I need help

I need help finding a doc that takes medicare and will preform surgery on a person with a BMI of 81.5----- My name is Angie, I'm a 32 yr old woman with a BMI of 81.5 and my health problems are as follows: high blood pressure sleep apena diabetis degenaritive arthritis high colestrol nuropathy in my feet depression Today I was turned down for the 2nd time by a surgeon who I thought would preform surgery on me. When I called his office the first thing I asked was if they did patients over 450 lbs because the hospitals around my home do not. The answer was yes they do patients up to 800 lbs. So my hopes were high and I was very excitied to get this done. I got a phone call about an hour ago saying that the doctor will not preform surgery on me do to my BMI and underlying health problems. So once again my hopes are smashed. I have all the preop testing done and am well aware of the risks and complications that could occur with this surgery. That is a chance I am willing to take. It's either surgery or die for me. I weight 534 lbs and am 5'8" tall. I am really starting to lose my hope for having this surgery. I know this is the tool I need to lose my weight and stay reasonably healthy. I have been over weight since I was 2 so I've never known what it's like to be skinny and DO NOT have the desire to be skinny. I just want to be healthy and walk and live my life again. Thanks for any and all advice---and yes I have been searching and searching and searching....

Hi Angie!  I dont really know how to help you but I  just wanted to say 'hello" and wish you good luck. I hate that you keep having your hopes smashed. I haven't had wls yet either because my ins. wont pay if bmi is over 50. When I first started mine was at about 57.5 which left me with the mission of having to lose approx. 60 lbs before they will cover!(where's the logic?)  You didn't mention how far you were willing to travel or were you just looking for a doc within just a few hours away. Also have you checked the "bmi over 50" forum? Someone there may have a little more info. Again I wish you luck and I will keep my fingers crossed for you!!        Jodie M

oooohhh good idea about the bmi over 50 forum---I'm pretty much willing to travel anywhere---I just need to live---good luck with your journey

Hi Angie - I am going to PM you with some suggestions. 

Hello Angie.  I am so sorry to hear about your story.  Please call the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction in Des Moines, IA and ask them about it.  It couldn't hurt anyways.  That is where I am going.  Here is there # 515-643-0556.  I am not sure how that all works but you could check so keep me posted and I sure hope you find someone to go to.   Your friend, Chris

Hi Angie! I'm not sure who all has turned you down, but did you go to Columbia?  My mom also lives at the lake, and I have to say, the only successful person who has had wls that she knows (in that area) went through Columbia I believe.  I'll double check with her today. I love Dr Glas**** in Cedar Falls, but I'm not sure with how strict his program is, if they would take someone on who lives so far away...  I know he has worked with some pretty high BMIs, but not sure *how* high. Good luck!!! Amy

I would check into a Barix clinic. Good luck.

~K

Angie, I know how you feel.  I have been attempting for this surgery for quite some time now in three different states.  My problem was with my insurance though.  Check out my profile and it will give you a clue of my journey, but anyhow I am a heavier BMI like yourself and have found two places that were willing to work with me.  Grinnell Hospital/Surgical Associates, this is where I am having my surgery.  Also, Iowa City University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.  They both work with larger BMIs and have experience with heavier patients, that was key for me in my choice.   Here is something that was said in the Grinnell packet about Medicare insurance, it states: Medicare:  In February 2006, Medicare announced that it will not pay for bariatric procedures at a facility that does not have a level 1 designation as a Center for Excellence through the American College of Surgeons or American Society of Bariatric Surgery.  This caught many facilities by surprise.  At this time, there are no Iowa facilities with this designation.  Surgical Associates and GRMC are working toward this requirement designation.  In the meantime, only Medicare patients with certain secondary insurance policies will be covered.   Now I am not sure how long ago this was updated, but maye you could go the the medicare website and find the approved facilities to save you some time.  Let me know if there is anything I can assist you with.  Good luck dear and dont give up.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sipele K