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

Recommended Posts

I've been going through the pre-surgical process and have everything now done except the release for surgery. As I have scheduled the various appointments required before surgery, I have found myself wondering how much people would be willing pay to just get these done faster with less hassle! It's my mini survey of the day (I guess I have more time on my hands than I thought 😁)]. These are my most recent, so...

  • How much would you pay out of pocket for the psychological assessment if it could be done soon and without you having to drive to get there?
  • How much would you pay to get a doctor's clearance letter for surgery?

Happy Mother's Day to you and yours and stay safe!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The psych guy wanted $250 without insurance and could see me right away. The one that DID take insurance didn't have any appointments available until AFTER my planned surgery date. So I talked the doc that could see me right away down to $200 cash. Money well spent to get all the boxes checked more quickly.

All I had to do to get the doctor's clearance letter was see my GP and that was covered by my insurance. Because of my age my surgeon also made me see a cardiologist to get a cardiac clearance, but again that was covered.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, WInston223322 said:

I was a cash payment for all and you know what!

BEST DAMM MONEY I EVERY SPENT! PRICELESS

With two insurance policies, I pretty much had to use mine for the surgery! How much did you pay for the two items in my tiny survey? 🙂

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

22 minutes ago, JRT Mom said:

The psych guy wanted $250 without insurance and could see me right away. The one that DID take insurance didn't have any appointments available until AFTER my planned surgery date. So I talked the doc that could see me right away down to $200 cash. Money well spent to get all the boxes checked more quickly.

All I had to do to get the doctor's clearance letter was see my GP and that was covered by my insurance. Because of my age my surgeon also made me see a cardiologist to get a cardiac clearance, but again that was covered.

Good luck!

Yeah, not all psychologists do them (like physicians they have various specialties) and a smaller town is likely to have no one who can. I have some friends who put it off until the end and had to drive a long way (I know lots of people who get nervous driving into the city, I lived in the city a long time so I'm use to the madness).

My surgeon told me I needed the cardiac clearance, but didn't specify it had to be a cardiologist (at least not that I recall and the written form doesn't say that). Most physicians can do an EKG - but I figure that will be too pricey without insurance. Was it a pain finding someone to do it?

So glad you got it all done and through! I wish I had a date.

Edited by AlwaysCruising

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, G8trgrl said:

’m paying $15,500 to have Consult to surgery done in 5 days. Everything included.

I was right there is it ok that the head doc made me get naked? JK i paid 15000 cash but i live in a expensive areaa got it back already in less then a year

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My psych consultation was part of the surgery package, covered by insurance. However, I paid $200 for the doctor's clearance.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mine was covered by insurance, but I AM SERIOUS— I recently retired past few years and told hubby, if insurance rejects me, the first $20k I spend in retirement will be for WLS. I now have the time and burning desire to GET HEALTHY and what use is money if..

A. We’re too unhealthy to enjoy it, or

B. We’re dead from obesity complications.

I would pay whatever it takes, search for the best surgeon available to me. That is just me, and reflective of my determination and the sense of urgency I felt and still feel. ..But many, many others on this board have expressed the same.

“Decide what you want, decide what you’re willing to give up to get it, then go about your business.”

Good luck, make wise decisions, never look back, except to SMILE at how far YOU have come and what a GRAND JOURNEY this REALLY IS!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Even with insurance in Australia I still had to pay 4000 out of pocket but it was an easy process took 3 months from first consultation to surgery day... 6.5 months post op below goal weight loving life 😁

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had to switch insurance plans for a couple of years because the one I had didn't cover WLS. The one that DID cover it was much more expensive - both the monthly premiums and the deductible. I didn't calculate what how much more it cost me over those two years, but probably a few thousand dollars. I originally thought I'd wait 'til I was eligible for Medicare since they cover, but then it occurred to me I might not even live until age 65 if I didn't do something about my weight. So that made my decision for me...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, WInston223322 said:

I was right there is it ok that the head doc made me get naked? JK i paid 15000 cash but i live in a expensive areaa got it back already in less then a year

I am going to guess you mean for the entire thing? It was a grouped package?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Superman84 said:

Even with insurance in Australia I still had to pay 4000 out of pocket but it was an easy process took 3 months from first consultation to surgery day... 6.5 months post op below goal weight loving life 😁

Did you pay for the prior requirements out of pocket? Was just wondering what those costs (like the psych eval). 🙂

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just now, AlwaysCruising said:

Did you pay for the prior requirements out of pocket? Was just wondering what those costs (like the psych eval). 🙂

Medicare covered everything prior and the $4000 covered everything surgery related and 7 days in private hospital private room; multiple tests in Hospital; television, food.

no motel just petrol and had to buy my own Vitamins and medication after I left hospital all surgeon consultation now covered as well it was an all inclusive package for the $4000-

No actual psych clearance needed just a referral and a good discussion with the surgeon and of course all my labs and medical history sent to him it was a very simple process here in Australia...

Oh I've had to buy my own Protein Shakes I know some hospitals give out protein...

$4000 is a small price to pay for a new life 😛 & a fast track program!

It's 8.5 months since I started my own pre-op diet and I've lost a total of 152lbs and been maintaining now a few weeks at 170lbs...

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 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

    ×