Hello,

I am doing my research into the procedure, but for those of you with health insurance (I have United Healthcare), how much do you have to pay out of pocket? Also, if you have to pay anything, do you pay your portion upfront or are there payment plans?

Thank you!!!

My insurance, which is Blue Shield of California paid for everything. I didn't pay a dime out of my own pocket, except for the copays at all the different doctor/surgeon appointments.

My insurance' date=' which is Blue Shield of California paid for everything. I didn't pay a dime out of my own pocket, except for the copays at all the different doctor/surgeon appointments.[/quote']

Cassie, is your coverage an ***?

Not sure why it blocks H M O!!

Yes, it is.

May I ask about how long your process was/is?

It was 6 months. I had to undergo 6 office visits with my regular doctor, weigh in's, blood pressure checks, etc. Then I had alot of other doctor appointments. A sleep study for sleep apnea. Cardiac test, EKG, massive amounts of blood testing, psych exam, 8 weeks of nutrition training, both in the classroom and online. A meeting with the surgeon and if I remember correctly, that is about it. It was quite a "hoop jumping." However, some of it was the insurance, some of it was the weight loss center I went too. Requirements are different for all.

I didn't have to do a two week liquid diet before the surgery. I did, however, have to lose 12 lbs before the surgery. They gave me the entire 6 months to do that (Yes, I took my sweet time). I had to basically fast for 2 days prior to the surgery. Its been 10-11 days since the surgery and I've lost about 16 lbs now.

I was actually touch and go in the beginning. My BMI was under the 40 they needed for the surgery. However, since I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, GERD, back pain; I had the necessary "extras" to get the surgery approved.

So far things are going well. I've not had any nausea, throwing up, etc. I walk 4-5 miles a day and the only real issues I've had is with dehydration. I find it easy enough to get in the Protein amount they want, however the extra Water seems to elude me.

I am pre-op and so far I paid $300 for Doctor consult, $355 for 2 nutrition classes, $288 for Pych Evaluation,(Ins paid $60) and waiting on Ins to pay the $900 Extensive Blood workup..I was surprised, b/c INS said it will pay for weightloss surgery,,and Nut, and Pych was a hoop I am having to jump through demanded by BC Insurance of Al..(teachers),,I havent paid the Pych b/c I will have to get a loan when this is all over..I also had to do a 6 month Dr Monitored weight loss Program (or weight watchers)before I have surgery..I amwaiting on a surgery date now..

I will do what I have to do..but Im having this surgery,,,jump in..do it..!! talk to ins company yourself...good luck!!!

It was 6 months. I had to undergo 6 office visits with my regular doctor' date=' weigh in's, blood pressure checks, etc. Then I had alot of other doctor appointments. A sleep study for sleep apnea. Cardiac test, EKG, massive amounts of blood testing, psych exam, 8 weeks of nutrition training, both in the classroom and online. A meeting with the surgeon and if I remember correctly, that is about it. It was quite a "hoop jumping." However, some of it was the insurance, some of it was the weight loss center I went too. Requirements are different for all.

I didn't have to do a two week liquid diet before the surgery. I did, however, have to lose 12 lbs before the surgery. They gave me the entire 6 months to do that (Yes, I took my sweet time). I had to basically fast for 2 days prior to the surgery. Its been 10-11 days since the surgery and I've lost about 16 lbs now.

I was actually touch and go in the beginning. My BMI was under the 40 they needed for the surgery. However, since I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, GERD, back pain; I had the necessary "extras" to get the surgery approved.

So far things are going well. I've not had any nausea, throwing up, etc. I walk 4-5 miles a day and the only real issues I've had is with dehydration. I find it easy enough to get in the Protein amount they want, however the extra Water seems to elude me.[/quote']

Thanks much for the info!! Sounds like you are doing really well. My BMI is 42 and I saw my PCP and I received a call from the endrocronologist and I see him Friday. They said so he can tell me how much I need to lose before surgery. I am interested to see what happens as I don't have any other health issues besides plantar fasciitis.

Good luck to you!! thanks again!!