Bona Fide Diva

I saw this...https://www.noridianmedicare.com/provider/updates/docs/Bariatric_Surg_Coverage_acro.pdf I was also told that this is the "umbrella" for what CMS will and will not cover so I guess the answer is no.

:cursing::lol0::drool5::lol0: Carolyn you crack me up all the time. Here I am, sitting here, Christmas Eve miserable watching floors dry (literally) and saw your two posts. Your the best!!

im going through this last supper syndrome too and im pretty far out at least two months. ive gained 12 lbs. im going to shoot for losing 20 lbs by feb.

I was worried about this also Lauren. I was 2 weeks away (my Christmas gift) to putting my deposit with Dr. Almanza. I've decided to go with another surgeon. 50% of the decision was the infection issue and the other 50% is the stitch removal. Im really a sucker and I have had laproscopic surgery before. I would prefer stitches that dissolve. I wish you the best.

The only reason I didnt think it was fake, because I read about gingin's problem first. Then I saw NJSleevers response. If it is fake, that's really sad that someone would do that, say all about having autistic children and all, really messed up. Gin im glad you are doing well and I appreciate your honesty also. Thanks.

Hi Maria, Im so sorry you are going through this as well as the entire VST board I'm sure. I did take heed to you and gingin's infection issue and I have actually changed my mind about having surgery at that facility. I would like to thank you for being honest about your situation and letting us know. I know they say it's a risk of any surgery however, you two represent 40% of people that went to the facility in November that I knew about. I dont want to risk it. Again you and your family are in my prayers and I also pray for you to maintain the strength not to be negative and keep looking toward the future. Rene

Thanks for the reassurance Lan2K and Carolyn I thought I would be able to handle it. @ VegasAngel I was planning to use Dr. Almanza, however, I'm going to switch to Dr. Aceves partially because of this reason. I'm going to call Nina right away and see if they have any specials coming up...I was hoping to save some money for my new wardrobe after losing the weight. NJSleever... I'm keeping you in my prayers. I do know what it is like I have awful veins and be stuck a million times. I have had to get an anesthesiologist just to get my IV's in because nurses have such a bad time with them. sometimes they will just numb my arm first, its that bad.

Is this common? Im really squeamish and trying to figure if I will have to: 1) remove my own stitches? (Planning to go to Mexico) 2) suffer from an infection? I would just die if I had to have a wound reopened to be repaired. I had a fallopian tube removed laproscopically about 8 years ago. It hurt like crap, but I had sutures that dissolved. Although I was afraid to look at them (did I mention Im pretty squeamish??) I did clean them as best I could, because they told me all kinds of crap could happen and I would be back in the hospital. Im looking forward to surgery in February, but Im just now getting frightened. Im sure there's much more to worry about. Sorry, but I HAD to get that out. Thanks!

:sad0::thumbup::mad: I am SO happy for you! GO JUDY GO JUDY GO JUDY! I was praying for you. I too have blood pressure issues and am trying to stabilize it with medication before I have surgery. I would hate to get turned around. Great Job! You're well on your way!

Don't know if it will be covered right away. However, now that it has a CPT code, it probably won't be long now. I'm in the same boat as you, I cant decide whether to chalk it up and go to Mexico or to try and wait it out.

JoAnne that is great news. There is hope after all. I'm praying for you.:crying:

mella & lizbeth you guys are great inspirations. I hope to move forward quickly while I have the motivation and see success stories like yours. Keep up the good work!!

I'm afraid of this everyday. I change my mind. I finally went to the seminar and am determined to see this through to the end...or at least to approval. I am still wrestling with it. That's why I come here everyday I see there is hope and realize that if I did come this far. I REALLY NEED to go ALL THE WAY. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Congratulations on getting banded in the morning! I'm still a newbie, but I can guarantee that I would probably be starving too! Just mentally. Im sure you have conquered every bit of REAL hunger while you were on the liquid diet. So just hang in there...You're on your way!

Hi everyone! I have been contemplating WLS for the past 5 years. I have "decided" to go with LB. I have'nt called a surgeon yet, because I was thinking of going to Mexico for the sleeve. But my medicaid will cover the band so I'm going to go for it. I'm extremely afraid. I've been going back and forth for the past month or two. I keep thinking I can lose the weight on my own. I hear some good things and some horror stories and let it go...until I can't button my pants. I've come to the realization that I do need help and I believe that the LAPBAND is just the tool I need to put this behind me. Thanks for reading.:scared2: