question?

Hi Guys,  I am doing my research on all the different types of surgery's available, and I think I have finally made up my mind.  I am curious to see if y'all may know if there are any Doc's in arkansas that do the Vertical Sleeve?  To make it even harder question, I am on Medicare... Does anybody know if they cover anything @ all towards wls? And if they do, what docs are available..  Sorry for so many questions.

Not too many questions, just don't know if all of them will be answered, that's all  LOL Medicare pays for rny, but I'm not sure about any other type of WLS at this time. Lap band may be too new for them to approve it right now.  Drs Gibbs and Baker are the only ones approved by Medicare to do it here in Central AR. You have to go to an approved doctor who performs the surgery in a hospital that is designated a Center of Excellence, which is what Baptist Hosp is. I don't know about up near Fayetteville or Ft Smith. Maybe one of our members from up there will chime in. I know that Gibbs will only do rny and lap band. Considers the other types too drastic.  Good luck to you!

There are some doctors in Missouri and one in Lousianna that take medicare so you might try to get into see one of these doctors. YOu can check on the Missouri board and you can check Dr. Merrimen's office in Shreveport La.

Jeannie wondering how you are.  you dont post much. tammy

Hey, Dr. Roller in Northwest Arkansas does all 3 weight loss procedures - lap Band, gastric bypass and the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy.   Good Luck.