G8trgrl

I was diagnosed 4 years ago with SOD. I had an ERCP where a sphincterotomy was done. That cleared my pain for 3 years. Then, my pain started up again. But, it came and went. I had actually forgotten I had SOD. I had my gastric sleeve done in June, then had my annual physical in July. My blood work came back with elevated liver enzymes. That’s when I finally realized my SOD had come back. I’m scheduled for another ERCP in about 10 days. It seems that the pain is getting worse as time goes by. It’s definitely worse since my gastric sleeve surgery.

18 minutes ago, LillsDaisy said:

That’s really nice to hear that you had a good experience, even with no insurance coverage. I am just struggling with the affordability of it without at least SOME coverage from insurance. I am now looking into the best options for financing.

I had to refinance my house in order to pay for it. I am blessed to have a house so that I was able to refinance it.

I live in Florida. I had my surgery done at Blossom because my insurance wouldn’t cover it. Blossom could do the surgery when it was convenient to me. They were awesome! I have no regrets.

My time at Blossom made me feel like a celebrity. Everyone was kind and considerate. The person who did the stress test coached me all the way. She was my own personal cheerleader. The nurses at Warm Spring Surgical Center we’re also fantastic. I have difficult veins, but they only had to poke me once. They also were great with me when I was waking up from surgery. I was extremely groggy. Dr. Sakata was fantastic. She made sure I knew exactly what was going to happen and answered every question. Valerie, the nurse that came to visit the hotel was also terrific! I think I made it through the night because of her. The IV Therapy is probably what got me through flying all the way across the country. They gave me battery compression sleeves to wear on the plane. Make sure to charge them the night before. The only problem I had was the hotel wasn’t close to anything. We walked 2 miles to a grocery store in the desert like heat. Probably wasn’t a smart move. But we took a Lyft back. The hotel itself was great! It just wasn’t near anything. Blossom was very good with Covid precautions. Everyone had masks on. They also made sure you used hand sanitizer before going to the next person. Out of 6 laparoscopic surgeries this is the first one where the gas pain was gone by the next day. I highly recommend Blossom.

1 hour ago, Thevillegirl said:

Your surgery is today!! I hope you are going great!! I had mine at Blossom 1 week ago and I feel really good. Only trouble I am having is shoulder pain from the gas.

I’m doing pretty well considering. The walking is helping to get rid of the gas.

1 hour ago, BSNJ said:

Hope all went well. When you have a chance, update your experience with Blossom Bariatric. I am scheduled for August. I am also travelling from the east coast. I am worried about airports and the flight home after the surgery.

I just arrived in Vegas today. I haven’t been to Blossom yet. That will be tomorrow. As for flying that was a little rough. I had one shake at 4:15 EST. I was hoping to purchase another one at one of those convenience type stores at the airport, but literally nothing was open. I’m glad I packed some granola bars for my daughter because that was her Breakfast. I had two 8 oz bottles of Water during the flight. One each leg. My daughter got my Snacks. When we got to Houston nothing was open that I could have. Our driver from the airport was great. He had cold water waiting for us. So, I had another 12 oz there. We checked in, I ordered uber eats for my daughter. While she ate I looked for delivery options from grocery stores to the hotel without success. There was no literature in the room about what was nearby. Not even about what time breakfast begins tomorrow. I need to take my daughter down before my appt because she can’t go with me. Needless to say we walked almost two miles to the grocery store. I forgot about the desert heat. Ugh! We got a few things and took a Lyft home. I still haven’t eaten. It’s around 3:45 now. My daughter doesn’t want to go out because she’s exhausted. (So am I) So, I order a chopped salad from Subway to be delivered by Uber Eats. I finally get to eat at 4:15 Pacific time. After that I took a much needed shower and am going to bed at 5:00 Pacific time. I’ll update more tomorrow. Good night.

8 minutes ago, nicoleh5686 said:

Hello all,

I'm new here and I'll be having VSG done on the 15th of June. I'm a little nervous but I'm ready!!! I think I'm just anticipating how I'll feel after surgery. Currently no one is allowed to come to the hospital with me, so I kind feel alone. How are you guys feeling about getting your surgery while Corona is still around?

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m having mine done on June 15 as well. My surgery is being done in Vegas. My daughter can’t be with me during the surgery, but they will pick her up from the hotel when I can leave the surgery center so we can go back to the hotel together. My surgery center wasn’t used for months until about two weeks ago. I have the confidence that everything will go well.

18 minutes ago, BSNJ said:

Thanks for the reply. Just a little nervous flying right now. How long did the process take from when your initial contact to Blossom until you recieved your surgery date?

I believe 3 months. But, I wanted surgery in June because of my work schedule. They can get you in faster if you want.

