Question:
18 months wl b4 surgery how do i?

how do i pass the time? lol i have medicare and the dr said that is what they require but im wondering if anyone has had to do it and it took less than time?i dont know if my knees can handle another 1 1/2 yrs with all this weight on them.ive tried to lose yr after yr but nothing seems to work and stay off.this was my last effort.    — CINDY LEE (posted on March 26, 2010)

March 26, 2010
I have been waiting since June 2009. I finally got a surg. date of 5/4. I think most folks have to wait anywhere from 3 months to 2 yrs. so you are not alone. I have spent my time the last 6 wks or so making friends here on OH, asking questions, etc. Feel free to add me as one of your friends.
   — Jane W.

March 26, 2010
Why are you waiting for medicare,if you have it already,you should be able to go get your surgery.I had medicare,I did not need a diet study,met my surgeon in Oct 09 and had a surgery date of Dec 24th 09. That Dr. your going to is stringing you along,I had one just like yours,and I dropped him like a bad habit.You can read my profile,it tells about me dropping the Dr. and all !
   — rebecca W.

March 26, 2010
I don't know anything about Medicare but as far as waiting you should utilize this time to learn more about post op life so you will feel more prepared for the lifestyle changes once you become a post op. Educate yourself on proper nutrition. It will become even more important for you to know how to nourish yourself after weightloss surgery. Start those healthy habits now, one at a time. You don't have to have had WLS to learn how to journal your food, plan nutritious meals, etc. And begin searching for ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine even now. Water based therapy is a good choice when you have less than able knee or hip joints. You might want to check out your local YMCA. It's all about baby steps. Research all the surgeons in your area and find one who has a comprehensive follow up care plan that includes a nutritionist and exercise physiologist. And lastly research, reasearch, research. This is a great website for learning all things weightloss surgery. My own 6-mo. insurance required WL program was the best time I've ever had to wait. I was much more prepared for the changes that came after RNY. Best of luck to you on your journey.
   — Arkin10

March 26, 2010
I had to wait one year and a couple of months, but in retrospect I think I waited longer due to a bunch of issues. With my insurance I had to go to the doctor every month for documentation. I too had bad knees, after I lost just 20 lbs the pain minimized 80%, now I would say my knee pain is virtually gone, so are a lot of other issues. It is a beautiful thing, but rough might I add, it is worth it!
   — FSUMom

March 27, 2010
Without knowing your whole situation and history I would have to agree w/ using the time to educate, reflect on the changes you will have to make after the surgery. I started reading & educating myself 1/2009. From my consult to date of surgery will be about 3 1/2 months. My surgery is scheduled for 4/20. Medicare has it rules for reasons as all insurances do. You can always call Medicare yourself about your situation to get the scoop on wait. It is always the best thing for you to do, that is contacting your insurance on your own for the whole story. Maybe you can get things moving quicker, be your best own advocate. Good luck.
   — Cindya19

March 27, 2010
Your OH Profile is not filled in. SO as to the 1 1/2 year wait - that's straight Medicare requirement. This is a time where you need to see your Primary doctor monthly and they need to document in your medical chart history of how your feeling, what type of diet program your following, how your doing and if your sticking to the program. This is only to hell Medicare that since their going to put forth so much money that you'll stick to the WLS program after you receive it. There are Insurance Companies out there that do Manage peoples Medicare Accounts. And offer everything that Medicare offers plus more. These companies also require the doctor documented history but it's usually for a shorter or no time at all. You can find out what Insurance Companies are offered in your area at www.medicare.gov
   — Michael Eak

March 27, 2010
i started may 09 . ipushed everything ,i lived on the phone and was consstantly going for tests. wls nov 24 09. medicare or VA paid for all but 2grand. now down 90+lbs and feeling good. i cleared with medicare first to make sure they would pay . and they did. hang in there its well worth it. good luck hank
   — hanksguns

March 27, 2010
There is ONE reason and ONE reason only for insurance companies to make their participants do the nutrition classes, lose a prescribed amount of weight prior to surgery, etc. They are waiting for the participant to fail and then they don't have to pay out the money for surgery. That is their ONLY agenda.
   — Libby R.