Medicare; "questions ~ questions ~ questions"

Greetings all! This is my very first posting ~ please bear with me.  I have Medicare, Parts A & B and somewhere on here I had stumbled across the Medicare's coverage for WLS, unfortunately I can't seem to find my way back to it.  So if anyone can help me find it again I'd be ever so grateful! Meanwhile, I have a few questions about Medicare coverage: 1.  Do they cover the laprascopic RNY? 2.  Will they covery any reconstructive surgery's after achieving weight goals?  (My greatest fear is they won't) Also, I have my orientation with Dr. Foote on 6/14/07.  (A 255 mile trip one way ~ "arrugh")  I'm rather confidant I will be able to get the RNY surgery because my BMI fluxuates, 48 - 53, and I do have at least 3 co-morbidities.  HOWEVER, I am also a smoker... Can anyone tell me how long it takes after quitting before they can have surgery? Oh, nearly forgot another query about meds!  I'm I correct in that anti-inflammatory medications, such as for arthritis, can no longer be taken after WLS?  If so, what does one do for their pain and such?  (I have degenerative spinal arthritis, aside from meds I also get spinal injections) Thanks so much for the input ~ I am a "newbie" that very much enjoyes reading the boards and I'm looking forward to making lifelong friendships here as well!

Hi, i can answer some of your questions..I called Medicare myself and i suggest everyone to, write down who you ask ,and time and day for your own records....They also have  medicare information on this site , look on the left under "forum content" and click on medicare.  Medicare does cover the surgery but you have to go to a "center of excellence" From what i understand-( anyone feel free to correct me if im wrong)  you have to have a bmi of 40 or 35 with a couple of co-morbities, and documented attempts of weight loss surgery before.......  I am also trying to get RNY and i had to quit smoking. I have already stopped, i dont know how close to surgery before you must stop. I also have to do a 6 month documented diet because my doc's diets werent really followed up on.........As for reconstructive ----i have no idea,,,,,,,best of luck to you and i hope i helped you ,

Hi Sherry!