For those people on Medicare long did it take to get your surgery.

I was just waondering how long did it take for most of you to get your surgery.  I know the six month diet has to happen.  But all togethr how long.  I been waiting forever.

Depends more on your program/surgeon, than anything else.  The cool thing of Medicare, it is a simple process, no real approval needed, so it is up to your surgeons schedule & YOUR ability to follow direction (you most likely will be asked to lose ten percent to shrink your liver, prior to surgery).

I am not 100% sure, but I think VSG is the only thing NOT covered by Medicare.  Maybe someone else knows & can chime in.

My suggestion to you, get active, start eating like you are already post surgical, and get into the habit of taking supplements (it makes your body ready, and starts good habits).

OH!  Medicare ONLY accepts Centers of Excellence - so make sure you do your own research on doctors & hospitals.

Good luck!
Brenda  : )~

OH!  I did NOT have to do a 6 month diet, but I was already doing my own to prepare.  After dropping one program, I went to another program & got surgery within three or so months with the new surgeon.  I had started with the original program in March, dropped in July, then saw my surgeon in August - had surgery in November.

Brenda  : )~

I agree with Seattle. I think it is up to the MD's schedule. I got on Medicare on June 1, 2010 and had surgery on Sept 3, 2010. I saw my MD and PhD(for psych eval), had tests and an endoscope +heart and blood clotting test, finally a day long class and a date for surgery by the middle of August. Then waited and did a liquid diet until surgery day. All within 2 months. I did not do a documented 6 months diet, but I had long hx of diets etc. No preapproval was necessary. I wanted the VSG but Medicare WOULD NOT cover it, so moved on to the RNY. I am now 4 months out and down 81 lbs since July 2010. Tickeled Pink as they say.

 

I would suggest to just ask your surgeon for a print out of all his requirements to have the surgery. I did not and from what I understand most surgeons do not want for a prior approval from Medicare before they do the surgery. Just get that list and do them. WHEN YOU complete his requirements the surgery should be scheduled. And his list usually depends on your medical issues current and past. Kinds like does he need a Pumoligy approval. Or Endocrinologist if you see one. These are just examples. Basically there is usually more that just the usual Psy, cardio, and nutrition appmt. Just ask you surgeon what he needs and you go do it. If he wants a 6 mo diet then ask for the list and during the 6 months go get everything else completed during those 6 months. SO when it is over you can say is there anything else you want. While knowing everything on the list has already been completed. I was with one medical group that jerked my chain and kept adding things while never given me anything written. In the end it was over 4 years of continually jumping through what they wanted. After it was all said and done turned out they will not take high risk patents over 50 BMI. They were just hoping I would give up from all the hoop jumping. Well I did not but I did give up on them and did my research. I found a surgeon that specialized in over 50 BMI as well as when I saw him I had no hoops to really jump through because I had already jumped every one there was to jump for me. I had 2 weeks of hoops that were written and very clear. After that poof he scheduled my surgery time. There was no waiting on Medicare approval. Medicare does have things that are mandatory that you have to do and your surgeon should give you that list too. Anyway. Bottom line is go talk to your surgeon and ask him for the black and white on everything he wants of you to get to the operating table. Good luck sweetie. Here at the 50BMI IT really got me through some hard parts in my journey. Come here and ask all the questions as well and all your aches. It really helped me through some hard times.

Kathy

That the problem my surgeon wanted a to 80 pounds before surgery.  I started at 395.  I got to 352.   I can,t seem to get under 350 and will not the surgery until at 320 pounnds.  He telling to come back every three months until I lose it.  If I could lose it .  I would.   It been almost two years.  I had  redo my six month because.  His P.A. Claims the was not docomention from my regular doctor.  So it to redone.  It  been almost been two years.  I just tired of the run around. I just want the surgery all ready.  He will not give surgery date until I lose the weight.   I truly have never meet a more heartless and unfeeling doctor.   He has no idea want it is like to be fat all your life.   I 300 pounds in highschool.

    So I finally had the Courage to find another doctor who I hope will be better.   I pray.  It will not be the same thing.  Every body seem to say the same about my old doctor.  Other people have had the same problem.    Every seem to be going better.  But, Still waiting for all my paper work to be redone and faxed.