Question:
Is there a six month waiting period for thos that have Alabama Medicaid and Medicare?

My mother has an appt. in mid Nov. with a wls Doc for pre-approval. We already pretty much know that medicare/medicaid pay for the surgery, we just don't know if she will be required to do a six month doctor guieded diet. If anyone knows please post. Gloria Wilder 300lbs-148lbs.3yrspost-op    — Kissie (posted on October 31, 2006)

October 31, 2006
Gloria, My mother and Aunt have both recently been approved for the surgery thru Medicare/Medicaid. Neither of them had to be on a doctor guided 6-month diet, though they both have diabetes. I am not sure if it makes a difference, or not what your co-morbidity's are. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 31, 2006
Hi! I'm almost 3 weeks post-op, and Medicaid. I did have to wait the 6 months, and what that was included nutrition visits, one per month, psychiatric visit and testing, and doctor visits. I was actually happy it was done that way, since I was able to spend each month changing one item in my life toward the surgery. Giving up soda was the hardest, I think. But the time goes by quick, and gives you time to mentally prepare and eat the 'last' meals so you don't have regrets after. I wonder about posts I read where people watch the food channel and wish they could eat the food there, or say they are 'hooked' on watching it... just my thoughts. Huge life changes require mental prep far longer than physical prep.
   — vosh

October 31, 2006
Hi! I'm almost 3 weeks post-op, and Medicaid. I did have to wait the 6 months, and what that was included nutrition visits, one per month, psychiatric visit and testing, and doctor visits. I was actually happy it was done that way, since I was able to spend each month changing one item in my life toward the surgery. Giving up soda was the hardest, I think. But the time goes by quick, and gives you time to mentally prepare and eat the 'last' meals so you don't have regrets after. I wonder about posts I read where people watch the food channel and wish they could eat the food there, or say they are 'hooked' on watching it... just my thoughts. Huge life changes require mental prep far longer than physical prep.
   — vosh

October 31, 2006
Hey there. I used to work in medicare billing at a clinic in Georgia. Medicare doesn't require any approvals etc. So she should be good to go. However, new medicaid rules require all sorts of evaluations/clearances for surgery. But that's if Medicaid is all that you have. Medicare is prime so no worries.
   — crystalsno

October 31, 2006
I have Medicare as my first insurer & I live in PA.....& I had to do the 6 months doctor guided diet. I had to lose 10% of my body weight prior to surgery or they wouldn't have done it. I was able to lose almost the entire 10%....and the surgery was done lapro (RNY) & it was successful but I know each state is different. Maybe she should check with Medicare herself. Phyllis S.
   — silentwriter1949