ypease

My insurance will not pay for any visits that might be related to my sleeve surgery, since wls isn’t covered to begin with. However, my pcp might be willing to code it differently for billing purposes.

I have Kaiser Perm and live in the Seattle area. It is based in the Bellevue Medical Center. My policy does not cover WLS, so I have to self fund. If to search for the KP weight loss program in WA, you will get to their site so you can view the info.

Ya know, I walked by a really long full length mirror today, and I was shocked! I will be happy not to see that again! I rarely venture near a full length mirror. Full length mirrors to me are like garlic to vampires. i look forward to walking past a full length mirror and actually stopping to look at myself.

Did any of you have Gall Bladder issues prior to wls? I have had 2 really bad bouts and several not so bad bouts of Gall Bladder "attacks". I am preop (10/1/19) and after reading some info online, I decided to let the doctor rip it out on 5/9/19. The article I read stated it was better to have it out prior to wls. But, then again....you can find exactly what "you" want to read or hear on the internet.

I had a lot of nosy coworkers as well. And the gossip about the “unknown” no matter what it was about was outrageous! When I had a previous surgery, I didn’t tell anyone what it was for. The super asked me for auth to disclose to staff and I refused. I loved hearing the rumors about me! Some folks were very inventive in their attempts to get me to “spill”. I never did. Some folks got very angry and expressed their anger to me. I still kept silent. One of my coworkers actually brought up the issue at a staff mtg. The super asked me to comment. I politely stated that a was overwhelmed with my coworkers concerns, however, my healthcare is a very personal issue and it should remain as such. And that it is never a demonstration of professionalism to share with anyone during working hrs, their personal issues, no matter what they may be. You’re right if you are thinking I was not a personal favorite from then on. However, no coworker ever wasted my time with useless gossip after that.

I talked to one agency, and that was enough of that! I didn't like the idea that they only represent "some" of the facilities. If you go online, and do a search, you will find a better variety. Personally, I would Call Mr. Yanez (above) at Bariatric Pal Hospital. That is where I will be having my surgery on 10/1!

I am going to Mexico on 9/30 for sleeve surgery on 10/1. I did a lot of research and my final decision was to go with Bariatric Pal Hospital in Tijuana. You can find lots of WLS centers in Mexico, just do your research. Oh, and btw, before you go check to see about follow up with you pcp/med insurance. Mine will not cover visits for that specific issue, however, I have spoken with my pcp and I think I have found a way around it. If not, I will be going to another clinic and just pay for the visits out of pocket.

Would any of you suggest starting to take Biotin right after surgery to possibly help with hair loss?

Gall Bladder will work. I just had mine out on 5/9/19. I’m pre op and the incisions I have seen on some of the blogs look close to what I have.

I understand where you are at. I’m scheduled for 10/1 and have been riding the teeter totter the last month or so. One day I feel surgery is right, the next day I’m in doubt. I know that surgery “is” the right decision. However, I do think doubt is part of a healthy decision making process. I have only discussed my surgery with my husband. Keeping your decision private may be the best thing for you.

It's not an uncomfortable question at all. I'm pre op and my husband is very supportive. We all have that question in the back of our minds. I have to agree with everyone here though. Confidence is sexy! Maybe ever sexier than some slinky outfit. I would like to add that the "right one" usually comes along when you stop looking for them. You will now have the ability to pick and choose your dates, not the other way around. So, let go and stop looking for "the one". I kissed, and married a number of "frogs" before I found the "toad" of my dreams. The right man, the one who will cherish and love you come hell or high water is out there. And he's just waiting for you to wander in! He will love you no matter what you look like without the window dressing, and with the lights on. BTW, I don't believe in "the one" theory. Out of literally millions of people, how can there just be 1?

Shaving ones legs is one I never thought about. I haven't given up yet, but the times I do shave have gotten far and few between. And the size of the public restroom stalls! that's a good one as well. I do think they have started making them smaller, like airline seats.

I am saddened by your situation with your mother. I am 63 and am scheduled for surgery in Mexico on October 1st. After much serious thought I made my decision. I don't think anyone makes this decision easily. You stay the course. Acceptance is not always obtainable from ones family and friends, so I guess that in itself is a lesson in acceptance. Let me just say, as a mother I admire you for the kind and loving child you are. I am glad you are learning from this experience with your mother. It will make you a better mother and person. Bless you.

