GassyGurl

Do you know his cash price? I gorged, only to find out it was $18,500. Duh, me. There are plenty of less expensive places and they use your weight from your primary care (I assume). That's much easier, lol. Several in FL, one in Vegas for under $10k.

Or, go to Mexico. There are people who get Bariatric surgery that are as low as 29 Bmi.

I understand your dilemma. I was 35 for my initial appointment, started following their pre-op diet and am down 10 lbs. Now I'm shopping around feeling like they'll deny me because I'm not heavy enough now. Blah.

Keep us posted! It will be interesting to see what your doc says. I tried calling and emailing several docs, but they all start with "let us run your insurance information".



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OCC is the Obesity Control Center. Dr Ariel Ortiz. https://obesitycontrolcenter.com/

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We have a bullet one. I love it! Great for smaller servings and it gives a nice froth.

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Here they are https://www.globalprotectivesolutions.com/individual-and-companion-travel-accident/

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My local clinic includes this as part of their pre op routine. 1 bottle at like noon, another a few hours later.

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Fepblue will not automatically deny claims, they told me they would treat it like any other claim, no matter whether the insurance was in or out of network, whether they paid the initial claim or if I was cash pay, or regardless where the surgery was performed.

There is also a company out of Columbia SC that offers an insurance policy for when you return. Premium based on amount of coverage and duration. When I checked it was like $450 for 30 days worth of coverage for like $250k. They reimburse you for complications, it's not like regular medical insurance.

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It's probably 75 % of the insurance negotiated amount, which varies by insurance company. (I'm assuming in network) my example is a guesstimate.

For example, they might bill $50,000, but the insurance company's agreed amount might be $10000. You pay your deductible and the 25% of 10k, not 50k. The dr writes the rest off.

To complicate things, the insurance company might offer a cash rate of $7000.

There are plenty of stories on here of initial bills are 40 to to 50,000 but most of that gets written off.

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Best wishes for you both! I'd like to add that it's great that you're willing to do all of this for your daughter, but have you considered doing it WITH her? Obviously not having surgery, and you might be of normal weight. But there are probably healthy habits you could do as a family that all of you might benefit from. After she heals, maybe become more active, take a Zumba class together, go hiking, etc. See if you can find some new recipes that works for everyone. Maybe a group nutrition class if you can swing it? Obviously some things are 100% on her, but why not make this an opportunity for you both?

BTW, I'm not implying you are the problem, overweight, or anything like that. I just know how much having a weight loss/health minded buddy can help!

Wishing you success!

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Why would anyone want to GAIN weight on purpose just to qualify for WLS?

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I know how you feel! I'm 5'2" and had to gain about 10 to hit 35 Bmi, and I felt awful at my first visit. Plus I had 4lbs in my pockets as insurance, . Turns out it was all a waste because my insurance requires 2 years of above 35 Bmi and I couldn't drop below 35 before surgery (that's like 2lbs!). It doesn't matter that I hit 195lbs in 2014, 2015 and 2017 (all >35), and have suffered high BP, cholesterol, and now have an out of whack liver from packing on 10 lbs. I have never felt worse and couldn't bear the thought of eating at a level to maintain for 4 months. I Would go to bed fearing a heart attack every night. So I said screw it, canceled and am looking into Mexico. I started following their pre op diet and already lost 8 lbs. I get my liver checked this week and hope it's back to normal. Once I verify I didn't fry my liver, I'm going to make sure my Pcp supports me, and I will get serious and book mx.

So, I just wanted to sympathize and say, hang in there! It really sucks, but it will be worth it in the end.


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My conflict and doubts are that she has gone down this road of trying something and when frustration kicks in, she gives up.

One more thing, I started with a bmi of 35.5 and was told I couldn't drop below 35. Stupid insurance rules.

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One more thing, I started with a bmi of 35.5 and was told I couldn't drop below 35. Stupid insurance rules.

