Sherry S

Hi Everyone, My Dr will do the RNY or the sleeve, but my medicare/aarp will pay 100% for RNY in AZ. I decided on the sleeve. I researched and feel the sleeve would be a better fit for me. There are a few states that medicare (anyone over 62 on medicare) requires the sleeve on a case by case basis by CMS (they administer medicare program and work with the states). I can go to my sons house in MS, the sleeve would be 100% paid, but it would be costly for me w/plane etc. I'm looking at what would be the best course for me. It's crazy that only a few states do not allow the sleeve for medicare except on a case by case basis. I do have 2 co-morbidities high cholesterol, high BP and I've had 2 hip resurfacings due to arthritis. Also had sleep apnea some years ago. Someone posted a map of the states that medicare allows the sleeve and I wish I would of saved it. Does anyone know how to find it? I got The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve from Amazon to read. Reviews say it is excellent. There is one for the RNY. I'm also new to forums so am learning how to post etc. Hope everyones plans for surgery are going well.

HI Mary I have no date set. I want the sleeve but medicare only does it on a case by case basis in AZ and a few other states. The rest of the US they pay for it w/o a problem. I really prefer the sleeve over the RNY or the band. I'm very healthy so have no worries about surgery. I saw the Dr Thurs and did the psych tests and saw the nutritionist etc. I only need a few blood tests and would be ready to go. I'm pretty active and go to Curves 2-3x a wk (my secondary ins AAPR) pays for it. Called Silver Sneakers. I have AARP Plan F and it pays the 20% that medicare doesn't. I'm not afraid to have the surgery and I have good support where I am. I used to live in Twin Lakes WI.

No date has been set. I want the sleeve but Medicare says its on a case by case basis. It will pay for the RNY and band. Other states medicare pays for the sleeve but AZ is one of a few states that might not. Medicare will pay if the pt is under 62 for the sleeve.

I'm in the Surprise, AZ area, pre-op for Scottsdale Healthcare Dr Blackstone.

I'm new here. I'm 66, 67 in March, and am going to have the RNY. Saw my Dr this aft. Date not set yet but my medicare and secondary pays 100%. I have a few blood tests to get but everything looks like a go. I have had 2 hip resurfacings 6 and 8 yrs ago. I have 70 lbs to loose because I want the years I have left to be healthy and happy. I have 2 friends who have had the RNY and both are in their 60's and glad they had it.