Medicare and revision surgery

Hello, this is my first post.  I had RNY surgery 8 years ago and lost 110 lbs.  I kept it off for several years but then there was a life crisis, so over time I put back on 60 lbs.  I had the Lap Band put in a couple of years ago and it has not worked for me at all.  I am on a waiting list for an appointment to see about the DS, and I also have an appointment with my Lap Band doc to consult about RNY revision.  I would rather the DS, but who knows when they will call.

Anyway, all I have right now is Medicare.  My BMI is back up to 36, which meets their criteria of 35.  But I am curious if anyone knows about the co-morbidities.  I see some of the same ones listed all the time, but a couple only once.  I do still have asthma, pre-hypertension, and last year had lumbar surgery for degerative discs and have foot surgery scheduled in a couple of weeks for degenerative joint disease in my big toe.  I saw in one place that degenerative discs qualify for a co-morbidity and also arthritis.  I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience with being qualified per the Medicare criteria in regard to the co-morbidities.

Also, remember this is a revision surgery.  I don't know if that makes a difference or not, either.  The Medicare rep I talked to did not know very much.  Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thank you, and God Bless everyone's efforts!!!  We need all the help we can get... =)

Sincerely,
Davina

 Medicare paid for my DS revision, no problems.  The DS is an approved medicare surgery if you qualify as far as morbid obesity and comorbidities.  You just have to go through the hoops and get it at a center of excellence.

Thanks for the info!  And, congratulations of your awesome weight loss!!!

To your continued success...

You will need a secondary insurance.You do have co-morbidities, I wish you Luck.