Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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samona 02/19/2013

Hi everyone-
I've been on DS for a while now with my Multiple Sclerosis(MS) people. The support, laughs, tears and everything along the way has helped me through a lot of struggles. I've been reading this discussion group for a few weeks and you all are awesome. Thank you for your time, words and honesty as well as one heluva sense of humor!
I'm in the process of getting approval for gastric surgery (Sleeve) with Medicare. My MS Neurologist supports the surgery and I have been referred to a doctor/surgeon. Has anyone been through this with Medicare? I have been disabled for 3 years and I haven't had a lot of experience with the Medicare system. Any suggestions or advice?

KatLin 02/19/2013

I have medicare with medicade as a secondary. I was fully covered the only draw bak was at the time Im not sure which insurance required it but I had to go to a center of excelence and the closest one was 3 hrs away. Now I have a new surgeon 70mls away.

Just make sure you not only find out through the docs office what is covered but the hospital as well so you dont end up with unexpected supprises.

deleted_user 02/19/2013

I had my rny gastric bypass under medicare in 2011 and at that time the sleeve procedure was not covered. I also have supplemental coverage to medicare and the coverage was all inclusive including all of the pre op required clearances visits and labs, d

deleted_user 02/19/2013

I just had mine on 12/17/12 and I am on Medicare. I also have a supplement insurance and mine was all inclusive. I have had no issues at all. I did not have the sleeve though I had the GBS I wish you luck in your new life we are all here for you.

minkmoxie 02/19/2013

Medicare doesn't cover the sleeve as of yet. When I had RNY 11/1/11, Medicare and Medicaid covered everything 100%. They didn't even require prior authorization. I had my surgery at a Center For Excellence. My sister authorizes these kinds of surgeries for an HMO and she said they won't even look at authorizing this kind of surgery unless it's done at a Center For Excellence. Do your research so you aren't surprised.

Lucy
RNY 11/1/11

becca1960 02/20/2013

WELCOME!! And congrats on the big decision to have surgery!

I am still preop, and not medicare, however, I have to agree with other posters as the lady from my surgeons office who does the in person support groups was saying at last meeting that medicare does not pay for sleeve, only RNY and I believe band... That many patients were waiting to see if it was going to be a covered surgery, but turned out it is not...

But, that does not leave you out of the loop, just means you may have to choose a different surgery option.

Hope to 'see' you around! :)

samona 02/20/2013

Thanks, you guys are awesome. I'm doing my research now on the different surgeries pro's-cons and recommended precedures.

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