pre-authorization through medicare

Does anyone here have any experience with Medicare and WLS.  I have completed all of my screening appointments. I have my appointment scheduled with Dr. Clough (feb 20) then they will submit  the pre-authorization for surgery with Medicare.   Does anyone know how many days this usually takes?on the letter that I received from the Surgeons office that it would take 4-6 weeks.  Does it usually take this long? I am so excited I can't wait

Hi Grumpyhugs, I'm sorry I don't have any info with Medicare. I do see however that you are planning on having your surgery at EMMC - I just had mine done there on 1/31/08 with Toder. I wanted to welcome you to the forum and although your first question is one I don't have the answer to, I'd be happy to answer any other questions that you might have. Best wishes on your journey, Candace

Hi Grumpyhugs (love your name, btw)   I also wanted to welcome you to the Maine Forum!  Good luck on your journey!  I am sorry, I don't have experience with Mainecare or Medicare.  But feel free to ask any other questions.  Are you going for the Lap-Band or the RNY?   I had the RNY and have had absolutely no issues/complications with it.  I am so glad that I made this decision, it has been the best one I have ever made! 

thanks, I am going to have the open  RNY with Dr. Clough.   Did you have open or laproscopic? I wanted to have Lapproscopic but Dr. Toder only  does 2 medicare patients a month, so I wouldn't see her until June, then it would be about 3-5 months after that before I could have my surgery. so I eleced to go with open surgery so I could get it done sooner.  I think this is a great website. you all seem like a great bunch of people.

I had it done Laproscopically.  Dr Cobean doesn't do open any more, because he now has longer tools to work with. Good luck to you!  We are a family here! I am glad you are now part of it!!  Keep us posted on your progress!!