SnohoGal98296

This was an excellent question and I am in the same boat today. Did you get an answer in your research? May I ask what you ended up choosing? My surgeon offers option b included in their self pay cash price but has said I can select some add-ons from blis fir more coverage.

You know I never thought of those non-weight loss gastrectomies in my research, that was very smart! Back to the Google page and more research for me!

Duodenal Switch, the first step in Duodenal Switch, not Gastric By-pass

LOL, magical people!, I love it, I have felt the same way! There is a local large company that gives WLS "out like candy" according to my HR manager. I tried to get my company to add WLS coverage with our 2014 enrollment, but apparently only companies that are self insured (read big corporate) cover WLS in this area. Not sure how true that is, might have been the run around because the company didn't want to add it. I am happy at this company so I made the choice to proceed as self pay.

I support fanship of either team, so Welcome! I know what you mean, I grew up in a Chargers family down in San Diego. After going away to school and then moving to Seattle after graduation, I grew into a Seahawks fan! My Dad, who passed away 17 years ago due to complications from obesity and heart disease, loved to hate the Seahawks. But I know he would be happy for me about their season this year Go Seahawks:-D

Hi There Washington State Pals! Post here to show your support for the Seattle Seahawks :-D Actually, this post is open to any Seahawks fans wherever you might live! Go Hawks!

The insurance coordinator at one of the centers I went to offered me a list of companies in the area that had insurance that covered WLS. I am happy in my career and place of work so I declined, but you might ask your center if they have a similar list. Just a thought. .. I am proceeding with selfpay, with a combo of my flexible health spending account and savings. Plus you can claim the cost on federal taxes (any amount over 10% of your annual income, but check that with a tax advisor, your state might have an allowance too).

Somehow I am imagining this: I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE! YOU OTHER BROTHERS CANT DENY. .. surgeon and nurses shaking it while working. .. :-D

Hi BryBro63, Yes, Phentermine is a common appetite suppressant - I was prescribed this medication while on a medically supervised diet about two years ago. It worked great, I lost 60 lbs, but when I went off the medication (as they don't want you on it forever or some folks develop a tolerance to it, like c4l describes above) I gained back the 60 and put on another 20-30 lbs. I have my initial consults this week and I was wondering if for the pre-op diets, of which some are severe if a prescription was provided, so far the consensus is No. Just like your nut mentioned - so of these diets are pretty tough. I like what Truck said though - the peer pressure of the Surgeon reviewing your progress is enough to keep you on the diet :-D

Oops, you are a month out, not three days, sorry 439 am and still lurking and posting :- D

You go super fatty! 3 days tip a new you! Just think, you will be a true vet by the time I get my appt, hoping for a March surgery date, I may have to go to Australia for meetings in February, otherwise I would be pushing for a Feb date ( I am self-pay and can fast track, assuming no surprises).

RJ - I have read your amazing story, you amaze me, your hubby is a white knight in shining armour!

To be honest, I never thought of anyone else. All sense of mystery left during birth of our first child ( 20 years ago) and he is my knight in shining armor (well ok, jeans and a t-shirt). It did occur to me that my Mom may want to help too, but that will probably be after only. Daughter is 6 hours away at college and 17 yr old son hasn't really accepted this plan yet...

Hi! 242am Pacific and here I am, I kind of have an excuse though, I just got back from a business trip to Singapore and keep waking up at 2am. Aww, who am I kidding? My first surgical consult with surgeon 1 of 2 is on Thursday and this "s" is getting real!

LMAO "butt wrenching" bwaa-ha-ha oh please stop, I can't take it! FUNNIEST. POST. OF. THE. YEAR. SO FAR!

I have my consult with them this week! I am so excited!

Yes, it covers a lot of post-op topics from what to expect, diet phases and progression, and exercise, even recipes. Although everyone here will tell you to follow your surgeons plan for best success and use the forum and books for back-up. .. So does the Big Book of Gastric Sleeve btw.

My fitness pal has this functionality and it is very popular on bariatricpal :-D

Third vote for Dummies, great book with details and covers all types of surgery. I also got the Big Book of Gastric Sleeve Can you get a ton of information from forums for free? Absolutely! But I really like having these books on my Kindle for reference and non-anecdotal info.

Both options for me include a leak test as well, both packages are nearly identical, all the pre- and post nutrition and medical plus support groups. It will come down the surgeon I am most comfortable with...

I am pre-op/self-pay, the two surgeons and their respective surgical centers I am currently considering have both stated possible same day outpatient, assuming no surprises. They did say that if my BMI is 50 or higher that it would be in a hospital with at least one night (also more $$). My BMI is 48 or so...

I have been buying Syntrax protein powders from Amazon - the price was lower than purchasing it at the Doctors office, who recommends it for both his medically supervised and surgical weight loss patients.

And Sherman knocks it down for the win! GO HAWKS!! On our way to the big game!

Thanks Sleeved&Hopeful, I am keeping an open mind for all options, my first quote for DS was $28k, and being practical I have to keep looking. I am very jealous of all the folks who have insurance coverage but not so much that I am willing to go work for company that provides it. Onward!

Sending warm thoughts your way Carlos! Go get ' em and keep up the good fight!