janiadurl

I'm trying to find out who has lost 100 pounds or more. Also, who was your doctor and how far out since surgery are you? Also, what was the doctors personality like? Last part, how long did it take you from intake to surgery date? For these question, Im mainly looking for responses from people who have had surgery inside the United States. The reason why Im asking is because now that I have insurance, its time to pick a doctor. I want a doc that has a proven track record for success, and not from reviews on their website, but from real live people on the boards. I do know that I will have to also extensively research on my own, but Im trying to find out who has worked for YOU! Im hoping that I get LOTS of responses! I am on here EVERY day and hope you all can guide me in the right direction! Thanks in advance!!

Hey azquilter-- how much weight have you lost? Thanks for giving me that info, I will look into Dr. Welle. Is he from AZ?

First, a little about me... I am a 28 year old woman in North Carolina. I have the ability to go absolutely anywhere within the US as Im a certified travel agent. I also understand that the majority of weight lost mostly comes from the patient, but I have noticed a trend. Alot of times (and hear on these boards) I see that people who share the same surgeons are closer to the same %of weight lost. BKmama-- I do agree that asking about complications and mortality rates would be beneficial, but thats been done on other threads.Also, I know that majority of the work is on the patient, but thats why I want to hear the success stories about patient as well as doctor. I believe that with the help of this surgery, I will be among them. Im willing to do the work. As far as insurance, I have United Healthcare which only requires a 5 year weight history from doctors (which I already have).

I will be starting a new work at home job on the 25th. Benefits start day 1. YESSS!! I got the email about the benefits today and called the provider. The benefits are UHC choice plus. I called them to find out if they cover the sleeve and they do. The only requirements are a 5 year weight history and my out of pocket maximum is $3333( I know, right?). They also offer a FSA for up to 5000 bucks. So, I have two questions: If I get the FSA, can I use that to pay my deductible and expenses up to my out of pocket max/ 2.) Can I get weights from emergency rooms or does it have to be more substantial? Thanks everyone in advance!!!

anybody??

Thanks!! I appreciate the info!!

Thanks anyway!!

I desperately need to get this surgery done. I just bought a home and have no money in savings and a low low credit score (around 550). I dont have anyone that can cosign this loan. I work 50+ hours a week and am lost. Is there anyone that knows of a place that I can get a loan at. I am even willing to put my home up as collateral. Im at the end of my rope. I talked to Dr. Kelly and am good to go except for the money. What the heck do I do now?? Thanks anyone for taking the time to read this...

Probably so. I have two kids and a steady job. I think i may be rushing things a bit. I also get student balance checks in the fall, but my health is deteriorating all of a sudden. my knees are swollen and hurt, my feet are swollen all the time, its starting to hurt getting out of the bed. I just dont want this situation to get any worse. I dont know what to do....

I know. I have been talking on the phone with Dr. Kelly, who is who I really want to get the surgery with. I just need the cash.

I have no idea how to go about doing this. Every place I know wants a credit check and that screws me. Well, I do have good news anyway... My insurance does cove the sleeve but i have a 5000 deductible and then they pay 70%. Does anyone know of some of the least expensive places to go?

Hey Afro_Cyster, One thing that you may want to look into is work at home jobs. They probably are hiring alot in the HR area to do phone interviews and hiring and firing and such. Look into workplacelikehome.com or ratracerebellion. Those 2 are good places to start. The company I work for just hired an HR person I think.... Well, good luck!!

I am in a bind. My credit is shot. I have no more money. I need this weight loss surgery BAD! I have severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure and much more. Is there any organizations that help pay for this type of surgery? I know that there are loans available but the ones that I have seen require a lump sum deposit. Anyone know of any others? Anyone know of any places that do in house financing? I am a travel agent so I can do airfare but I dont have access to thousands of dollars right now and I NEED this surgery as soon as possible. To be honest, I dont think I will live much longer...

Thank you so much. Im going to your profile now!!

What type of financing did you get??

Thanks sooo much for all the info!! Can anyone give me a run down from arrival to departure but also include cost?? Also, how much weight have you all been losing? I hope its not too much of an inconveniance...

thanks soo much. Im calling today!!

What number did you all call to get him?? I cant find it anywhere!

I just tried to call 1-877-765-THIN to book the sleeve with Dr. Kelly. I'm not sure whats going on.... The rep (her name was Sandy) said that she does not book for him anymore because of several incidents with Dr. Kelly and many complications. She said that with the last 2 surgeries, the patients needed their chests cracked open in order to complete surgery. Now Im scared. She said she would book me through Dr. Garcia. Anyone heard of him?? I dont know what to do now.

Someone please help me. I am seeing Dr. Enochs and want lap band surgery. Everything was going great. I went to the consult and had all the labs ( a thousand dollars worth) and saw the nutritionist. But when I call my insurnce they are saying that a six month dr supervised weight is needed. I called the surgeons office and told them what was said. They told me the same thing that I was told initially. I do NOT have to have a dr. supervised weight program. Now what do I do. My coordinater is promising me that I wont and she says they verified my insurance before my consult. The insurance company is saying no one called to verify any benefits. Now what do I do. Im already out over a grand so far. I cant wait for six months because I may not even have this insurance then. What do I do???

Thanks for the advice. I did call and get clarification. My insurance is saying that they do require it. My surgeon is saying that they ( my surgeons' office) don't and that they called my insurance and verified that they ( the insurance company) doesn't either. I have Blue Shield of California but live in NC. Now what do I do??