kczar

Umm, not sure about that Pogi. Maybe in California, but I don't think that's the case everywhere. I'm in Texas and this year I had gallbladder surgery and an endoscopy, both of which were subject to deductibles and copays. Different doctors, different hospitals. With each doctor, I had to pay a down payment based on the projected copay as determined by my insurance. Hospitals, same thing. They contacted me with my estimated portion and I had to make a down payment and agree to set up a payment plan once insurance had been filed and my balance due was finalized. In my initial visit to the surgeon to discuss WLS, I met with the insurance coordinate and given the projected copay I would be responsible for and told that payment was to be completed before surgery would be scheduled. Lucky for me my gallbladder and endoscopy covers my OOP maximum so my sleeve will be free! Just wanted to share my experience with insurance to give another perspective.

Your surgery may cover all of your OOP, which means that you wouldn't owe anything on your husband's stay. Make sure to double check on that since his stay was before your surgery. If nothing else, they will refund anything you pay over your maximum. Good luck!

Have you called your insurance to confirm? I called mine (three times!) to double check all their requirements. Sometimes you need to ask to speak to someone who specializes in bariatric requirements. Ask them to e-mail you the requirements and then take them to the office manager. She can't (or shouldn't) refuse to submit your paperwork. Is she the actual insurance person or just thinks she knows everything? Best of luck, honey. It sounds like with your other health issues that you should be approved. Keep us posted.

If you have cable, they usually have different workout programs available on demand. They will rotate but there's usually at least one cardio workout, fat burning, toning and yoga program available. Your kiddo(s) can do it with you! You'll get toned and they will learn healthy exercise habits.

I've been trying to lose a bit of weight before my surgery (six month wait due to insurance.) I've been reducing my calories and even started upping my Protein. This morning I realized that if I lose more than 22 pounds during my supervised diet, my BMI will drop below 40 and I wouldn't qualify for surgery. I "only" have one co-morbidity and my insurance requires two if you're BMi is below 40. Although I'm thankful insurance will cover it (and I've met my out of pocket maximum due to gallbladder surgery), it sucks that I could be penalized for being successful. So I guess I'll set a goal to lose 10-15 pounds until my paperwork goes in, which will either be end of July or end of August. I'm not sure when the insurance asks for a six month monitored diet if six visits with the NUT counts or if I have to do seven. Anyone out there know?

I was told thirty minutes before and after but that might be pre op. I asked my NUT about the no drinking thing. She said there are two main reasons: first, it could fill you up and prevent you from getting your food in. Secondly, it will prevent the food from staying in your stomach and you won't have that full feeling.

First of all, congratulations on finding a job you love. A lot of people aren't that lucky. You're right, it can be a lot cheaper to eat trashy food. Ramen and mac and cheese cost a lot less than tilapia and fresh produce. But the cost to your health is tremendous. Try compromising. Maybe regular fruit instead of orrganic. Frozen steamer bags of veggies can be pretty cheap but provide quality. You may not be able to buy premium products right now, but you can still make healthier choices. Best of luck to you and hang in there!

JG, if you have an Ulta in your area, they sell Nioxin as well. It works for a lor of people but not everyone. Hope you're one of them!

Congratulations on your decision! If you're looking for a fitness center but are self conscious (I certainly am!), I would recommend looking for a Planet Fitness center near you. They're the ones with the "I pick things up and put them down" commercial and they tout themselves as a judgment free zone. I joined and it really is! It costs $10 a month and you can cancel any time. They have a lot of equipment and even have a thirty minute workout section ala Curves. I liked it because it was a low cost introduction into working out without having to deal with a bunch of intimidating hot bodies.

So happy to see something from Taco Bueno! It's one of the places that would be tough to give up. Do you eat the whole tortilla as well? What about protein shakes? Are they pretty much out of the picture? I hope to have the surgery in August/September. Thanks!

Great job, Mari! I'm trying to do the same thing. Your NUT will probably cover it on your appointment, but if you're like me you should also start working on not drinking during meals. I knew this would probably be the toughest part for me so I've been working on that even though my surgery probably won't be until August or September. Keep going! It sounds like you've got the mental part down.

Congratulations on the loss! Anything you do pre op is a bonus. Sounds like you're doing great prep for the rest of your life. Keep it up!

Nabird, I hope to to get an August date but it will probably be September. I'm not sure if I have to see the NUT six times or seven to count as six months. I have an appointment Friday so I'm going to get clarification then. Plus she's pregnant so I hope they have someone else lined up to take over!

I haven't had the surgery yet but I just wanted to tell you you're not alone. Freaking out it natural; you're about to change your whole life. But you're changing it for the better. And you've found a forum that will give you the support you need. Hang in there and keep us posted!

Try this subforum: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/79-vitamins-supplements/. There are a bunch of really great threads there about different supplements, how to get samples, etc. Good luck on your journey!

Congratulations on your date! I'm starting the third month of my six month supervised diet before I can be approved. I was the most concerned about the no drinking during meals part of post op life. I'm the girl that gets three refills of her tea during a meal! So I started working on that and I'm pretty much not drinking at all during meals except if they're spicy and then it's only a few sips. Something to consider.

Good luck and prayers to all of you on your exciting day! Let us know how you're doing post op.

I'm glad the OP started this thread. I've been wondering how the cost of food/shakes/supplements post-op compares to what you were spending on food before surgery. I know that you can't put a price on getting healthy (well, you can...) but do you feel that you're spending more now as opposed to your old sinful ways? About how much would you say you spend on the various supplements and supplies a month?

Good luck, Rai! I'm sorry you've had bumps along the way but that seems to be the way it is with insurance and the medical profession. Remember if you get denied to appeal. I've seen a bunch of posts from people who were denied coverage and then got approved. Don't get discourage if that happens! Keep us posted.

Can't wait for this! I've gotten to the point where I don't even take baths because it's too difficult to hoist myself out of the tub.

I was wondering about that myself. It's a great deal, as long as it's actually drinkable!

63 lbs in a little over a month! You're doing fantastic. I hope to have the surgery in September after my six month monitored diet. Fingers crossed I do half as well as you are.

I haven't read the comments because I know what people are capable of saying about obese people and I really don't want to fill my mind with more of that junk. I would bet that a lot of them have weight problems themselves and attack this man to make themselves feel better. Just like former_vbg said, they're just relieved it isn't them. I hope he gets the help he needs. Maybe that doctor from My 600lb Life can perform WLS.

I had my gallbladder removed in February (I'm pre-VSG). My surgeon said it is the second most common surgery performed in the US. While I do think that doctors are quick to cut when dealing with the gallbladder, I also know that once you starting having problems, it's just a matter of time before you either have an attack serious enough to go to the ER or wind up with an infection because of a lodged stone. A_C, I'm glad you had the surgery and are recovering so quickly. If you're like me, you won't experience some of the side effects others have after surgery. Good luck on your next softball game!

Awesome post! I've been checking out this board for a few months and started my six month supervised diet in February. I've gotten a wealth of information already but your post contained things I didn't know (like NSV meant). If it hasn't already been, this should be stickied so everyone can see it.