Hitorikiri

Well, I found out yesterday that my employer is changing insurance companies and the new company doesn't cover the VSG for someone with my BMI. It really makes no sense that riskier, more complicated, more expensive procedures get covered but my BMI has to be over 50 for the VSG. *facepalm* Anyway, after a few months of not being sure, it looks like I'll definitely be covering the cost of this on my own. I could probably try and appeal, but I really have no medically necessary reason to get the VSG over the other surgeries. It's just my own preference, so I'm doubtful any appeals would be successful. So I need to figure out how I'm going to pay for this. I have some savings, but not enough. Does anyone have any recommendations for loans? My credit is decent, and though I make good money, I'm only a temp and my employment is never really a guarantee. I still don't want to end up paying a 30% rate on a loan though. :/ Although the thought of blowing through my savings is kinda scaring the crap out of me, I've made up my mind about this surgery and I know it's something I need to follow through on. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

You look AMAZING in that dress! Congrats!

WOOOO! Congrats on reaching your goal! :Banane21: :woot: Best of luck towards your continued loss.

Thanks for the update! I always enjoy seeing your posts. I can't tell you how helpful, inspiring, and educational they have been for a newbie like me. I can't see the pics but I'm going to take everyone else's word that you look great.

I have a pug as well! I do luckily have a fenced in yard, but I have to clean up after them right away or my pug seems to think she's got free Snacks out there. I suppose I should probably get some kind of scooper though so I don't have to bend down. I can imagine my tummy won't thank me for that.

I live alone with my two dogs and right now I'm facing having to deal with my recovery period all by myself. I might be able to get someone to help out on occasion with the dogs, but that's not anything I can absolutely expect. Is it reasonable to think I can manage this on my own? I'm a bit worried to be honest. :ohwell:

Ooo, this sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing, will definitely have to try this!

Hi there Rose Marie! Definitely good to hear from PA natives as well! Though to be honest I wasn't actually born here, just lived most of my life here. But hey, we could all use the extra positive support, right? That's what we're all here for after all. :thumbup1:

Wooo! Congrats! How exciting, just a week away! :scared0:

Is it possible to be successful post-op if you don't like to cook for yourself? I've seen tons of great recipes but I just really have an aversion to cooking for myself most of the time. However I know I can't depend on protein shakes either. Are there any options out there that will allow me to still make the sleeve work for me or is it just better to have more control over what you're eating?

Hi there Vicki, nice to meet you! I've only been to Pittsburgh once and it was in the middle of winter, during a snowstorm no less! Hasn't inspired any feelings to go back. :001_wub: I'm still very early on in the process, haven't even started any testing or anything. But I'm looking forward to moving quickly through everything. I can't imagine having to wait so long to find out if you're going to get approved, but I know insurance companies definitely like to lead us patients around by the nose. :lol0: Good luck with your approval! Hopefully you'll have some good news soon!

Any eastern PA, western NJ peeps around here? Would love to find some local folks to chat with about this journey we're all on.

Wow, Bryn, you're certainly juggling a lot right now! Good luck getting all the tests done and welcome to the board. This really is a great place!

Yay, glad to hear everything went well and you're feeling better!

Hey TSB! My appt with the RN coordinator is next Thursday. I recently heard from someone on the OH forum that self-pay at the hospital I'm going to is only $9700. I need to verify that but if it's true, even if I do get denied, at least I can still try and get it done in the country, which would be preferable. And thanks April! That was really helpful! I'm definitely going to try and do what I can to get approved. I mean, as a student, I really don't need the extra debt. :thumbup: Hopefully the weight history will prove to not be an issue after all *fingers crossed*