medicare and a center of excellence

Hello to everyone,Im finally on my way.I went to a meeting 9-08-09 at southwest medical in lafayette.I got an appointment to go see the surgeon 10-5-09.I wanted to know do you have to have a specific letter stating it is medically necessary to have wls?The reason why I ask,is I asked my cardiologist nurse and she was very rude and very ugly to me,she said all you need is the 5 year medical history,which ,I have from (sleep center,cardiologist,primary care,piodiatrist,and also dibetic clinic umc.)I have all my records,I wanted to know is southwest the only center of excellence in lafayette?I also wanted to know if anyone cares to share info,how long after you see the doctor medicare takes to approve you for surgery?I hope and pray to have this surgery before christmas.Did anyone have to write a letter about,how living with obesity affects daily living,and what do you expect your life to be after wls?Are there samples of any letters,I know what I go through everyday its just depressing.I have alot of medical problems(sleep apnea,obese,diabetes,high blood pressure,depression etc...)Please pray my strenght .

I am thankful to the Lord to read this post because I know you have been diligently searching, praying and working toward this day for a very long time.

I have a few personal friends who have had surgery at Southwest and there's a good bit more who are members here. I've been there visiting my angelette when she was recovery there.

I will wait for one of the patients to pipe in on the letter of medical necessity. I do know that it is the only Center of Excellence in Lafayette and only one of about four (maybe 5) in Louisiana. There are more on the way.

If you do need a letter, it will be written my your PCP (family physician) so you shouldn't have to worry about getting it written yourself.

Hope is still very much alive and on the throne, Imanie, so don't feel exhausted. It should strengthen you to know that four months out of my revisional surgery, I have resolved or nearly resolved all of my health issues including sleep apnea, diabetes, knee and joint pain and I recently had to get all of my blood pressure meds because they are much too strong for me.

Maybe it seems so hard because it will be such a blessing.

Onward!
Frances