My first ever post...is it workable?

Buffalo, New York...Waiting over a year for Lap Band, deemed "extremely ready for WLS a looong time ago. All tests succesfully done, except nutrisionist/dietician. Psychiatric evaluation. Sleep Study. Excercising, lost 48 pounds while waiting, but I still have a MBI of 54. My weight, 318, 5"-5". I have Medicare - Centers of Excellence. My appointed doctor is not acreditted under the Center for Excellence program that started February 21, 2006. I was told I made it "in" before that date by a few weeks. But their office rudely tells me he can't do the surgery. My life abrubtly haulted right there. Oh my gOD, all the hard work, and PATIENCE of over a year, was WAISTED! I am very, very depressed at the moment, because I put all my apples in one basket and got tromped on by the system. My therapist says I have changed noticabley since my systems F@#$ you to me. I agree, and I'm trying hard, but I am getting no where. And my PP is the one who asked me to look into WLS in the first place. My dreams are shattered. I know that if one doesn't work, you do another, but I really wanted this! Can someone help me? PLEASE?

Polly, Hun all i can say is hang in there and do not give up! Everyone has some kind of fight to go through to get this surgery...It seems that the whole system has you doing double the work to get approvals or any info regarding this. I guess that is "their" way of cutting back the people they have to pay for. Crappy but I think that is what they do! I can not imagine them telling you yes and then turning around and saying NO now. There has to be a higher power there that you can take this to and I just don't know about Medicare sorry hun but maybe someone else can help with that info. Just do not give up, this is worth the fight! Please keep us posted, venting might help as well. ~Hugs~ Just know we are all here to support you in what ever way we can. Debra P

My surgeon, Dr. Caruana, has received the Center of Excellence designation. I do not know if he does banding, but my RNY turned out beautifully. Why not give them a call and find out if they can accept all of your tests and such and if they will accept your insurance? It can't hurt, girlfriend. Listen - we are having a support group meeting there this evening. Why not meet me there and we can talk some more about this? Email me off list and I will give you my phone number.

My PP suggessted Dr. Caruana as his first choice, My PP's office love him. And he's 5 minutes away. Unfortunately he does not accept Medicare. I really wish he did because SO many people are pleased with his work. Thank you so much for the advice. You'll be my second message reply, ever. Cool, eh? PollyBMcM

Polly, maybe he will now that he has been designated a Center of Excellence. Call and ask. It can't hurt.

Hi Polly, I have a habit of reading ahead sometimes and have to echo Debra's response. Oh boy a fight I did have too, not so much with my insurance as much as I did the psychiatrist. I felt he made a quick judgment call on me without knowing me. I was compliant with him though, stuck it out, and he approved me quickly. I agree don't give up! Kristine