Question:
has anyone had the surgery while on methadone

I was denied by my insurance due to taking 25mgs of methadone for pain in my back.Has anyone had the surgery while on methadone?    — neeis4m (posted on May 11, 2009)

May 11, 2009
Yes, I have.
   — Lily25

May 11, 2009
I know insurances don't need excuses for their decisions but the fact that you are on methadone isn't a medical reason not to do surgery. They may be confused with the use of methadone for treatment of heroin addiction. There has been a higher than average incidence of addictive behaviors in wls patients that substitute another addictions (alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling) for food. They may be thinking if you already have a drug problem, having wls will drive you back to your old addiction. They may need a clarification from your pain control doctor that you are on methadone for its long action in treating your pain which shouldn't be a reason not to have surgery. (In fact I would say that would be a reason to approve surgery since you may not need the methadone if the weight loss makes it easier on your body and less painful. Good luck. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

May 11, 2009
I WANTED TO SHARE THAT I AM A RECOVERING ADDICT I HAD 3 YEARS CLEAN WHEN I HAD THE SURGERY I WAS HONEST ABOUT IT NEVER ONE TIME DID I FEEL THAT WAS A ISSUE THEY KNEW I WAS CLEAN I EVEN WENT THROUGH HEP C I KNOW METHADONE IS USED FOR PAIN ISSUES ALSO BUT I WANTED TO SHARE IF T IS FOR AN ADDICTION JUST BE HONEST ITS IN YOUR RECORD ANYWAY BEST OF LUCK TAMMI
   — Tammi Sandoval

May 12, 2009
Yes, I had lap band surgery done on Mar. 26 2009 and I've been on Methadone for nearly three years now for back pain and chronic pain syndrome (fibromylgia). My insurance company never questioned it at all. And my dose of Methadone is 10mgs- 2pills- 4times daily. I had no problems with pain either, I took the liquid Percocet for only a couple of days then went back to the Methadone. (For about a week I took the liquid at night to help with pain while trying to sleep)
   — Clarice Shaw