Sorry if this has already been answered...

I've been dealing with some pretty low depressions so I haven't been on OH in a loooong while.  I was hoping to have surgery at Kaiser Richmond but, as of this April, I was laid off from my job.  My Kaiser benefits expire on July 1st.  Before I started working I was living on SSDI, Medi-Cal and Medicare and I'm in the process of going down that road again (my therapist is advising me not to wor****il I become more stable)...and here I am.  I'm feeling a little shaky and hopeless to be starting all over again at square one, but I'm reaching out for some perspective from any Cali OH'ers who might know...does anyone know of surgeons in the San Francisco, East bay or South San Francisco area who take Medi-Cal or Medicare??  Again, I'm so sorry if this question has been asked (and answered) a million times over.  I'd appreciate any feedback if you've got some to share.  I hope everyone has a mellow Memorial Day tomorrow.  Take care.

Kami, I don't have an answer to your question but wanted to say hi, and it's good to see you posting again, and I'm sorry you're having such struggles. I hope everything will improve for you in the near future.

Larra

Thanks a lot, Larra.  It's nice to be back on OH.  I'll try to keep you updated on things.  My mind is definitely still made up about having the DS.  I've heard that Medicare is a stickler for wls being done at "Centers of Excellence".  I was searching to see if Dr. Rabkin takes either Medi-Cal or Medicare....and of course, he doesn't.  But the kicker?  St. Mary's is a Center of Excellence.  I hope all has been well with you.  Have a great Memorial Day.

Dr. Keshishian in Delano (25 miles north of Bakersfield: http://dssurgery.com/) is the only DS surgeon in CA who takes Medicare.  However, he requires a rather substantial "program fee" -- around $4K -- which is not covered by any insurance.  But he is a VERY good surgeon, one of the best.

Hey Diana,
$4,000 you say?  WOW.  Since losing my job, my income has become incredibly fixed.  I wish there was a way I could afford that.  Finding a very good surgeon is so important.  Thanks for the lead, though.  I hope you've been well.  Take care.

Don't take my word for this as an absolute -- there may be different rules for your case than for others I've heard about.  You may be able to get a grant to cover it, or perhaps under your plan, Keshishian isn't allowed to charge it.  You have to ask, not only Keshishian's office but also your case worker -- or even the Medicare/disability ombudsman.

Good luck with this.

Thanks a lot, Diana.  I'll definitely check into this ASAP.  Have a good one.

Kami,

You might consider UCSF too.  Never give up, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Barb

Thanks so much, Barb.  Did you go to UCSF?  Or do you know someone who did??  Do you know anything about the surgeon(s) there -- and whether or not they do the duodenal switch?  Any info would be much appreciated.  I've been looking on UCSF's site and I found the bariatric program page, but there's not much in-depth detail.  I'll keep searching to see what else I can find about them online -- especially if there are any testimonials out there.  Thanks again for responding.  I hope you're having a nice day.  Take care.

Yes, I did have my surgery at UCSF.  The surgeons there are extemely well respected in their field and took excellent care of me.   I do not know whether they do DS or not but I am sure if you contact them, they can answer all your questions.  Please keep us posted.

Hugs,
Barb