MEDICARE APPROVED VSG

Forgot to post this here yesterday...MEDICARE APPROVED VSG ...June 27 

Opens the flood gates for Medicaid / Medi-cal  now! 

This approval will help save many more lives.  Tell a friend


http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=258&NcaName=Bariatric+Surgery+for+the+Treatment+of+Morbid+Obesity&
TimeFrame=7&DocType=All&bc=AQAAIAAAIAAA&

I paid for my own VSG and it doesn't work. A big fat waste of money!

 Im sorry grammy...My post was about MEDICARE APPROVING VSG yesterday.

You'll find FAILED WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY forum....two doors down to your left
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/failed_wls_second_time_aro und/


Or was it ....WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY REGRETS forum...two doors down to your right
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/any_wls_regrets/



either way, either door....don't let it hit ya on the way out.

I realize that, Carmelita. And I realize the VSG works for many. And I realize Medicare will pay for the surgery if you are 100 pounds overweight and have a comordity. I don't meet either of those requirements. That is why I have to pay for my own WLS. I'm sorry if I upset you. I didn't intend to.

 Ok grammy sorry about my smart ass comment. I thought you already HAD VSG and were sour grapes...
Having "to pay"...vs "PAID & wasted money" are two different things to me.

So now I understand your frustration.  Now put that frustration into some POSITIVE ENERGY...iow rethinking this. If one door gets slammed in my face..I go around and check the back window!

MEDICARE...if you go to the CMS..website...specifically has and MUST FOLLOW  NIH guidelines

BMI 35.5-39.9  1 major comorbidity...or 2 others. 
BMI  40 and over.........NO comorbidities required.


Here's a quick BMI calculator from OH to give ya a glance where ya might be
http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm

On my VSG INSURANCE WOES...scroll down towards the bottom...you will see a list of comorbids, NIH criteria that WLS candidates must meet, and ALL insurance companies that have a WLS contingent MUST abide by.  ITS THE FEDS!! ITS THE LAW!! lol
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/carmelita/blog/tag/vsg+ins urance+woes/

THEN....GET ON THIS GRAMMY!!  

Bariatric surgery offices are already getting INUNDATED with calls since medicare approved it. 

Much luck and keep positive grammy...there IS a way out of the chains that bind you

I DO have the sleeve, and it has made no difference in my life or eating. Not sour grapes. I decided to trade my leaking band for the sleeve.
I had my band two years and lost 125 pounds. Then do to an NG tube being placed after some surgery from my gallbladder cancer I had to have my band unfilled. I spent the next two plus years trying to get my fill back to perfect. (and regaining almost half my weight) After more than a dozen fills/unfills (having to drive 4 hours one way for each fill, and costing $165 each) my band got a leak. I could have paid for a band repair and gone back to paying for fills and driving a bunch. My research said the sleeve had about the same results as an RNY. Mine did not. I went back and got it tightened and I still have no restriction. I can eat an entire 12 oz. steak with no problems.
My husband went through Medicare for his band, so I am familiar with the proceedure.
Again, no sour grapes for me. It is what it is. I'm not complaining just stating my facts. I made the decision so I have no reason to complain. Most people have great success with the sleeve and I am very happy for them. I'm sorry if I offended you in any way.
I hope your sleeve is the greatest decision you have ever made. I support whatever form of WLS anyone has.

 Oh my goodness...grammy I didn't know. I sure hate to read about VSG not saving someone's life in more ways than mortal. You are a beautiful woman and I understand your frustration now. 

On eating a 12 oz steak or xyz now...I look at that like...just because "I can" ..doesn't mean "I do". 


 I wish you peace forevermore.... in your recovery from obesity.