kmorri

Hi I think there is someone else on here that have bcbs federal....her screen name is @@MeFirst She may be able to answer some of your questions. She just had her surgery recently. Good luck!

I had my psych eval, dietitian appointment, and surgery coordinator meeting yesterday.......all that is left is my bariatric education class that is scheduled on the 25th......Once that's complete they will submit to my insurance!!!! I also got great news yesterday when the surgery coordinator gave me an estimate of my out of pocket costs.....looks like after insurance pays their part I'll be left with $345.00....I'm thrilled and excited and can't wait to get a surgery date!!!

I had a hysterectomy about 15 years ago so I thought I was well past needing to supplement Iron....I met with my NUT yesterday and she said I should take Iron........but all the paperwork I got from her says something like "50-100 mg of iron/day if menstruating/risk of anemia" .....Does everyone need to take iron after sleeve?.....just wondering if she made a mistake. I don't want to take more things than I need to....Thoughts?

@@tiffanymarie6997 I retired from BCBS of Florida after 29 years and you are right it can get confusing!!!

@@tiffanymarie6997 If I were you I would ask them to estimate it based on if it had to be paid "today"......at least that way you will know the "most" you'll be expected to pay.....going in blind is not a good idea in my opinion. Another thing you can do is check what your out of pocket maximum is for your insurance plan....... For example for me....I have a $250 deductible and a $2500 max out of pocket......So I know worst case by the time I pay all the doctors and the hospital the most I will pay is my $250 deductible plus 20% but it will not exceed $2500 max out of pocket....so no more than $2750 (deductible + max out of pocket)...my surgeon's office it telling me it should be less than that, but as long as I plan for that I know I won't be surprised. Good luck!

You should be able to get an estimate of the amount you will owe now.....If I were you I'd give them a call and ask.

@@Sandy GlueStick My mother had a mild stroke due to sleep apnea! That was actually when they discovered she had sleep apnea. So yes it can be quite serious. Luckily she recovered completely. My husband also has severe sleep apnea and uses a CPAP every night. During his sleep study he had 78 episodes within 1 hour! He is a very compliant patient sometimes I think he is afraid to fall asleep on the couch watching TV... As far as your other questions.....if the machine is medically necessary it should be covered under your insurance. My husband's was a rental fee for several months...(sort of like rent to own).....so we had our 20% co-insurance to pay each month. I think that was for around 6 months to a year (sorry it's been a while)....I don't remember the amount but it was less than $20......Then there is also the cost of the supplies, (mask, hoses....). Good luck!

Yes I agree with @katanne. Go prepared, do your research......I also agree with @@Inner Surfer Girl....be honest. It's the only way you can expect them to be able to help you. They have to know everything. Good luck to you!!!

Being able to do things and not get winded.....I can't even take a shower without getting winded! Shopping and not being disgusted when I try things on Not dreading special get-togethers Looking forward to not being afraid to have my picture taken (I've been afraid ever since Easter that my nephew was going to post a picture of me on Facebook that he took at our family get-together)

@@AvaFern Thanks for your reply.....and it's great to know you haven't had any issues since surgery as I've been worried that I may end up with reflux after surgery. I haven't talked with my surgeon since they found the hernia but you give me hope. They actually found the hernia and also narrowing of my esophagus.....the narrowing I think was caused by neck surgery I had several years ago because since that surgery sometimes food gets stuck in my throat....So I think during my sleeve surgery I'll end up with 3 for one....

@@Inner Surfer Girl thanks for the reply. It means a lot to know I'm not the only one. WOW! I just noticed the amount of weight you've lost and it's only been a year since your surgery! You are a ROCK STAR for sure!!!! Way to go!!

Sorry you're having a tough time. Just try to stay focused and have a sugar-free pop-sickle.

So last week I had a swallow test done where I had to drink barium.....This was done as part of my pre-op testing. Anyway, during the test they discovered I have a hiatal hernia. Before this test I had no idea I had a hernia. But.................now I have all sorts of symptoms...hahaha I have heartburn/indigestion, excessive burping.....I know I'm not imagining all this! Could it be I just never payed attention? I haven't told anyone about these symptoms yet because I just feel like everyone will think I'm making it up.....

@@skinnyme13 I'm on a lap top....it may be different if you're on a phone. sorry

@@skinnyme13 int the center of the screen at the bottom...

@@skinnyme13 when you click on their name and go to their profile there is a place you can click that says "add me as a friend"

@@bellabeans Even after the surgery you have to change your eating habits and the nutritionist can help you plan for that...now as far as the supervised diet prior to surgery I tend to agree with you there....and I'm very happy my insurance didn't require that!!!

I would give them a call.....that can't hurt and will probably make you feel better. As far as I'm concerned there's nothing worse than waiting.....and I suck at it! @@KindaFamiliar LOL you've been on a roll this morning....funny guy!

you'll do fine. good luck. When you get to the hospital let the nurses know you're scared and they will take good care of you and hopefully give you good drugs.

@@ashleynoelle Hi, You need to know your deductibles, your co-insurance (% you pay) and your max out of pocket.....Once you know max out of pocket you will know the most it will cost will be your max out of pocket plus your deductibles. Other than that your doctor's office will be able to give you a better idea. Good luck.

That's great! some insurances require medically supervised weight loss ....ranging from 3 to 6 months...which is what takes up most of the time leading up to surgery ....but on the other hand some insurances don't require that at all....Your surgeon's office will be able to provide you with the information regarding your requirements. Good luck!

it all depends on your insurance requirements.....but I think 3 to 6 months is about average from what I've seen.

Yes 8oz is just one cup.......but you can also put it in a blender with ice cubes and it will thicken up and look like more.

You can try adding some equal to the plain......I've not tried that yet but it may work.

@Deb_o64 Mine is planned with an overnight stay in the hospital, but I've seen a few folks on here that did it out-patient.