According to the news and the PA at the surgeon's office where I *had* an appointment for next week, on February 21st the announcement was made that "Medicare would cover some procedures only at hospitals considered "centers for excellence" by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery." Hospitals were given no time to apply for certification from either organization. We ALL need to contact our federal congressmen and senators about this. The more he11 we raise, the more likely it is the rule will be reversed or revised. Here are some things to point out in your communication (preferably by phone): 1. There was no notice given for this ruling. Hospitals should have had time to apply for certification. 2. Obesity is a life-threatening disease and this ruling has dramatically reduced the facilities available to perform bariatric surgery for months to come. 3. Waivers ARE available and you should urge your politicians to push for a waiver for your particular hospital. Here's the list of US Senators. Just find yours and slam them with emails & phone calls: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Here's the list of Congressmen. Ditto above: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/alertlist/?issue=30

Tammie is having her surgery in the morning, and needs everyone to sign her surgery support page... she was denied back in december, but was approved in january and almost had to post pone her surgery tomorrow due to being sick lately... but THANK GOD is able to have it done... WE WISH YOU WELL AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY TAMMIE YOU GO GIRL so please sign her page thanks all... http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/status.php?N=H1129062192

Becky, Congratulations on your surgery - I hope the problems are behind you. There are some great walking & in-home DVDs you can get to do fun exercies in your house. Best of luck. Kadie

Hi ladies~ Glad you are both well!! Nice to meet you. Blessings~ becky PS: I used to live in EUREKA!! Crazy huh!?!?!

Do you look at the before and after pictures of others who have had WLS and wonder if the surgery will work for you? Dr. Lawrence W. Smith tells OH readers how to build a supportive team and to be clear about why they had surgery among other very helpful tips. This article plus photos from the OH Costa Mesa event; cardiorespiratory training; and how to select the right bariatric surgery center are all featured in the latest issue of OH Magazine, which focuses on nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. If you are already a subscriber, tell us which article you found the most interesting or helpful to you. If you have not subscribed yet, it is easy to do. You can log onto http://oh-magazine.com or call toll free 1-866-297-4966. You will receive a one year bimonthly subscription for only $25. And remember, if your doctor is not a subscriber pass the word on to his office staff.

Ronda Einbinder
ObesityHelp
Public Relations/Staff Writer :type: