Been reading through a lot of the comments for the past week. I know everyone's situation is different.

About 4 years ago I went on the Optifast diet and did the Kaiser diet program. I lost about 40 points overall. I have unfortunately gained it all back. I know beer and inactivity (cubicle job) plays a good role in my weight gain along with snacking after work. From what I have read on here, a lot of doctors require you to go through a weight loss program like Kaisers. I think part of the problem with going to the class I had with the Kaiser program is that I was the only male in the class of 12. I know about portion control and triggers.

I really want to plan on having this surgery next year. My insurance (Blue Cross Colorado) will cover the surgery minus my deductible or about $4k out of pocket for the sleeve surgery. I am wondering what other costs I should plan for. I am going to max out my FSA contributions so that most will be taken out of my paycheck.

Few questions for the group:

1. What other costs should I anticipate for the surgery both, before and after.

2. What is the average recovery time after the surgery? (Need to schedule this off work.)

3. How soon did you return to work?

I know I will have more questions. Need to go to my primary care doctor and let them know I am interested in this program to get the ball rolling I know.

Thanks for the help and responses!

Hi dengle,

It seems that insurance companies have standard pre-reqs that you will need to meet, all of which cost $$. Here's the list I had to address:

• lab work
• 6 monthly of dietician appts
• upper endoscopy
• cardiac eval (if you are over 50) -- stress + echo
• psychological consult
• radiology exams (chest xray, ab ultrasound, upper GI)
• sleep study

Its an intimidating list, no doubt people on the surgery fence won't go the distance. And you find stuff thats wrong with you in the process, which isn't fun, LOL. For instance, now I know I have a hietal hernia, GERD and sleep apnea! I got coverage information in writing from insurance company upfront.

Edited to add -- we have tons of men in the group nutrition classes, so maybe the one you did was an anomaly?

Edited October 31, 20178 yr by Apple203

15 hours ago, Apple203 said:

Hi dengle,

It seems that insurance companies have standard pre-reqs that you will need to meet, all of which cost $$. Here's the list I had to address:

• lab work
• 6 monthly of dietician appts
• upper endoscopy
• cardiac eval (if you are over 50) -- stress + echo
• psychological consult
• radiology exams (chest xray, ab ultrasound, upper GI)
• sleep study

Its an intimidating list, no doubt people on the surgery fence won't go the distance. And you find stuff thats wrong with you in the process, which isn't fun, LOL. For instance, now I know I have a hietal hernia, GERD and sleep apnea! I got coverage information in writing from insurance company upfront.

Edited to add -- we have tons of men in the group nutrition classes, so maybe the one you did was an anomaly?

this is The Guys Room conference. show some respect and leave.

Been reading through a lot of the comments for the past week. I know everyone's situation is different.
About 4 years ago I went on the Optifast diet and did the Kaiser diet program. I lost about 40 points overall. I have unfortunately gained it all back. I know beer and inactivity (cubicle job) plays a good role in my weight gain along with snacking after work. From what I have read on here, a lot of doctors require you to go through a weight loss program like Kaisers. I think part of the problem with going to the class I had with the Kaiser program is that I was the only male in the class of 12. I know about portion control and triggers.
I really want to plan on having this surgery next year. My insurance (Blue Cross Colorado) will cover the surgery minus my deductible or about $4k out of pocket for the sleeve surgery. I am wondering what other costs I should plan for. I am going to max out my FSA contributions so that most will be taken out of my paycheck.
Few questions for the group:
1. What other costs should I anticipate for the surgery both, before and after.
2. What is the average recovery time after the surgery? (Need to schedule this off work.)
3. How soon did you return to work?
I know I will have more questions. Need to go to my primary care doctor and let them know I am interested in this program to get the ball rolling I know.
Thanks for the help and responses!

The DR. Should be able to tell you about potential costs, but be on the lookout for the nickel and dime stuff like constant copays.

I went back to work after a week, but I work from home. If I had to drive I would've taken two weeks.

Budget for new clothes and whatever vitamins, protein, dietary changes you'll have to account for.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using BariatricPal App

Thanks for the info and potential (more than likely) tests I will need. Now planning on getting the party started in early July for surgery in January thereabouts. My healthcare plan lets me estimate or take a guess as to the potential charges. Doesn't include nutrition classes, but will up my FSA to the max next year and the following.

Will read more and more on here and other sites. Glad this site is here for us all!

8 hours ago, JohnnyCakes said:

this is The Guys Room conference. show some respect and leave.

oh, my apologies...