1 hour ago, BSNJ said:

Were there any issues with covid - airline, hotel or surgical site? Not sure if the site is open due to Covid.

They started doing surgeries again a couple of weeks ago. I’m flying with United. They are not filling the middle seats. Blossom booked me at the hotel. They just called me today with their Covid-screening questions. My daughter is going with me, but she will have to stay at the hotel during my appointments and surgery.

57 minutes ago, BSNJ said:

I am from NJ and seriously thinking about going to Blossom. My insurane does cover weight loss surgery, but only with a BMI of 40. Not sure how much would be covered by my insurance.

It’s possible that your insurance might cover part of it at Blossom. It certainly can’t hurt to try.

Thanks for following up. How is traveling afterward?

22 hours ago, MaybeMeow said:

I totally get it. I'm with you. In the exact same situation. Self-pay. Eating, gaining, Everlasting food funeral, children+ covid+postponement disappointment. etc. Hoping to be re-scheduled in June. Will have a 1 week Liver diet. Trying desperately to find a Protein drink I enjoy. Best of luck to you. Hope I can join this group!

So far, the only Protein drink I enjoy is Fairlife. I’m hoping I like a few others after surgery.

15 minutes ago, Tamwell said:

Unfortunately they don't take my insurance

I know how you feel. They take Cigna, but my employer does not approve weight loss surgery.

2 minutes ago, Tamwell said:

I was given a quote last week .. Cash Price for Safe Sleeve through their Fast Track Program: $15,500

If you have insurance that approves weight loss surgery it’s less.

4 hours ago, Miss215 said:

I head to Vegas to start Fast Track at Blossom, in 2 days, with surgery in 7 days. I have heard nothing but good things. The few negative reviews I’ve read were about billing issues, but by and large, they are well-reputed, so I’m feeling confident. I too initially looked into heading to Mexico, but was uneasy about coverage of potential post-op complications. Plus, once I found Blossom, realized it was all outpatient and got a great quote, I went full speed ahead.

That’s awesome! I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. I’ll be going to Vegas in a little over three weeks for my sleeve.

I’m flying in on Thursday with surgery on a Monday.

1 hour ago, Miss215 said:

Hey! I’m headed there next week. Will be there from the 20th-27th for the Fast Track program. I hear so many great things about them and being a nurse myself I have a scrutinizing eye for things being up to par medically, so I’m not worried. Even though I’ve been coordinating from way on the East Coast, I feel 100% secure with these folks. I was so afraid I would have to push my surgery back, but I’m so glad I won’t. With all of the Covid changes they’ve put into place, it’ll be a bit nervewrecking to have to go to all of the appointments and into surgery l, alone, but I’m confident it will be great. All of the information has been so well laid out on their websites, videos and info pamphlets. I am thoroughly impressed by them so far.

Thanks for posting. I feel the same way. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

I’ll be there the 11th-17th.

In the 24 years I’ve been at my job, wls has never been covered. So, if I want to be healthy after trying 5 other programs I have no choice but to pay.

2 minutes ago, AlwaysCruising said:

We will cross our fingers and hope that we are on "go"! We booked three total through spring 2021 and so tired of dealing with FCC's etc that I hope these are a go (it's been a bit of a mess, gotta feel sorry for them having to deal with all these when none of it was there doing). and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thank you! You’re absolutely right. We pre-pay tips, but will be giving more throughout the cruise because this is the crews livelihood. They are doing this to provide for their families. It’s a shame they’re missing out during the busiest times.

1 minute ago, AlwaysCruising said:

We sailed on Carnival in the past for a Canada cruise (nearly froze my rear end off LOL), but just got end up with the other two. I hope we are on "go" for the fall, I am ready for a vacation.

Me too! I rarely take time off in the fall because that’s when school starts. But, my twin and I will be celebrating our 50th on the cruise in September.

I’m Platinum on Carnival, but I’ve sailed RC and NCL.

1 hour ago, AlwaysCruising said:

We love, love, love cruising! We just lost two (March and June) but rescheduled for oct 2020 and april 2021. I told them we needed to make sure we got my surgery between or before dates LOL

I’ve been an addict for years. I can only cruise during expensive times, but I always try to get one in every year. This year it’ll be 14 months between cruises since my last one was in July last year. I’ve been on 27 cruises. 🛳

This solution is definitely not overnight. I’ve done 4 medically supervised weight loss plans. I’ve researched the gastric sleeve for over a year. I have other health issues that need to get better. For my health , I’ve decided that this is the best choice for me. I don’t get paid for extended time off. I already have the Summers off unpaid. So, this is the best time for me to do it since I’m already off.

If you have insurance their prices start at $6799. I have insurance, it just doesn’t cover wls.

By the way, I’m always cruising too. I’m bummed my cruise that was supposed to 20 days from now was cancelled. I still have my September one to look forward to.