dengle

I know that Kaiser in my area has weight loss or weight management classes, but not a member with them any longer. Was wondering in the Northwest Denver area where I might search for classes that will fulfill the requirement for the surgery. I haven't met with my own physician yet, but am trying to plan this out financially so that I it isn't a huge burden on me. Where have others searched as well? Thanks!

Thanks for the info and potential (more than likely) tests I will need. Now planning on getting the party started in early July for surgery in January thereabouts. My healthcare plan lets me estimate or take a guess as to the potential charges. Doesn't include nutrition classes, but will up my FSA to the max next year and the following. Will read more and more on here and other sites. Glad this site is here for us all!

Been reading through a lot of the comments for the past week. I know everyone's situation is different. About 4 years ago I went on the Optifast diet and did the Kaiser diet program. I lost about 40 points overall. I have unfortunately gained it all back. I know beer and inactivity (cubicle job) plays a good role in my weight gain along with snacking after work. From what I have read on here, a lot of doctors require you to go through a weight loss program like Kaisers. I think part of the problem with going to the class I had with the Kaiser program is that I was the only male in the class of 12. I know about portion control and triggers. I really want to plan on having this surgery next year. My insurance (Blue Cross Colorado) will cover the surgery minus my deductible or about $4k out of pocket for the sleeve surgery. I am wondering what other costs I should plan for. I am going to max out my FSA contributions so that most will be taken out of my paycheck. Few questions for the group: 1. What other costs should I anticipate for the surgery both, before and after. 2. What is the average recovery time after the surgery? (Need to schedule this off work.) 3. How soon did you return to work? I know I will have more questions. Need to go to my primary care doctor and let them know I am interested in this program to get the ball rolling I know. Thanks for the help and responses!

I guess I should have been less specific in my heading. I am looking into the sleeve now primarily, but well I am going to find a doctor here in Denver, of which I found there to be several. Start the process, etc. My insurance covers the surgery but will be out of pocket about $3k, which isn't bad at all. Will max out my contributions to my FSA next year to help with the cost Need to check with work about being off for two weeks plus. Curious how much more out of pocket expenses there are? I was on a weight loss program through Kaiser and had to pay for my food replacement, which I understand. Just wondering about how many doctor visits are included in that cost estimate given to me on this website. Thanks for the advise so far. Trying to plan on this surgery next year.

Thank you everyone for the responses. Need to research this much more and figure out costs, etc. Thanks again!

First post, so bear with me, this may have been posted elsewhere or just showing my ignorance. I am a male, 55, 5' 6" at 315 right now. Have bad knees so exercise is a bit difficult. I was wondering if a doctor would use the balloon for a time until a certain percentage of my weight is reduced and then remove. Or is the balloon only for patients with a certain BMI? I like the temporary nature of the balloon as well as the cost being much less. What are your thoughts? Just beginning to research this right now but also want to plan financially for this too. Thanks!