Bud

Betsy Jane. Thanks for your posts. I will try that....again.

Went to the Columbia University Seminar on the Jan 12th. When I initially set up my appointment on the phone I was told medicare was no problem. When I attended the seminar I was told I would be put on a 5+ year waiting list. I don't understand why they didn't tell me up front that they did not want medicare patients. A complete waste of time and money for me. ARGHHH!!!!

Baby Ruth. I was just noticing you have lost 9 lbs and aren't banded yet. Good job. :smile:

I wont give up I just wish they would tell me up front if they do or do not take medicare patients. Sooner or later I will find someone who does accept medicare patients. I was just thinking, there are fewer and fewer Dr's/hospitals every year that will accept medicare patients. If medicare is a good example of national health care I don't know that I am all that interested. Just a thought.

I guess I should mention that I have been to three seminars now and through one physical only to have everyone tell me they don't accept medicare. Medicaid ok; medicare no-way.

I didnt realize there was anyone in Springfield doing this surgery. Is it being done at Cox, St Johns or Drs?

There may be some truth to the mortality thing but it seems funny that some of the oldest and most established clinics are not approved. You may be right research might be a good thing.

Hello: My name is Bud. I live near Springfield, MO. For health reasons my Dr recommends that I have a lap band procedure but my insurance is Medicare and I cannot find Dr/facility that will accept medicare insurance for this procedure. Does anyone on here have any idea who I might contact who will accept Medicare? :help: Thanks in advance Bud

Finding a so called 'center of excellence' has been the problem for me. Most of the weight loss centers are not 'centers of excellence' therefore medicare will not pay. Medicare claims their doing so is in my best interest to protect that the people doing the surgeries are competent.... personally I think it is because they want centers that will do the surgery on the cheap.

Kat: Thanks for the kind words and may I say WOW over 3200 posts. Ever been called chattykat?? LOL I know what you mean about the meds my med cabinet would make a small pharmacy proud. Sheez I have a lot of meds. Several are for RA but there are some I would like to be rid of. The two BP meds (Lisinopril and HCTZ), the cholesterol med (Zocor) and the 3 asthma meds would be a good start.

Hoss: What kinds of things do you mean?

I am scheduled for a visit on the Jan 12. Can hardly wait. I have been trying to get this done for more than a year. I have problems with High Cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma and on top of that I have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) so I really need to get control of my weight. My entire life I have never been my so called 'ideal weight' and have been on many weight loss programs none of which have worked. Actually I guess I should not say that because if I had not fought my weight all this time I would surely be twice the size I am now. I guess its one of those silver lining and cloud things. Anyway, I have been on documented programs but not for a while so I don't know if documentation is going to be an issue for me or not. I know getting banded is not going to be an end to all my weight problems, my hope is that by getting it done I will have to work less hard on maintaining my weight and thus have more time to focus on dealing with my RA issues. I want to thank everyone for their support and say good luck to you all in your Quest to attain your ever elusive "ideal weight".

Baby Ruth: Thanks for the info. I done as you suggested and called Missouri Bariatric Services at the University of Mo today. Good news. They recently started taking Medicare as payment. I am scheduled to see them next month. :whoo:

Baby Ruth: Thanks for the info. I will give them a try. Hopefully have better luck. Bud

I had thought that Columbia or KU might be good options but neither one worked out. I really need to get something done about my weight. My BMI is over 40 I have RA, High Blood Pressure and Asthma. I have been on different programs over the years to loose weight but have never been able to reach my 'ideal weight' and have been unable to maintain weight loss. I went to a seminar one weight loss center in KC put on. I told them up front I was medicare to which they said not a problem. Upshot was they led me to believe they would do the procedure, took my money, had me go through the seminar and then told me I did not qualify because they don't accept medicare. My hopes are that there are people on this forum who have had procedures done at centers that accept medicare and who are willing to give me some information.