Hi All, Yes, I am caught in the waiting game of a hospital that will take Medicare and is certified! There are few hospitals on the west coast that are certifed YET and the one on Washington coast does not accept Medicare from what I understand. (do not quote me on that) I have been to Spokane and have a doctor and everything is a go WHEN Sacred Heart is approved! I have searched and searched the web trying to get answers as to how long the wait in ONCE the hospital has submitted their paper work. Dr.s' office told me they say 30 days but with everyone jumping on the wagon she expects 60 days. Finally yesterday I found a site that says it looks to me like about 3 months to "provisional approval" from the time the application was FIRST sent in. My understanding of what I have read thus far, then Medicare will pay for surgeries done, but the institute must apply for "full approval" and that will be approved/denied within 6 months of that request. Hope this will be of help to anyone else on Medicare and trying to wander through all the hoops. If anyone else has more or more current info, please share with us.

As Angelo said, Dr. Oakley's support group is open to all and we have great meetings. Please visit his site www.thinidaho.com and the dates are listed. The next meeting will deal with emotions. Usually a speaker will talk and answer questions for about an hour then people can ask questions about anything and, in most cases, you'll find someone that has dealt with your issue. Sometimes we get quite animated. You're welcome to come and see if you like the meetings. By the way, I met a gal that moved here from California (we started corresponding here on OH) and she now comes to our meetings. Very nice lady and she and several of us get together to walk 1 or more nights a week. Linda

Dr. Cahn did my lap-band surgery. If you call St. Al's you can go to a free seminar that explains what the surgery is about. They hand out packets there that explain what you have to do in order to "qualify". I had to get a referral from my PCP, see a nutritionist, sleep doctor and psychologist before I could even make an appointment with Dr. Cahn. However, during that first appointment they scheduled my surgery! It took about 3 months from the time I went to the seminar until I had my surgery. I love Dr. Cahn. BTW, my insurance paid for the surgery. I had to co-pay $400 to the hospital and @300 or so to Dr. Cahn. I had to pay more for Dr. Anderson to assist because he was out of ummmmm, can't remember what they call that! lol Good Luck, Nancy 270/199/150

Does anyone know if there is a support group in or near Boise? I had my surgery in Portland but I live in Idaho. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I would recommend Dr. Korn. He dealt with both my mom and I. He is very nice and up front about everything. He will make sure that you are well taken care of. Dr. Oakley comes highly recommended in my book as well. He took me on while Dr. Korn was on vacation and I wasn't doing well. I'm sure you'll find the right one for you. Take care!