Can anyone help me?

I am so frustrated I am about to cry.  I have been on a search for a Dr who will do the GBP for a medicare patient.  I have contacted 3 including UC Davis and they all have declined.  I am only 45 but I am on disability for being legally blind.   I have no health problems except for diabetes which has been in good control.  My BMI is 50.   I could have a lot of life left if I had this surgery.  But I canoot find anyone willing to even talk to me with medicare insurance.  I do have supllemental insurance as well.   But no one cares.  I could cry.  I have been studying this surgery for about 9 months now.  I have been to support group meetings in Eureka held by a group from San Fransisco.  They held me on a leash and finally told me to go to U C Davis.  U C Davis tells me they don't accept medicare pts unless you have already been part of UC Davis.  Where can I go from here without having extravigant travel costs.   I am well ready for this surgery.  I have done my reearch but no on ewill take me because of Medicare.  So much for Government insurance! Any input would be appreciated.  I am gonna sit down and have myselft a good cry and maybe I will feel better!

I know in lots of areas Medicare is covering banding now, Have you thought about that procedure?

I have been in touch with medicare and I do qualify for them to cover me for the GBP.  The problem is finding a surgeon who accepts medicare to do this surgery.  But thanks for posting.  Every little bit helps.

You need to go to WWW.ASBS.org and then go to the coe or center of excellence  they are able to tell you who in your area as the coe's take Medicare pts.  Although even though they have that designation does not mean that they need to take the medicare pts.  It will give you a list to work from though. Liz

Thank you for your reply!  I had called UC Davis this morning and asked if they took medicare for the bariatric surgery.  The girl who answered the phone told me no.  I called one of the Drs on this list who does the GBP and who is part of UC Davis and they told me they did accept Medicare pts.  Go Figure.  Thanks you so much for this into.  I feel like I may be getting somewhere.  We shall see.  

I knew that a friend of mine went to Dr. Quillici in Burbank. She has Medicare/medical and he accpeted it then... about a year ago.