I have been racking my brain for months trying to find a way to have this surgery. I know it will be absolutely life changing and feel in my heart it is for me. However, my insurance through my work BCBSOK does not cover any type of bariatric surgery. Recently had a friend tell me she went to Nicholson Clinic and had a hernia so was able to get the surgery done with little out of pocket cost. I have an apt on Friday with a physician in that clinic and and am praying my situation will be similar. I constantly have heart burn so I am almost sure I have the hernia, however my insurance just doesn't seem to cover a whole lot which is disappointing. I am praying this will not cost an arm and a leg and that there will be a way for me to afford anything out of pocket I may have to pay. There is no prices listed for EGD or sleep study or anything does anyone have any numbers or similar issues so that I can quit with this anxious feeling? I will just be devastated if I get bad news

Agreed. If you have your surgery with Dr. Nicholson it's going to be a longer wait.

I feel like I need an Org chart to keep all the people straight at the Nicholson Clinic - Sylvia, Lisa... and who does what!

Have any of you dealt with Abbey? She's my contact right now. I am waiting on a call from a nurse to review my chart since I just sent in my initial intake paperwork last week. Abbey did say that I should keep my phone on me because the nurse will call in between patients when she has time, so it would be hard to get a hold of her if I miss the call.

I have my EGD scheduled for Monday. Once I get confirmation about my hernia, I'll be calling Sylvia and Lisa asap! I have to say that you all are being way more patient that I would be, haha. I will be persistent with the sugar

Abbey is AWESOME!! She's the one that really got the ball rolling for me...surgery on Monday!! Yikes!

I had my consult with Dr Long Sept 4th, my EGD the next day and a phone consult on the 11th. Then nothing… I left Silvia a phone message yesterday, still nothing. Guess I'll email also.

Silvia is the worst I finally harassed and found out from Lisa after a week that she just got my info from Silvia and she apologized. If you've been waiting awhile I can promise it's Silvia. Butttt patience is a virtue I have been told

I just wanna say when I say "harass" I mean I just send friendly reminders lol definitely all sugar here- I work at a bank and have been the victim of people using vinegar too many time lol

Thank you guys. I will keep you updated. It's pretty cool we have each other to relate too! ☺

October 8th!!

That's my big day!

Yay! This weekend your last big brouhaha? Then starting your pre-op diet?

Yes! I have already gained about 20 lbs in anticipation.

Has anyone had anyone really discuss the cost or what needs paid in advance or anything?

Yes, they laid mine all out for me. It was less than I thought it would be. So low that after she went over it, I asked, "That will cover all of the pre-surgery tests, but what about the surgery?" And she said that amount included the surgery. I was like Whaaat?!? Thanks!

I think the insurance coordinator is Michelle - not sure. But that's who went over the out of pocket costs with me.

Egd today - no hernia. I'm in shock. I have all the symptoms and an obviously overweight so I was really banking on this being my answer. I'm going to eat my feelings and cry. Plus insult to injury, I have a horrible headache from the drugs.

Oh no, so sorry to hear that. Girl I can't imagine your devastation. I know how upset I was with every roadblock. But don't lose faith I thought I was screwed multiple times. Like my husband was probably ready to leave my depressing, moping butt. I would not stop whining. But God made a way and I am two weeks out. Can you apply for credit?

Hows everyone doing With preop diet?

Loosingit how are you doing?

I've kind of sunk into a depression. I was so sure I had a hernia and am sitting here with reflux as I type, so still super disappointed I don't and that option to lower cost is gone. My options now look like either Mexico or self pay in the U.S. I'm not really comfortable with MX but $5000 vs $12000 is a big difference. I just don't know what to do.

I could swing the $5000 or less but with kids, house, car, student loans - I'm having a hard time with the price tag. I know my co morbidities (bp, prior joint surgery) will literally take years off my life but I still can't convince myself I'm worth taking the time and money to focus on myself and do this. ???? I don't know what to do

I'm so happy it's working out for you all though! What an amazing thing ????

Are you going thru Nicholson Clinic? Are they not able to find any other options for you?