Very depressed

[Francoise65 0]

:confused:Back in August, I began the application process for Lap Banding,.... went to the required seminar, spoke with all my three doctors, all of whom agreed it was a good thing to do........had an appt. with the operating surgeon, who also agreed that I was an exellent candidate for the surgery......until I said I was 65yrs old and would be using Medicare to pay for it all...(turned 66yrs. in Sept.).....then I was informed that Medicare would not even consider me, as I'd be 66 by the time there would be any surgery. I'm heart broken, as I'd put a lot of hopes into losing the weight that has haunted me, most of my adult life. Anyone have a similar experience...?????..and short of going to Mexico to find a doctor charging at least $6,500.,is there anything someone can suggest...????...when I asked the nurse practioner at the hospital, who handled the applications, she informed me they won't even consider it if I was willing to scrape up the funds to pay for it......."never...!!".....has anyone 65yrs. or older found a way to appeal the decision to Medicare...???......please let me know if you've heard anything that might give me some hope again......?????......next week I'm trying acupuncture to relieve the constant pain in by back, despite two spinal surgeries to correct it.....then I could exercise more and perhaps that will help with some weight loss....who knows......I live in the upper northeast area of the US......so anything might help, if it's reachable for me..........

Edited December 15, 2008 by Francoise65

[princess070 0]

Sorry, self pay here in Canada, just paid $16,000!

Good Luck!

[gentylwind 1]

Medicare does not cover it. It was one of the first things they announced at my seminar. I am so sorry.

[Justmeuknow 0]

I had a friend that had Lapband at 68 call medicare and talk to them. Best of luck

Carol

[terilynn112 1]

Medicare paid for mine. Although I'm 37.

teri