthritis pain? Sharon

I have a question for you all. Are there any fill doctors down there that will fill you if you got surgery somewhere else (Mexico or other) Sharon

Thank you for responding so quickly. I'm new to this medicare thing, only a few months, so I didn't know for sure how it would work. You relieved my mind greatly and will sleep well tonight. I have AARP for my secondary and so far they have covered everything I have needed. But I wouldn't mind paying out a small 200 for this procedure. Hopefully, we can get together in Quartzsite. It would be fun. Sharon in Northern Nevada

I'm just starting this journey and would like to know how many hoops does medicare make you jump thru to get approved? Or does it take prior approval? I'm going to my first seminar this week, and will perhaps get some questions answered, but this forum is FANTASTIC for information. I will also be in Quartzsite and Yuma this winter right around the time of the RV show. Would be fun to meet those of you who are there. Sharon in Northern Nevada Sharon in Nevada