looking for a new surgeon... :)

Ok, my pity party is over. I am now in search of a new surgeon and I intend on looking in Little Rock. All of you wonderful people have give me some great advice and surgeon's names.... What I need out of a surgeon: takes Medicare patients will do surgery on patients with a BMI of 70, without first losing tons of weight one that does the Lap RNY (or open, but I prefer Lap)..this is the only thing covered by Medicare one with a good reputation..a good surgeon.. ok..please send me some names...Im going to check them All out thanks Lisa

Lisa, Call Dr. Wellborn in LR. His number is 663-9600 go to ext 111 and talk to Cindi. Good Luck Cathi

If you change your mind about not having open, I would recommend Dr. Baker. He doesn't do Lap. Good luck, Karen

dr mark gibbs is excellent and he does both types i used him through st vincents bariatric surgery clinic 501-552-8299 they are great there. not sure if he has a bmi limit youd just have to call judy there is very helpful and knowledgeable...hope this helps..good luck on your journey

I called Dr. Gibbs office...they wont do it either...they said that i have to be on a medically supervised diet for 2yrs b4 Medicare will pay for it.... However, this is the first Ive heard of that....im not sure thats correct...

Lisa: I would bet money that this is absolutely correct. First, many insurance companies have the same or similar requirements. Also, these offices do this business very efficiently and they know the rules well. They won't let you past them if they aren't going to get paid, but they won't let you go if they ARE going to get paid either! So, I'd say they're pretty reliable. However, if you have been seeing a physician, he/she may feel you meet the requirements if you have attempted to lose (even if it's not a specific "brand" of diet). It is possible you could get a dr. to help prove medical necessity and sometimes this works, so don't give up! I hope something works out for you. Most of all, at least contact a doctor and start today on the 2-year road. While you are trying to get it through medicaid, you can be "medically supervised', so that you will at least be ready in 2 years (if you can't get it before then)! Don't delay! If you have any more doubts, call medicaid right away and get the facts. Good luck!

OOPS! I said medicaid and I see you said Medicare, but I imagine it all still applies. Again, I really hope it works out for you!

I had to go out of state to get a doctor to do my surgery under Medicare! I went to Edmond Ok, a suburb of OKC, to Dr floyd and Pearce. They are just wonderful, the hospital has a specific baritric unit and you do not end up waiting six months just to get an appt. Right now, once you have had your initial visit, it is only about 3 weeks for the surgery. i am so glad i went there. They are just wonderful! Patticake