Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I'm starting fresh, I have been without insurance so I have been waiting. Self pay has been so expensive!

Not from experience, but from reading on here insurance companies can be tough to deal with. Hopefully you get approved, I think you will!

I also have a wonky thyroid. Hypothyroidism

I have seen BCBS updated their policy on the website, however I haven't seen a timeframe for that! I have seen the timeframe for tests and such, but none about a supervised diet

I know on the website for Bariatric Specialists of NC they do notify you of changes if you have BCBS about a 6 or 12 month program, but it's not in the policy. It confuses me, but I will find out eventually! Hoping it's not a 12 month thing, I can live with a 6 month program lol

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

*wonky thyroid solidarity fistbump* - I was diagnosed as hypothyroid about 6 years ago, levels have finally been steady for about a year...I feel best if my TSH hovers around 1.8-2.5...if I go higher than that I feel like dirt

Self pay is SO expensive...I was self-pay for my first procedure because even though my BMI qualified, I didn't have at least two comorbidities that my insurance required for me to be approved. Being self-pay definitely made it more challenging because all my fills were out-of-pocket...any support services. Hindsight being what it is, I'd have chosen a different route....but you live and you learn right?

Do you know of any WLS support groups in the area? I know the Duke program has them in Durham and Raleigh but I'd love to also find something closer to where I am (holly springs area).

Over the years my TSH levels have been checked, they were normal to slightly elevated at time, nothing that concerned anyone until July of 2016 my TSH was 27!!

Self pay was terrible! I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. But you definitely live and learn, it taught me how valuable insurance is and I'm so happy to have it!

I have not checked into any information other than the facility and insurance info. I'm in Sanford. Apex and Cary aren't too far, I'm going to try to see if I can find any in that area

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Holy cats 27! Mine was only 6.8 when they caught it and that was already absolutely awful....I'm not sure I'd be functional at 27! :blink:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm starting fresh, I have been without insurance so I have been waiting. Self pay has been so expensive!

Not from experience, but from reading on here insurance companies can be tough to deal with. Hopefully you get approved, I think you will!

I also have a wonky thyroid. Hypothyroidism

I have seen BCBS updated their policy on the website, however I haven't seen a timeframe for that! I have seen the timeframe for tests and such, but none about a supervised diet

I know on the website for Bariatric Specialists of NC they do notify you of changes if you have BCBS about a 6 or 12 month program, but it's not in the policy. It confuses me, but I will find out eventually! Hoping it's not a 12 month thing, I can live with a 6 month program lol

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

*wonky thyroid solidarity fistbump* - I was diagnosed as hypothyroid about 6 years ago, levels have finally been steady for about a year...I feel best if my TSH hovers around 1.8-2.5...if I go higher than that I feel like dirt

Self pay is SO expensive...I was self-pay for my first procedure because even though my BMI qualified, I didn't have at least two comorbidities that my insurance required for me to be approved. Being self-pay definitely made it more challenging because all my fills were out-of-pocket...any support services. Hindsight being what it is, I'd have chosen a different route....but you live and you learn right?

Do you know of any WLS support groups in the area? I know the Duke program has them in Durham and Raleigh but I'd love to also find something closer to where I am (holly springs area).

Over the years my TSH levels have been checked, they were normal to slightly elevated at time, nothing that concerned anyone until July of 2016 my TSH was 27!!

Self pay was terrible! I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. But you definitely live and learn, it taught me how valuable insurance is and I'm so happy to have it!

I have not checked into any information other than the facility and insurance info. I'm in Sanford. Apex and Cary aren't too far, I'm going to try to see if I can find any in that area

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Holy cats 27! Mine was only 6.8 when they caught it and that was already absolutely awful....I'm not sure I'd be functional at 27! :blink:

I recently found a PCP and my TSH levels have went down, 2.48 currently. I don't know how I functioned then honestly

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBS NC and had my surgery last year. I would say that the safest bet is to figure it will cost whatever remains on your out-of-pocket maximum if you have a plan that includes separate company's (which typivpcally do not count towards your out-of-pocket costs) then add that copay in as well.

I used the cost estimator but don't remember if it was accurate. If it had been wildly inaccurate I'd probably remember, though, so I'm guessed NC it was correct within a couple thousand$ or so.

If you go to a Center of Excellence (which I highly recommend), then they usually have a person who can help you figure up your costs.

Avoid getting your surgery in late Dec if you can. I did it Dec 29 and had complications which sent m back to my local ER on Jan 2... which started a whole new deductible year! We will be paying off those medical debts for a loooong time :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×