Hello,

Glad to see a group from Washington. I have lived here most of my life.

I would love to know where you had your surgeries and who you would recommend.

As I said in my intro message I may have to go to Mexico but would rather stay home.

I checked out the Swedish in Seattle and it was $ 20,000.00 for the Sleeve.

I have Regence and they won't pay for any WLS. In my opinion they are very difficult.

They are not going to pay for any cosmetic procedures. My BMI is 40.9 don't think thats the issue!

Thank you.

Searching

Puget Sound Surgery Center/ Dr. Matthew Crouthamel/ 12/26/12

Not quite 3 wks out and doing well. Down about 17 pounds. I'm able to eat most mushy foods without any problem.

Dr. Crouthamel is my surgeon also. i hope to have my surgery in April 2013. I have finished all tests and I am 1 month into my supervised 3 month insurance required diet. My start weight was 280 lbs and am down a few not sure how many. I have a scale issue so I have to limit myself to bi weekly weigh ins. My husband is also having the surgery. He has many health issues and this will be life changing for him. We are really excited. Would love to hear about your experience PNWJoyce.

Dr. Michelson is my Dr. at Northwest Weight loss in Everett and my date is Jan 31st.

I had my surgery at Puget Sound Surgical Center with Dr. Crouthamel. The staff there has been phenomenal and Dr. Crouthamel has been extremely communicative both pre-post surgery. I am so glad I did this. I am self-pay and my cost was approximately $16k.

I live in Vancouver Washington but having my surgery in Portland Oregon at legacy Good Sam,Dr.Valerie Halpin will be my sergeon on Feburay, 6, 2013 9 short or long days from now....

I'm getting mine done on Feb 19th at Peace Heath Southwest Washington Medical Center. It's been a great so far. Dr. Dally is my surgeon.

My surgeon is Dr. Michaelson at Northwest Weight Loss in Everett, as well. I'm planning to do the deed in late spring/early summer at this point, although I'm wrapping up most of the pre-surgery requirements this month. Just need to deal with the financial side of it.

You

My surgeon is Dr. Michaelson at Northwest Weight Loss in Everett, as well. I'm planning to do the deed in late spring/early summer at this point, although I'm wrapping up most of the pre-surgery requirements this month. Just need to deal with the financial side of it.

You will love the nurses the are great. I felt like I was in a hotel almost.

You

You will love the nurses the are great. I felt like I was in a hotel almost.

How long did you have to stay post surgery, if you don't mind my asking? And do you attend the support group meetings? I'm thinking about starting to attend, but haven't quite made my mind up to do so.

I stayed one night. I am going to start the support group at the end of April, I live over 2 hours away and have to plan the trip in my budget. I do have a check up appointment on April 5th.

Hi,

I am still messing around with this subject. I have almost given up.

I still haven't been able to have surgery.

The bad economy hit us hard and our insurance will not pay, ( Its the ROTTEN "R" Insurance) so I haven't been able to have surgery.

I just recently seen an ad for Franciscan Hospital in Federal Way. I thought I seen their price listed for the sleeve and it was great. But when I went back to find it

It was gone.

Has anyone went there for surgery and how it went would be nice to hear about.

Thank you

Searching...........Still Searching

Did you try an appeal?

03/05/2013

Hi,

I went to two differant seminars and submitted my insurance information.

I contacted one of the surgery centers an additional time to see if there was anything I could do and if they would help me with my insurance problem. I even contacted my insurance broker and she submitted additional information to the surgery center for me. It almost started a war!

The surgery center insulted my broker. My broker said it was her responsibility to submit information on my behalf as it would have been an errors of ommission if she hadn't. The surgery center representive was mad the broker that she did that.

I understand it does cost the Doctors office money and time to mess around with insurances when they are certain in the long run they won't pay.

But I wouldn't go to that clinic now due to the viciousness that occurred. It was crazy!

I called the insurance commissioners office twice to find out how to get covered. The first time I was told that I would need the doctor to submitt a request for me and if I was denied then I would need to protest it.

Their isn't a doctor that is going to do that.

The second time I was told that the insurance company I have wouldn't cover it and very few insurance companies in our state would. The company would have to be self insured. Also, Federal employees were covered in this state.

I think it depends on the state you are in and what the state requires the insurance companies to cover.

I don't know I am lost when it comes to the insurance coverage. Also I am frustrated with all the run around.

If anyone could tell me what to do about it I would appreciate it.

Being over weight is unhealthy and one would think the insurance company would save money if they helped their clients with their weight problems.

I have been lead to believe that the insurance company wasn't going to pay as they think that the consumer isn't going to stay with them that long so they can't recoup there money back.

I have tryed to find another insurance company that we could go to and purchase insurance that would cover WLS but I haven't been able to find that out. We pay out over $ 800.00 per month in premiums and their is three of us in our group.

I could go on and on as I am really disappointed in our coverage. I just have to keep learning so I may understand how to over come the insurance obstacle.

I don't have the money at this time to pay for it myself. If something went wrong I would really be in trouble as my insurance company won't cover that either.

So my hope at this time is a better economy!

Sincerily,

Searching

I had mine with Dr. McMahon at Swedish in Seattle. I couldn't be happier with the experience and the outcome so far.

Sounds like a big pain I hope you don't give up. If this is what you think you will need then keep trying and make it happen. If I was in your position I would start saving and research Mexico. There are a ton of good doctors there and most people have great experiences there. Sorry you are getting so frustrated.