hello everyone

i feel back from the site because i received some disappointing news about two weeks ago. i will not be able to get my sleeve. finally i thought i would have a chance of being a normal size not. I found out that there would be a $7000.00 out of pocket expense that i just simply can't afford and this is with insurance. I don't have the option of a loan no one in my family has this kind of money to loan ( i wouldn't any way no way to pay back) there is just no way i live check to check and $7000.00 is a lot of money. i knew there was a $1650.00 deductable which i was fully aware of and ready to pay but i was forgetting about the 20% that Aetna will not cover it just completely slipped my mind. I was told because this is elective surgery all moneys had to be paid up front. it took me this couple of weeks to finally except the fact that i would not be able to have the surgery. i know some of you would suggest mexico still a cost of $7000 to $8000 same difference i can't afford it. this is worst than being denied by the insurance company at least you can appeal that. i don't have and won't have the money that i would need to pay for the surgery. i was so encouraged i thought i would finally have a some what of a healthy body. yes i can go on a diet and i can lose 50 or 60 pounds ( not a lot when you need to lose 140) but i will gain it all back plus some just as i always have over the last 20 years. i am 330lbs with a bmi of 53 and looks as if this what i will always be. sad in philly

thickinphilly

I'm really sorry to hear of your disappointing news. I hope that at some point you will be able to get your sleeve. Don't give up all hope, and know that when it's meant to be, it will happen.

You dont have a max out of pocket expense?

Could you put money in your health Care spending account or take a loan against your 401k?

I'm so sorry to hear your experience. Recently I came across a website for people who've had bariatric surgeries: Weight Loss Surgeries Federation of America. If you enter their site you'll see that they offer grants for surgeries. I have no clue what the qualifications are, or anything that has to do with the process. I came across it post surgery and have explored other forums on the site, but have never clicked on the grants link. Look into it and don't lose hope. God bless you!

here it is...

http://wlsfa.org/looking-for-help/how-to-apply-for-a-grant/

Looks good!

so sorry to hear your news. . hopefully one day your "ship" will come in and you'll get your sleeve

^{I pray doors will open for you. Sometimes things happen for a reason, but don't give up hope, it is possible another door will open for you ...keep pressing ...hugs!}

I also experienced this when I had blue cross PPO. my out of pocket was $5000 when I was considering the lap band that was 5 yrs ago. I absolutely couldnt afford it. Then I switched jobs they offered a PPO and kaiser and I heard Kaiser was passing out authorization for WLS like candy after you take a mandatory class soo I went with Kaiser because I knew the process of PPO 6months monitored weight loss and 20% out of pocket. Kaiser out of pocket is $10.00 copay. just continue to hang on your opportunity will come.

Wow, I am so sorry to hear your news. I am sending you my best wishes hoping that somehow, some way it will work out for you. I suggest you look into the grants that Estrellita suggested. My heart goes out to you, and my fingers are crossed for you!

thanks everyone i really appreciate all your comments, prayers and support. that's why i love this site so much. i will certainly look into that website that gives grants for the sugery. i will keep you guys posted and i will always check in to see your great progress and success stories. prayerfully one day i will have a success story of my own. have a great day everyone.

i went on the wls grant website all the grants for 2010 have been given but i put in for a notification for when the 2011 grants are availible. Thanks again to my vsg family and again i will keep you guys posted.

I've never heard of the Grants but WOW, what an incredible option! Please keep the faith. I did and when it was finally time for it to happen, it did. I knew I'd have to go OOP and for a long time it just wasn't in the cards for me. Then when I was truly ready, things just lined up so perfectly and it happened for me.

Hang in there, and never lose hope!!

Hugs...

I really do hope something works out for you, please don't give up!

Change you change your insurance for 2011 to one that will cover it?

Change you change your insurance for 2011 to one that will cover it?

humpty dumpty

i wish it was just that simply.my employer only offers insurance from aetna and i have ppo which is the top and aetna still only covers 80% the other 20% of it is all on me. the surgury is $26,000 and 20% of that is $5200.00 and then i have a $1650.00 deductable that i knew i had but $7000.00 i don't have and won't have. i will keep trying staying hopeful in philly

thickinphilly