kansas1973

I just finished my pre-op testing today. I had a sleep study done a couple of months ago, followed by an EGD (endoscopy) a month later. Today, I went to the hospital that I'm having the surgery at (in a week!). A nurse took a quick medical history, vitals (blood pressure, pulse, heartbeat) then took me to a lab for an EKG, which is totally painless. Then I had a couple of vials of blood drawn for standard pre-op testing (CBC, Chem-7, Full Metabolic Panel, etc.) and gave a urine sample. Then I had a chest xray and that was it.

I went through the approval process but ultimately decided to go with a low interest rate credit card. The process was quick, very quick. They called me back that afternoon. I have good credit, stable job, and little debt but the lowest interest they had to offer was 10.25 percent, and that is NOT fixed. If prime goes up, so does the rate. Also, there was over $1000 in loan origination and adminstrative fees. It just made more sense to go with a credit card. Hope this helps!

You'll meet with the surgeon to talk about the procedure, and to make sure you don't have any questions. The nurse will walk you through what's going to happen the day of the surgery, do an EKG, and do some labwork. The nurse will also review your medical history. Make sure you bring a list of your past surgeries and the dates, current medications and dosages including over the counter, and any other information you think they might need. Good luck!!

Hi Norma: I'm in Overland Park, and my surgery date is July 21st. Dr. Stan Hoehn is my surgeon, and I'm having the procedure at Heartland Spine Hospital. How are you doing a year out from your procedure?

I'm paying $12,000 in Kansas City, Missouri. That does not include the EGD, but my insurance paid for that because I had reflux. I am financing the surgery through a medical loan. Be forewarned, these types of loans can be difficult to get because they are considered unsecured. Unlike a house or a car loan, there's nothing to repossess; they can't take back your surgery. So, the rates tend to be higher and its a little more difficult to get approved.

Got my date; July 21st! I start the liquid diet tomorrow (ick) but I am so ready to get this going. I started a blog to keep people updated; please feel free to take a look. Banana Pouch

thalnks so much for your reply; it really helps to know someone who's been through this and had a good experience. I do have one question, and you may or may not know the answer. I have insurance throughmy employer, but of course my policy has an exclusion for bariatric surgery. I am also self pay; however, I'm curious as to what would happen if by some strange chance there were complications down the road? I know that bowel obstructions are very uncommon, but they do happen. I've also read about people needing ER visits weeks after their surgery. Do you know if insurance pays for these visits, if they are medically necessary? I've got a call into Wayne at Dr. Hoehn's office, but maybe you have some insights into this? I'm just worried that two months down the line, something might go wrong and I will find myself in the hospital with no insurance coverage. Again,thanks so much for replying and best of luck for continued success on your journey!

Hi there: I noticed on your signature that Dr. Stanley Hoehn performed your procedure. I am just finishing up my pre-op classes, and will be scheduling with Dr. Hoehn for surger in July. I just wanted to get your opinion on the experience, and see if there is anything you could tell me that you wish you had known going in? Anything will be helpful. Thanks so much!