I need help finding surgeon...

Hi all: I'm having an awful, sometimes seemingly impossible time finding a surgeon and/or facility that will take my Medicare insurance. I'm sure I'm far from the first to run into this problem, and I'm hoping someone else here can help me. I've contacted well over 2 dozen surgeons/facilities so far with no luck. I'm beginning to feel that a procedure(s) that came about for saving lives is no longer available to those of us that most need it. My health is VERY bad and getting worse rapidly, and I'm more than a little frustrated (for which I apologize) to find that gastric bypass procedures are now seemingly for the "rich and obese". Diabetes has ravaged my body and now threatens to take my life itself. Strangely enough, I was not obese when diagnosed, and kept my weight down for many years through walking. However, Staph infections started setting in very intensely and often over the last 10 years and are now a monthly or more occurrence. No longer being able to walk, and even though I rigorously follow my Diabetes diet, (proved by my great A1C results) the pounds keep pouring on...helped in large part by my massive insulin dosage and the total inability to exercise at all now. Even at 6'3", my weight of 350# puts me in the extremely obese category. If anyone can help me, I would appreciate it immensely. Thanks so much in advance. Feel free to e-mail me. I'm new here, but I will be around a lot from now on. Thanks again.

I just sent you a pm check it out. I hope it helps.

Welcome to Obesity help conchyjoe, I am sure that the info sent to you from Pat (bluebutterfly) is right on target for what you need.  If you have any more questions feel free to contact her or myself (I referred her to her surgeon).   Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Hi, I went to Dr Khaitan at Emory Crawford Long. Very good surgeon and they did accept my Medicare insurance. Good Luck!    Alice 

Hi, I had the same problem, I searched for doctors who said they took medicare ,but then wanted upfront fee...Try Peachtree Bariatrics in Atlanta..That is the Dr. Titus Duncan group..His office does not charge any upfront fees for medicare..There is a fee for a nutritional consult of !00 out of pocket..He holds a siminar at the wellness center at Gamedical center( The old Ga. Baptist Hospital).Medicare requires some criteri but souldns like you meet them..Their number is Phone: 404-881-8020 Their website is www.peachtreebariatrics.com Sseveral on this board have used them, and I am using them.. Trisha

Hello,  I work at North Fulton Regional Hospital in the Bariatrics Department and I have a surgeon who takes Medicaid...his name is Dr. Michael Williams.  His phone number is 770-500-3660.  Or you can call me at 770-751-2924 and I would be happy to help you..... Take care,  Ginger

Does he take BCBS of GA POS??  I was told he is out of network.. I think I need a revision... :-(  I have gained 60lbs from March 06 - Sept 06 .. haven't gained anything but baby weight since.. just had my daughter 4/17.

Hi Emily,  BCBS of GA usually does not cover it these days unless your employer has picked up a rider.  You need to call the insurance co. asked for a supervisor and give them this CPT code 43644 for RNY and ask if it is a covered procedure.  Then hang up and call back in 15 minutes to make sure you get the same answer.  Write the persons names down that you talk to the time and date.   Please call me so we can talk about you gaining weight.  There is a test the surgeon can do to see if you need a revision.  But I need to tell you....I am 6 years out....it is very easy for me to gain weight.  If I do not exercise, drink the fluids I am supposed to which is a min. of 64 oz. and eat a healthy die****ching my portions (because 6 years out I can eat a whole lot more) I will put the weight on.  It is also important to go to a support group.  If you call me I would love to help you figure out what is going on.  I wish you much success. Ginger

Hi all: Thanks so much to all of you that have helped me so quickly and so kindly. I never expected such quick and great response. I had an infection appear last night (stress no doubt), so not feeling the best right now physically, but WOW have you made me feel like there is some hope. Be sure that I have noted ALL responses and will be getting in initial contact tomorrow. Thanks again, oh, and of course feel free to keep the info coming... "aspire to inspire before you expire"...(Haven't been here long enough to figure out how to set up a "signature" yet).