I would contact Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy.

http://wlsappeals.com/common-bariatric-denials/denials-revisions-and-conversions/

In 2010 I shared My Story in support of The Lymphedema Treatment Act. The bill did not make it through the congressional process at that time and must be re-introduced. I am committed to using my newly acquired advocacy skills to help make this act a LAW.

WHY THIS LEGISLATION IS NEEDED:

• Lymphedema is a non-curable but treatable medical condition that results in an accumulation of lymph fluid swelling in parts of the body where lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes are damaged, nonfunctional or inadequate. Lymphedema affects an estimated 5-6 million Americans, with the majority of cases caused by cancer treatment.

• Untreated, or under-treated, lymphedema is progressive and leads to increased morbidity. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard and only known course of treatment for lymphedema. CDT is a multi-modal treatment that is only effective when used in its entirety.

• Medicare currently covers all but the most critical component, the medically necessary compression supplies used daily in lymphedema treatment, citing they do not fit under any existing benefit category. As a result, many patients suffer from recurrent infections, progressive degradation in their condition and eventual disability because they cannot afford the compression supplies required to maintain their condition.

WHAT THIS LEGISLATION WILL DO:

Although this legislation relates specifically to a change in Medicare law, it would set a precedent for Medicaid and private insurers to follow.

Specific goals of the Act are:

• Provide comprehensive lymphedema treatment coverage, according to current medical treatment standards;

• Enable patient self-treatment plan adherence by providing necessary medical supplies for use at home, as prescribed for each patient (including gradient compression garments, bandages, and other compression devices);

• Allow for new treatment modalities to be considered for coverage as they become available and are approved;

• Reduce the total healthcare costs associated with this disease by decreasing the incidence of complications, co-morbidities and disabilities resulting from this medical condition.

A quick one-page reference on the Lymphedema Treatment Act. To get involved visit: http://lymphedematreatmentact.org/

I know this post is almost 3 years old, but thank you. I am a month shy of being 6 years out from surgery and have maintained my weight all 6 of them. I am just so so sick of dealing with the rashes and belly button fungal issues etc from the excess skin. I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow and I am going to address it with her. I am 80% SC.

Try Emory bariatrics that's who I'm using! ;) they have a very straight forward program keep me posted!! ;)

Be very careful going to Aceves for DS.  He is not a vetted surgeon and he has only done 35 DS procedures.   DS is a very difficult surgery type to do and Aceves told me himself he's not a fan of DS but that is what people want.  Two years ago he told me he won't feel comfortable doing them until he's done at least 100 then he will feel more confident.

As of 2 weeks ago he's done 35.