MIgroovy

You probably gathered from my screen name. I live in northwestern Michigan. The guideline for me was that I had to have a BMI of at least 35 with minimum of 2 co-morbidities. I have sleep apnea, osteo-arthritis (fusion/laminectomy of lower spine and neck), Total Knee Replacement, tendon transplants; Hypertension; High Cholesterol; Major Depressive Disorder. I have many other health problems and past surgeries but the ones I listed matters to qualify for the Sleeve.

I found out about a month ago that Medicare is finally paying for my Sleeve about a month ago. I was supposed to be notified from the surgery clinic but had to find out on my own. I waited 2 years since I started this long trek. I have had my pre-op blood work, Stress Test by Cardiology, Chest X-ray, and EGD by my surgeon today to check the condition of my stomach and esophagus. All was well. I told my surgeon before the procedure today that the girl in charge of his clinic told me that I had to wait to have my surgery til after my third Mammogram in July. Surgeon said that it has nothing to do with the sleeve so he will talk to her today when he got back to the office. I hope it's soon. I've already seen the nutritionist, my psych test should be good for 2 years so waiting for an Auth. From Medicare so I can get my surgery date. Then, all I have left is the two week pre-op diet.

Hi. Have you ever had sleep study done? If you have sleep apnea, that is another co-morbidity. Any arthritis? I am also in Michigan but I have Medicare. I have been waiting for over a year for Medicare to approve the Sleeve. Hopefully, this will happen for you, I, and all the others waiting for an approval from their insurance companies and soon, this will all be behind us.

Has anyone had The Vertical Sleeve paid by MEDICARE in the state of Michigan, yet. I heard that the state of WISCONSIN has been OK'ed by MEDICARE now. If you hear of anything regarding MI, please let me know. Thanks.

First of all, it is not your fault. The WLS Coordinator does not seem to be professional, does not prioritize, a procrastinator and not very understanding. No matter where you go there are always people like that. You wonder how they can hold onto their job. Listen to the ladies before me. They are right. Tell a child to wait for his present until Christmas and the big day passes, then, he keeps asking when every day after that. We are no different. Good luck to you!

Congratulations! The waiting game is always so difficult. Your Re-birth Day will be here before you know it. I've been waiting since 1-1/2 yrs ago for Medicare to come through. I'll be recovering from a total knee replacement while you melt away. Take care Anders us know how you're coming along!

CARE CREDIT is interest free up to so many months if it's paid on time and for the length of time they allow for repayment. Your doctor's office should have the information or online. It is through G.E. Capital.

Medicare does not approve/authorize VGS across the USA. They seem to go be geographically. I am in northern MI. I think Illinois and Wisconsin and maybe Ohio and Indiana is part of this region. There is a huge meeting in October. Hopefully, after that, we will have a better picture of when some of us has a chance to get it done via Medicare. Good Luck!