In the beginning stages......

I live in the wonderful wet Outer Banks and I recently went to a seminar as well as had my consultation with a surgeon in Suffolk, VA.  Just waiting on a few more medical records to arrive so I can fax them over.  I'm planning on having the RYN and as I'm sure everyone experienced, I'm scared out of my mind but also so excited that I wish I was having the procedure done tomorrow!!!  I have read all of the great results as well as very negative results of this type of surgery as well as other weight loss surgeries.  I guess one of my questions is has anyone else in the NC area gone to VA for surgery?  I am a Medicare & Medicaid recipient and so far, it looks like Medicare is allowing the surgery.  Not sure about Medicaid as of yet.  Any comments and or help would greatly be appreciated.  Thanks!!

Hi there!!! I'm just across the bridge from you in Lower Currituck County. I had my surgery in Greenville but most of the folks in out area do go to VA for surgery. You may want to post this question on the VA forum as well. NurseBetsy lives in my area and had hers done in VA as well as FluffyMom from Elizabeth City.

If there's anything you know of that you need - PM me or post here. I'm constantly checking the board during the week.

RNY is (without a doubt) the best thing I've ever done in my life. Congratulations on taking the necessary steps to a healthier life.

- Iris

Thank you Iris & Barbara for your replies.  My surgery, if all goes well in the paper work area, will be done @ Bon Secours Maryview in Portsmouth.  Dr. Glen Moore is the surgeon I've chosen and feel really great about him.  This surgical group is a center of excellence as you mentioned Barbara.  That certaintly helped me in my decision making as well.  The Medicaid situation, I'm not clear if NC Medicaid will cover surgery in VA.  Thank God I have Medicare and it's covering the 80%.  Keep your fingers crossed for me and hopefully I'll have a surgery date very very soon!!

Obxlady

Hi,

Welcome to the board. I look forward to getting to know you. I have Medicare, but not Medicaid. I had my surgery at Duke and as many will tell you it's the best thing I have ever done for myself. My husband also had it done last December and has lost 50 lbs since his surgery and probably more importantly, he's diabetes is resolved! One of the good things about having Medicare is that they will require  you to go through a Center of Excellence. This means that they have a full, robust program to support you before, during and after the surgery. It also means that that they have done a large number of surgeries. This is important, because as they do more, often their stats improve.

Wishing you all the best,