Not trying to be a pain in the rear...butt??

Does anyone know if Medicare covers Lap Band and if they say no at first, can it be fought or is it a losing battle like Coventry? I found out that Dr. Hornbostel does do Lap Band for us *delicately put* over child bearing years ladies after all... but now Medicare says they only cover RNY! UGH! I'm already tired and I haven't even got there yet...sorry for the whining, just nerves are a little frayed tonight. Hope everyone else is doing better than I....Love & Prayers to all...Deb

Debbie, Who told you that Medicare doesn't cover lap band? As of February 22, 2006 they have expanded their coverage to include lap band and several other methods as well. Go to SRC.org and click on News Stories, you can read the actual news release. I don't know about fighting it but I would sure try. Good Luck! Marilyn

Thank you, thank you, thank you Marilyn! I was really starting to give up, until I got your letter!!! I'm doing a happy dance here. ...well, almost, I'm doing it from my office chair...don't wanna get hurt here. I had heard it from some woman at the Medicare office. I will look up that sight and print it for all to see....including that woman at the office. Thank you again....by the way, I have a sis named Marilyn, beautiful name...Love & Prayers, Deb

You are very welcome, Debbie. Us 'a little past our prime' ladies have to stick together. I'm trying to get started on the same journey you are. I'm going to Dr. Hornbostal's seminar in Sedalia next week. I hope he will accept me as a patient. He and his hospital are qualified as a Center of Excellence so Medicare should cover it. Keep in touch, I'd like to know how you're progressing. Marilyn

I will be there July 4th too! I look forward to meeting others from OH. I hope to see you there! Are you wanting Lap Band too or one of the other surgeries? I will keep in touch with you as I hope you will with me, as well. I am soo excited and soo nervous all at the same time!! Talk with you later...Deb

I wish I'd known you were there, I could have looked for you. That would have been knid of hard having no idea what you look like. I was in the second row, left side, my DH & niece were with me. They want to make sure they know what is happening. Great support for me. I still have to wotk on my profile one of these days. And a picture! Any way, keep in touch Marilyn

Yes, it would of been nice to see you as well. I tried writing back but hubby said you were probably already on your way, since you were coming from Ark. I was half way back and on the same side as you, hubby said about the sixth row back. We got there at 5:30...I couldn't believe it had already started! We did get some good info though. You may of seen me if you were still there, during the Q&A time, I asked Dr.H what I should do because I hadn't got signed in and Dena was gone. He said just call the office and I asked...will she believe I was here? He said "we're not the gestapo." We laughed and hubby and I went on back to H'ville. By the way, what does DH stand for? There was also a man there from the east side of Missouri. We will all be seeing Dr.H and going through it all at the same time, maybe we can hold each other up spiritually through this, his name is Andrew! He has already done his online work and has an appt. I didn't get much done today, had a good sinus headache, now it's gone but my mind is all fuzzy from the meds. Did you get to see any fireworks, we did, all the way home...Great Show!! Well I'm off for awhile....talk soon Deb