I have a kidney transplant . . . .

[Lowbmier 0]

Good luck whatever happends.

[sister-woman 0]

I'm also a transplant patient 6 years ago and doing great. I just want to know how have you tolerated acid reflux and your appetite with the band? How old are you and did the weight come off without exercise or diet modification? Tell me more. I'm studying the lap band because of my weight gain with prednisone.

At the lap band group medical visit last week, the nurse said that with the band the acid reflux goes away, since the upper part of the stomach has little acid.

I am 53, and due to other circumstances can't use walking for my exerecise. I do have a stationary bike (which right now I don't use), so I guess I'll have to use that. There are no indoor pools anywhere near me, unfortunately!

[cher.56 0]

I had my second transplant in April of 06, my first transplant from my mom lasted 32 years! Anyway, as I am "older" now weight has become a big issue (no pun intended) with the Prednisone, antidepressant and restless leg meds I have gained 50 pounds As I am still on Medicare because of the transplant I was wondering if anybody has gone through the process with Medicare and if there were any out-of-pocket expenses and how long it took Medicare to approve after completion of the 6 month period? Thanks! Cheryl

[sister-woman 0]

Wow! 32 years! That's amazing!

I am going through the process with Medicare (still on it as well because of the transplant), and Medicare told me they'd pay as long as it's in one of their approved hospitals (I don't think that's the term they use).

Medicare's theory is that, in the long run, it is more cost effective if you lose the weight--fewer expenses because it alleviates the co-morbid problems like type 2 diabetes and such.

I think you can go to medicare.gov to find out which hospitals are approved.

[cher.56 0]

I did check and my center is considered a "center of excellence" according to Medicare. I hope their approval process is quick because my last 6 month appt is in November and I hope to get it done before the end of the year ~ I can't wait!

[sister-woman 0]

"center of excellence"--that's the term!

so far no one has said anything to the effect that medicare wouldn't pay for me--they just won't pay for the 6-month pre-op medically supervised program, but that's onlt $415, I think, for me.

my program ends in December, so I imagine I won't have surgery until January at the earliest.