Update on my DH - X-post

OK, in February my DH began his journey to have WLS and get Medicare to pay for it.  He has been through his 6 mo diet, all of the blood work and tests.  Including an unexpected ab ultrasound and heart cath.  Almost 3 weeks ago the surgeon's office called to say they  DID need a report from the ECU cardiology that he was OK for surgery.  The cardiologist had required the heart cath, but we went to New Bern for the proceedure.  (AT first, the surgeon's office had told us they had the results of the heart cath and that was all they needed.)

So we agreed that the surgeon's office would contact ECU Cardiology, since we figured nurse to nurse would get quicker results.  WRONG.  So last Friday I called ECU and left a message with what was needed.  Yesterday she called to verify that his meds were still the same, and said he was a 'moderate' risk for surgery because of his one partially clogged artery, but that shouldn't stop the surgery, and she would fax the report to Dr. Pender's office.  Three hours later, got a call from Pender's office.  Ray's 'decision' appt is Monday.  HOORAY!!!

THEN we have to wait for insurance approval, he has to do his 2 week pre-op diet, before surgery can be scheduled.  One more fly in the ointment - I will be going to OR for 9 days at the end of January, and I want him to be at least 2 weeks post op before I go (or not have had the surgery yet).  I can't reschedule my trip, my daughter and SIL already have tickets purchased for her business trip to somewhere in Mexicao, and my tickets purchased to go to OR to babysit.  But at least we know this IS going to happen!

Grammylew   medicare doesnt give prior approval  but does pay for the surgery if all the doctors notes and stuff are in order, and they have said he needs this surgery  i know of noone that they have not paid for ,.good luck on your hubby getting the surgery that may save his life and give him a better quality....

We've never had any experience with Medicare and surgery.  I just know the surgeon's office said they had to "submit to insurance for approval".  His Med Sup is Tricare for Life.  Basically, if Medicare pays, so will they.

I was self pay, and about 2 weeks after I decided I wanted to have my band, I was getting my band!

is your husband having the band or RNY? is he able to stick to a diet with no repercussions? then the band is good but it has been my experience with all the people in my support group that if they have food addictions then the band doesnt work well for them...

My DH is going to have the band.  He is/never has been a 'snacker' or a grazer'.  He is a quantity eater!  His favorite meal is 3/4 pound of any kind of MEAT!!  He is also big on bad carbs (potatoes, rice, bread), but he has pretty much cut those out since Feb.  He has also given up his diet soda, and substituted water with crystal lite.  That was a BIG change for him!  He also doesn't MOVE!  He sits in his desk chair all day.  Hopefully, once the weight starts to drop, I can get him walking.

no reason he shouldnt succeed then ....my favorites as far as food was concered was sweets and hot breads ...now either one makes me sick so no problem getting my brain to decide i dont want them lol....good luck and hope he does great. you sure are ...

Jan, im like you i liked my hot breads and baked sweets, actually any kind of sweets. not now 11 weeks out. im not hardly eatting anything.