Seriously Considering WLS

I have looked at a lot of material about WLS and have about made up my mind to do it. Still have a few questions though. 1. does anyone know how Medicare pays on WLS? 2. What happens to the excess skin? Haven't heard a lot about it except that some have it removed. Is this always the case? I need to lose about 140. Don't know if my skin will shrink that much. 3. Is anyone near Ozark/Altus area that I can talk to? Hugz and Kisses, Carolyn

Medicare is difficult to deal with. If you are over 65 you may have a hard time with medicare. Medicare will not preapprove. You coud get stuck with the bill. If medicare is your secondary insurance they will pay pretty good. I ha to retire on social security disability. I am 52 and medicare did cover what my primary insurance did not cover. I have anaunt who is 65 and wants surgery. She went to my surgeon, Dr. Lambert in Batesville, but doc Lambert could not proceed because medicare woud not say if they would pay. I only know of 1 woman over 65 that medicare covered, and the doctor had to fight really hard to get approval. She was in very bad shape and had many comorbidities. I want you to have wls, but be cautious with medicare. If you are under 65 and could return to work, they will be easier. If they thik wls can get you off ssd they will pay. Good luck

Hello Carolyn, Yes I have a friend that medicare approved she is about 24 years old. And Dr. Gibbs did her surgery! She is very happy with her surgery. And if they want help you can try Arkansas Rehab. They helped me, My insurance wouldn't pay for it. But Ark Rehab paid mine in full and so far have also paid all my follow up visits. Okay well the excess skin you have to work real hard to tone up what you can. And if you have a lot real bad Medicare also is going to pay to have her skin removed. But she was 600 Lbs. so she has a lot of skin. She will have to have her skin done in memphis, Bcause it is so bad. And in some cases you tone up pretty good! I will have to have a little skin rmoved. But that is also why I work out allot so I will have to have as little removed as possible. It really depends on the shape you skin is in and the age you are. and how much you are willing to tone after surgery. I live in Conway. Sorry wish we lived closer. Hugs Debbie Moya Dr. Baker 9/22/03 354/197.5/147

I am 49 and have been on SS Disability since about 1996. I do hope that Medicare does help. If not, I will check into Ark Rehab resources. Thanks David. Hope you continue to do well and good luck with your heart problems. Debbie, I wish I lived closer to you also. I need a support pal bad. LOL. I live at Altus and it is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from LR according to how much road DEstruction is going on at the time. I am dreading the trips to LR for everything. Any advice and support from David, Debbie or anyone else is surely appreciated. My sweetheart of a hubby said the decision is up to me as he will support me in whichever way I choose to go. Hugz, Carolyn

Carolyn, Hun I bet you will get approved and I bet you will do great! If you have any questions Just ask. You can e-mail me privately it you would like my e-mail is on my profile page. Hugs Debbie Moya Dr. Baker 9/22/03 354/197/147

I am in Russellville & 3 weeks out from WLS! I used dr Laffoon at millard henrey clinic. I would do it again tomorrow if need be I am feeling GREAT!!!!! Dr Laffooon has great bed side manners very down to earth~!!!!!!!