I have chosen "not" to tell others as I feel it's none of their business. Being overweight is a very sensitive and personal issue and so is the decision for WLS. I treat it in that manner. I keep it at home and only discuss it with my husband, PERIOD! Don't feel discouraged that others don't understand. It's really tough, but be your own best friend. Be happy for your own accomplishments. You don't need others to approve of your choices! Remember my golden rule: At the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is YOURS! You are not alone.

I'm 63 and will be having my VSG on October 1, 2019. Now, I don't know about you, but I get tired being asked about why I would do something "at my age." OMG! I'm in really good health physically. It's just this 4th grader that's been strapped to me for the last 20+ years that's causing most of my medical issues. My doctor says lose the weight, and most of my friends would ask why "at my age" would I go through this (if I told them)? I know my husband & adult children, as well as other family members and friends have watched my struggles with weight and "love me just the way I am." But I don't! I want to live a very long life, I want to be mobile for the duration and I want better health! So, age be damned! I'm heading to Mexico and a new lifestyle!

OMG, Thank you to all of you! The support is good overall, but sometimes you just want to hear from someone your own age (or close to it)! I hope I will see more of posts here.

I'm very sorry to her this. However, I do somewhat understand your plight! My health insurance through my husbands employer has no provision for WLS. No coverage, no way, no how, doesn't matter what the doctor says! So, I am self pay and taking a nice 4 day vacay to Mexico in October. They also won't cover any office visit even remotely related to my Sleeve. So I must be creative and not tell them I had the surgery, well at least for a while. Otherwise I get charged $210 + for an office visit. I do agree, they should have been able to give you that info prior to scheduling the procedure! Geeze! I just had my Gall Bladder removed, they gave me the good news ($0) right there, during surgical consult. Even before scheduling my procedure. I'm not sure I know anyone that can come up with that amt in such a short time, unless their name is Mastercard or Visa! We all blame the Insurance Companies, however, it's the contract that an Employer signs for coverage through the Insurance Company to provide an employees coverage. That still doesn't mean they couldn't have covered the billing and amt due prior to or during the scheduling process.

I have only discussed it with my husband and on these blogs. I really believe it's no one else's business. All anyone will be told is that i"m going to Mexico for a week in October.

It looks like this topic has not been active for a bit so here it goes. I'm 63 and am have VGS on 10/1/19. I would love to hear from other who are around my age to see what they are thinking or going through.

Sounds weird but - Running up my credit cards at the Mall on cute, fashionable clothes! (I won't think twice about the interest rate!) Buying the ones I look at now, knowing they will never make my current size in. I'm not kidding, I have a shopping plan laid out! By summer 2020, I will be covered in cute shorts, maybe a crop top and a very stylish swimsuit! I have a son who lives in Hawaii and I will be Hawaii bound for sure. To visit of course, but to catch some rays on my glistening toned body & trot around in a swimsuit, not shorts and a tee shirt. ALOHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Not sure if this would work for you. On one of my appointments, I gave a detailed list of what, how long and how many times I utilized some program and/or diet. I made sure he entered it as we spoke. I also then asked for a referral to a Nutritionist. Now, I don't need referrals either. BUT! now they have a written submission for assistance in regards to weight loss efforts. I have attended my Nutritionist appt religiously and she has submitted reports to my Dr for every session. Requirements are more than filled. My insurance doesn't cover wls. So, I am self pay. However, I have fulfiller there requirements, should the policy change before October. That is when I am scheduled for my wls.

I understand. It feels “real” now. I was waive Ring between excitement and fear when I scheduled my date.

Congratulations!

I'm with all of you re work place disclosure. I retired early in 2016, so I no longer have coworkers to worry about. I did have surgery (Total Knee Replacement) done in 2011 and was very open about that procedure once the date was set and everything in place through HR and my supervisor. I asked my supervisor to announce it during a weekly staff meeting. I addressed all concerns and questions afterwords.

I would never share this type of personal info on any Social Media Platform. I think too many "personal" details and info are shared this way, opening one up to opinions and comments you don't need to hear or view. Of course, then again, you are hearing from someone who has very few friends on FB, etc. I might speak about it afterwards, if a specific question is asked by someone whose business it "really" is. The others can speculate and gossip about their suspicions all they want. I won't care.