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My insurance requires 3 months, so that's 4 visits. Initial consult with surgeon counted as 1. Then I would have seen the nutritionist, taken a beginners class, and talked to the surgeon again. All with weigh in and talks about nutrition.

I think a recurring theme seems to be that you have to actually see the dr, weigh and talk about diet, exercise, etc, and have them include it all in their notes section. Some seem to use their Pcp and some use the Bariatric facility.

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That is awesome! He is faithful!

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Does your Bariatric Center offer a non surgical weight loss program? That could be a great place to start, and when you lose the 90 lbs, you can see the Bariatric Dr.

There are people who lose without exercise, but you should still do as much as you can. I know it feels like you might starve on weight watchers, but you won't.

Have you tried a counselor? Lots of people have said it really helped change their mindset about food.

You can do this! If it seems overwhelming, make a small change, then another, then another. Take one day at a time and convince yourself you can do this.

Wishing you the best.

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One Dr I talked to does a zigzag type stitch that pulls the sides up, completely closing in the line of Staples. The Staples are tucked in and act as a second seal.

Dr Ariel Ortiz in MX shows this on YouTube, and says two seals are better than one. Everyone says this takes a lot more time than just a quick oversew.

I've had two Dr's describe this same technique to me, it makes sense, and I'm sold. but they call it different things, so it's not always easy to figure out when comparing surgeons. One Dr gave it some fancy stitch name he probably learned in medical school, I think another Dr calls it a double buttress, and another Dr calls it an inverted sleeve.


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One thing I really love about our Pastor is how he shows us he is just like us. He has weight issues just like us. He gets road rage just like us. His kids can be brats, just like ours. Etc.

He is a sinner saved by God's grace, just like us. To me, it makes him so much more relevant and we love our church.

But your business is your business and you should be able to keep info private if you choose.

Could you bring some healthy ideas to your congregation? I saw a running for God program, and did a Bod for God (weight loss competition) , and Body and soul (fitness program). Slightly off topic, but it could help you in your new lifestyle.

God bless!

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Ugh. Accidentally hit send. They suggested 3 to 5 days before going back to work.

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I started the process less than a week ago. I haven't put down a deposit or chosen a date yet, but they already sent me the preoperative diet to start today. Basically Atkins stage 1 now, then liquids the last two weeks. Plus, they gave me a surgery weight loss goal, and said I had to report my weekly weights.

I've read of folks doing it all as soon as two weeks.



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Thank you for your help! Long-term outcome is a worry of mine as well. I know how to eat right and I know how to lose weight. I am completely confident that I will be able to make the necessary life-style changes in the short term, but I do worry about 5 years, 10 years, even 30 years down the road. I've been around the block a few times and I know that life is not static and people are always evolving. I am in a good place currently to have this procedure and make the changes, but will this work for me when I'm 60? 70? What if I develop a serious illness down the road? Will this procedure impact my ability to recover? Maybe I'm worrying too much!

Hi. Do you have to have comorbidities if your BMI is below 40 with FEP BCBS. I meet with my surgeon for consult on the 21st. In the last 2 years I have been between 38 and 41 BMI but no comorbidities. Currently still at 41 do you think I will qualify?

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Less mills is so much fun. Used a barbell, but you should be able to use dumb bells. My favorite.

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Bcbs Federal requires a 2 year history of a bmi above 35 (can't drop below 35 during that time ).

Also a 3 month medically supervised diet (can't drop below 35 Bmi)

Evidence previous attempts have not been successful

Psych evaluation and no smoking.

If you Google fepblue SBP you can get the benefit plan, and then search for obesity.

They're also great about responding to messages when you log into your account.

The surgeon may have other requirements, such as a EGD.

Good luck!

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Blue Cross federal will not deny complications. It doesn't matter where the surgery was done, or how it was paid for, they will treat it like any other claim. At least that's what they told me via a secure message.

If you're thinking of traveling for surgery, you can get post op insurance. I think it's based on a time frame and dollar amount. For example, 300k for 30 days might be $500.

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