Need help finding a physician

I am looking for a doctor that does roux-en-Y in southern Idaho that will accept True Blue (Medicare). So far I have gotten the run around with the "Centers of Excellence" qualifications for doctors and hospitals. I would be going to a hospital and/or doctor in Boise/Caldwell/Nampa and I think St. Al's or St. Lukes qualifies. Hope to hear from someone.

Hi Jo, I am in Northern Idaho. I don't think there is any weight loss Dr.s in Southern Idaho. I am going to the one in Post Falls, the town I live in. His name is Dr. John Pennings. I went to the seminar yesterday evening and he takes Medicare and True Blue because that is what I have too. He does have a Center of Excellence and they told me yesterday that the Medicare waiting list is kind of long like until the end of summer time. So, the sooner you get on the list the better for you. If you would like to ask me anymore questions or talk more about it, You can email me at my normal email address which is: [email protected] My name is Annie by the way. On the Obesity help website I go by Needs a miracle. God Bless you, Annie

I can only go to a doctor who will accept Medicare. That's all the money I have. No self-pay for me. Also, Medicare won't approve VSG, so I guess it's Doctor Pennings or nothing. I appreciate the reply. Jo

I researched for 5 months on WLS and I find there is a lot of dr.'s around like SLC (salt lake city), but I know of none in southern Idaho. have you checked into the VSG? Vertical Sleeve Gasterectomy? To find out about that surgery, go to www.endobariatric.com and go into VSG. Most dr.'s are now recommening going the VSG cause it is just as successful as the RNY or any of the other bypasses. With the VSG, you don't have to worry about malabsorption, nor dumping. You eat 3 to 4 oz. at a time and it is a medium invasive surgery done all laproscopically. 45 minutes surgery. On this site is Dr. Alvarez. He has done over 330 surgeries of the VSG and has 0% leakage and 0% return of any patients for any problems. He is an awesome dr. everyone one who goes to see him, just love him. You can email him as well on the front of his site I gave you above. Idon't know how much you weigh, how much you want to loose, but you should take a little further step in researching the VSG. My insurance didn't pay a dime, I self paid and put it on a credit card. I flew to Piedras Negras, MX where Dr. Alvarez is and was home 3 days later. The VSG is the most popular WLS to date, just wanted you to have a little bit of more info. You can email me at [email protected] and ask any questions you like. I can also help with questions as well. I coordinate for Dr. Alvarez so I can be in touch with him if I need to for answers I may not have. good luck, Betty [email protected]

Jo, I am not positive about this but there may be surgeons in Idaho Falls who do roux-en-Y and accept Medicare. Maybe they are not yet a "Center of Excellence" but I have heard they were working on it for the Lap-Band surgery. Hope this helps. Kirsten

Kirsten, So sorry I didn't get back to you. Too many irons in the fire and I just forgot. I know about the doctor in Post Falls. His name is Dr. Pennings. I'm fighting the Medicare insurance battle right now and then I'm going to try and get an appointment with him. I live about a 10-12 hour drive away from him, but any port in a storm as they say. He is a "Center of Excellence" qualified physician and I assume his hospital or clinic is, also. Thanks for the tip. Are you from Idaho? Jo

Jo, I am from Idaho. I live near Twin Falls. I am a Lap-Band patient. I had mine done in Sandy, Utah on March 16, 2006 and have had great success with it. So far I have lost 90 pounds and hope for another 50 to 60. I have a friend near Burley who is dealing with Medicare and not having much luck. She was looking into Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls but so far it is not panning out. I should mention to her about Dr. Pennings. Quite a drive from Southern Idaho but I feel it would be well worth it. Best of luck to you and stay in touch. Would love to hear more. Kirsten

Hi! I am having a revision from a lap band to RNY. Dr. Valentine in Nampa is doing it. Don't know about insurance but wouldn't hurt to call his office and find out! His number is 463-1455. Let me know if this helps or if you find out anything.