OK, give me the bad news...

OK, for anyone who has been to the Tallgrass orientation seminars recently, give me the bad news--how long are Medicare patients waiting now for WLS? Last time I had heard (February), they were pushed to August-September at the earliest.  Now that we are approaching that time frame, IF the psych eval is ever found, I'm just curious how much longer I'll be in limbo. I've had a rough few months.  Got through the 3 month diet under doctor step and then just felt like I gave up inside.  I didn't go on a binge, just qui****ching what I was doing.  So I'm back up 3-5 lbs.  Most days I feel hopeless, that I'm too much of a light-weight to be considered, they'll never do Medicare patients again, they'll never find my psych eval, etc.  In my current state of mind, it might not be good to re-take it lol... An online group I belong to is starting up a "biggest loser" contest July 1st, and I'm going to try doing it.  Simply because I don't know what else to do.  I've started drinking 1-2 Slimfast shakes a day and then one-two meals a day, and I've walked an hour 3 times in the past week.  The school said I can come up there and walk inside while they have summer school, so that is cooler and easier on my joints than our uneven streets.

I don't have any answers to your questions, but don't give up. You will get there.  Kim

I haven't heard the latest on that, but if you hold out, you will be very happy with Tallgrass. They are truly a top quality group to be working with. Keep your chin up as it will be worth the wait. I lost about 40 pounds before I had the surgery and I don't regret that early loss one bit. It is tough to lose more now. Please don't lose hope...in time it will happen if it is meant to. John

You should check with Dr. K @ MISH in Lenexa. About a month ago when I was in there for my monthly checkup  I overheard them tell someone they are appoved for Medicare but were only waiting on getting a billing number. It might worth it to check them out. 

Hi there! I'm not sure where you live in Kansas, or how far away from Sedalia you are, but Dr Hornbostel (sedalia, mo) accepts medicare and it seems like it went pretty quick, also medicare (at this time) does NOT require a 6 mo supervised diet nor does dr H , He is an excellent surgeon, and everyone on the Missouri board that has had him raves! he gives patients a home number and is very easy to get ahold of should you need to, his wife (a nurse ) works with him and is extremely knowledgable also and a great help. Good luck to you, Susan

I was at their informational seminar on July 12, and they did mention that Medicare patients were being held back so they could get caught up on the backlog of insurance claims, etc., plus of course Medicare doesn't pay enough to cover their costs.  I will be seeing my PCP day after tomorrow to discuss what the insurance needs from him (I have a Medicare Advantage Plan - but it follows Medicare guidelines very strictly), so I guess while I'm there I'll discuss with him this 3-month doctor-supervised diet, just in case they demand it.  YUCK!!  You've probably heard it all before, but keep thinking positively...sounds like you're gearing up for your surgery & you're gonna be ready to go when they give you a date!  While you're waiting is a good time to change bad habits - something I'd better get started on too!  Good luck to you...