The gastric sleeve weight loss procedure now covered by medicare

Aug. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Medicare will now cover Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, a proven treatment for obesity. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy has gained widespread attention since it was mentioned on the Lenox Hill Hospital Website. The procedure involves the removal of a portion of the stomach while leaving a portion or ‘sleeve’ behind. Unlike other Bariatric Surgery procedures, the Gastric Sleeve leaves the nerves and the Pylorus intact. The intestine is not rerouted, foreign objects are not implanted and intestinal bypass is not needed. After the procedure, patients’ stomachs hold less food, which is the objective of the procedure.

Benefits of the surgery are as follows:

• 60 to 70% reduction in weight within the first 2 years after the procedure;
• Short recovery time, which is usually 2 weeks; and
• Minimal side effects.

With the help of Medicare, this effective treatment is now accessible to more obese patients. However, not all patients qualify. Medicare requires the following prior to approving Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or higher;
• One or more health problem related to or caused by obesity such as type 2 diabetes;
• Has undergone other failed medically-supervised treatments for obesity; and
• Have the surgery performed at designated Medicare-approved Bariatric Center of Excellence.

Lenox Hill Hospital, located in New York City, is a Medicare-approved Bariatric Center of Excellence. The center offers cutting edge technology and prides itself for having Dr. Mitchell Roslin, the chief of the hospital’s bariatric surgery center. Dr. Roslin was recognized as the best laparoscopic weight loss surgeon in New York by New York Magazine. Dr. Roslin’s extensive knowledge and recognitions combined with Lenox Hill’s outstanding reputation makes this hospital ideal for the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure.

You may contact Lenox Hill Hospital at 1-888-949-9344 (1-888-WHY-WEIGHT) to see if you are a candidate for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or to see if Medicare will cover the procedure. You may also contact Lenox Hill for information about their free Seminars and to join support groups that focus on issues pertaining to weight loss surgery.