hi im new...

i was just wondering if any of you have medicare as insurance,and how it has gone for you in regards to dealing with them or thier dealings with you.my pcp just reffered me to dr.looser(portsmouth,n.h.)i am planning on attending the meeting feb.2nd....im just too scared of getting my hopes up,does that sound dumb?i have done everything under the sun to lose weight in recent years,and i have never had success in losing.i am 28,5'8",and weigh 280.if you have any input regarding medicare paying(or helping to pay)for GP surgery,please let me know!thanks!

Hello Jennifer, I don't have any information about the insurance or the hospital. But I just wanted to say hello, and yes it is a scary process but once it gets going you will be amazed. As far as I know (and it could be different in NH), make your appointment with the surgeon and they take care of all the paperwork with your insurance. I just had my surgery 6 weeks ago in CT. My husband and I are moving to the Portsmouth area in a week (oh my goodness it is coming so fast). So there is a meeting on Feb 2nd, I should try to attend it (if I can find it). I haven't had a chance to call the Nurse coordinator there yet (Nancy), just because with the movers coming too much going on here. But if you need any support with the surgery, let me know. I was lucky enough not to go through the process alone, my friend and I did the whole thing together and had surgery two days apart. Good Luck on the beginning of your Journey, Jennie

Hi Jennifer-- Welcome to the boards!!! I do have Medicare for insurance and just had surgery 2 weeks ago at DHMC in Lebanon. When I asked about if they would cover surgery I was told that they would if there were at least 2 co-morbidities. I don't know if you have any, but I had diabetes, severe sleep apnea, and hypertension. Therefore, my surgery would be covered because of these conditions. Check with the person that deals with insurance at Portsmouth just to be sure, but mine was covered by Medicare. Hope this helps you and if you have other questions feel free to email me. Shelley

thanks ladies...im nervous now,i dont really have any significant health problems,isnt obesity enough??!!i have problems with my knees,but i have had tests and everything seems fine.i have had so much testing for so many things due to my obesity.i have tried many different ways of loosing the weight,both medical and non-medical.my fiance said he would take out a second morgage,but id rather just stay overweight,we bought this house for the future of our children and i am not putting that at risk no matter what!i dont feel like i can take another day of being this heavy,i feel so awful.the past year my weight has affected my life more than it ever has.i feel so bad for my kids,they are suffering too,because of me.last summer,i just stayed in the house mostly,and i cried many nights because i know my daughter who is two had a miserable summer.i honestly feel like i would rather not live sometimes than live like this,this is not living.im just going to keep saying my prayers,and hope that a miracle occurs.......jennifer.

Jennifer, You never know every insurance company is different and has so many different requirements. Sometimes just being obese is enough, in the long run it should. If you don't have any medical issues now, doesn't mean that you won't in the future. You can always call you insurance company and speak to someone, see if they have wls exclusion in their policy. I know my best friend and I went through surgery two days apart. I was approved in less then 24 hours and I sat with her as she made the phone calls just to find out that their was a wls exclusion in her policy. We did a lot of crying together and a lot of soul searching, Her husband told her the same thing he would do what ever it took to get her that surgery, he put it on a credit card. She felt guilty because they are in the process of trying to buy a house, but like he told her in the long run you will be a much healthier person and I want you around for a long time with me. They feel that was the best money they ever spent, she is also 6 weeks out and has lost 50 lbs and feels great! Best of luck in your decision, but at least start by calling your insurance company and see what they say. Jennie

Hi Jennifer - WELCOME. I have BCBS insurance so can't answer your insurance question from personal experience, but I do know of a couple of people who have had their surgeries covered by Medicare so I know it is possible, I just don't know what the specific requirements are. Just wanted to welcome you to the board! It tends to be a little quiet here, but there are quite a few of us who lurk in the background. Good luck on your journey! Bonnie

Hi! Dr Looser, Dr Paculli and Dr Gens are all wonderful! They have been taking care of my family for years (not just Gastric). I would check with their office about your insurance question. I know there are many insurances not being accepted any longer or requiring you to go to specific doctors or locations. If you can use Dr Looser and his team....GREAT! If not, don't waist your time at their meeting. Find out where you need to be and go there. Best of luck on your journey!! Its one of the hardest you'll ever make, but well worth it!!