FinallyLosingIt20

I’m not planning on telling anyone aside from 4 family members that I’m having surgery. Did anyone else keep their surgery a secret? How did that work for you? I’m asking because I work at a place that has extreme fat shaming practices and has terribly discriminatory practices as well. Unfortunately discrimination against overweight employees in my state isn’t illegal. I’m using some of my PTO time and having a hernia repair too.

Hi Everyone! I'm from NW Indiana, and I started my journey nearly 18 months ago! After pills, diets, exercise, etc. I finally got a referral from my family doctor to see a bariatric surgeon last July. I called my insurance company and they said my insurance was covered if I met their prerequisites. I let the surgeon know and they of course called after my first appointment and they got the list of prerequisites. Although I had spent 6 months on a supervised diet with weigh ins twice a month, I had to do 6 months with the doctor and nutritionist, maintain my weight, have a 5 year history, show previous attempts to lose weight, etc. So I did all the standard things, and it was time to submit to insurance in February of 2020. I got a call from the nurse at UHC to check on me after my procedure, but I had not yet had any procedure. Nothing was approved yet! So the nurse checked and the procedure was denied - it was excluded by my policy! I was upset and appealed. My surgeon appealed, because they had a preapproval number from September. Still, UHC refused to cover anything. I was upset, and researched it. I found a website for my state that had information about Healthcare complaints, so I filed a complaint and included information about their calls with me and the doctor's office. I suggested that they review the calls and retrain their employees to properly look at a caller's insurance, because they always say to "Call the number on the back of your card to verify benefits." Then COVID 19 closes everything. The doctor's office closed my case, and I started researching self-pay. I found Blossom Bariatrics in Las Vegas, and I paid my deposit and scheduled surgery for June. Yesterday I received a letter from UHC. They are paying for my surgery with my original surgeon. I thought it was an error, a joke, a dream?!?! I called my surgeon's office and sent them a copy of the letter. They called me in shock and asked what I am doing in July. Well, I think I'm having my Gastric Bypass and hernia repair in July now - close to home and without traveling. I'm worried something will happen to change that. I am out $550 because I paid a deposit to Blossom and for an appointment. I called today to reschedule for now - I don't want to cancel and have my other surgery fall through and be left with nothing. My surgeon's office said I am only the second person to successfully battle UHC over their error and actually win. I am worried the bill will exceed the $40,000 limit that was not a condition of the original guidelines, and I am scared they will find a reason to refuse payment. I am anxiously awaiting surgery in 6 weeks and 4 days.

I have discovered that I really like the Fairlife Nutrition Plan Protein Shake. This is the 30g Protein shake that is not in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. - it is with the other protein drinks on the shelf at Sam's Club. It tastes like chocolate milk. I am lactose intolerant, but I can drink these. There are 4 carbs in one shake,

I was wondering if anyone can share any information about their insurance having a maximum benefit for WLS and if they had additional out of pocket costs because of it. My insurance - United Healthcare (UHC) - has told me they will pay no more than $40,000 for me to have surgery with my original surgeon who is in network at a center of excellence. The surgeon's office pointed it out to me yesterday, and I asked if that was enough, and she said as long as I don't have complications I should be okay. I'm worried because I am having a hiatal hernia repair and rny. My last hernia repair was $44,000 but the hospital allowed insurance to pay $7,000. Won't that same principal apply here?

I know I'm letting my anxiety play too big of a part in this, and I find myself catastrophizing... so my next question is this: Has anyone ever gone to Blossom or to another surgical center and been sent home without their surgery because they failed the stress test or something else? I'm worried because I have a bundle branch block (BBB) - I told them and they have a cardiac clearance from my cardiologist - but they still perform the stress test and EGD, etc prior to surgery there. I exercise regularly, but the BBB can make it appear that things are not right. The BBB is ironically because I am overweight. I'm really anxious, because this is my last chance. My doctor here will not finance and insurance excludes it. I do not smoke and I will follow my 2 week diet when it starts in 2 weeks. Thanks for all input.

Thanks! I am planning on joining their group. It looks like it will be very helpful! I am doing a wine run! LOL! Seriously, you register, do a virtual 5k, post your results, and get your swag bag including a new wine glass! I always say better wine than Whine! I am really trying to stay calm.

I'm having hiatal hernia surgery too! 😀 No one I know needs to know any more than that!

I'm going to have to do this. I love the support, input, and ideas that I find when I go to those groups, but knowing that a coworker could find me there causes anxiety.

For those of you who traveled for your surgery, I would love to know how bad the flight home is? I’m having surgery June 22nd in Vegas and flying home two days later. It’s about a 4 hour flight. I’m nervous about flying so soon, but I have no choice. I appreciate the info! TIA.

Thank you for all the information. I greatly appreciate it! I’m worried about the compression socks being hot.

That’s a great idea!

I think I am! Blossom - surgery on Monday and a flight home on Wednesday.

I recently contacted Blossom Bariatrics after my insurance refused to cover WLS by saying it’s excluded after they preapproved it. I need a clearance from my cardiologist to participate in the Fast Track program, and every time they fax the paperwork to my cardiologist they say they are not receiving it. I am very frustrated by this process. Blossom is my last chance. I know the times are difficult right now, but I really want to do this before my 50th birthday next year. Any advice? How long does the Fast Track really take? TIA

I'm flying in on the 17th 😀

I just got mine scheduled for June 22nd! Flying in the week before.

Mobroke, I had my insurance - UHC - also say it was excluded after initially telling me and the doctor’s office that it was covered! I am waiting for Blossom to schedule my surgery now. My doctor’s office was excited for me, so I feel more confident about this.

You would think so, but unfortunately it started with new management. Our new owner is a personal trainer on the side. Since they purchased the company when her grandpa - our founder - died suddenly last year, the culture has changed immensely. I am very unhappy there. I've been on this journey for over a year now, and I was so happy to find this site. I'm scared of someone finding me if I post on Facebook.

One person I am telling is my adult daughter, She lives with me, so she needs to know I am making dietary changes. When you told people after the fact, were they upset that you had not told them in the beginning?

I’m seeing my cardiologist for a cardiac clearance for the FastTrack at Blossom later this week. I hope I get to schedule soon too.

That sounds great! I am praying I get to do this.

May I ask what you ended up paying out of pocket? I'm coming from the Chicago area, and I am nervous about the cost. I have insurance that excludes Bariatric Surgery, but they can bill them for tests, etc.

So it took 3-4 months at Blossom Bariatrics? They have not mentioned anything about months of waiting, but I did just complete the 6 months my insurance required before turning around and saying it was not even a covered service. It feels like it has been one road block after the next.

That would be awesome! I hope the fax goes through and I can get this in progress.

Hi, can you tell me what happened with this? I had the same thing happen with UHC in February. Last week I exhausted my final appeal and the bariatric center told me I'd have to go somewhere else, because they do not offer a self pay or financing option.😨