What kinda BS is this! - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

CollegeJoe · 01-07-2008, 09:24 PM

wow, your paying 1/60th of the surgery and your complaining about it. I did my 6 month + therapy, and my insurance won't cover it. Been battling for years now and my new job in Feb will have the benefits i need. So stop complaining, and find another job. Jerk.

katzz87 · 01-07-2008, 10:21 PM

[quote=BoonDox;239385] I barley make enough money to pay my billsQUOTE]

I think BoonDox's frustration is understandable. Usually you have thought about this for months, years...and then you're told to jump through hoops once you actually decide to go through with the surgery. I was one of the lucky ones...easy, quick approval and I'll have to pay $250 for the actual surgery. I was afraid that due to being off work after surgery that I'd hurt my family financially. But then thought...Cathy you have to do this for your LIFE!! I'll have less financial burden once I'm off my meds (~200 per month with co-pays, grocery bills will go down, AND I'll leave longer and healthier!)...so I figured a way to come up with the surgery/doctor visit copays...I saved my medical reimbursement check and told my hubby that he'll have to work any and all extra hours he can get at work...for the short period of time I'm off.

BoonDox's ~ it's doable...maybe it will take a little longer than you'd hoped...but I just KNOW there is a way you can get this accomplished! Good luck and keep us updated on your progress. I know a few people blasted you for bitch'n and moaning...but I understand the frustration, but remember where there's a will, there's a way!!!

janine · 01-07-2008, 10:40 PM

I had to pay too...
Made monthly payments for 4 months... they were very flexable... it paid for the nutritionist, diet plan, doctor visit, dietician and all the letters and documentation to submit to the insurance company.

It does seem that the insurance company should pay for all this since they are requesting it for approval. Why they don't is a loop hole in the medical care.

Like anything in life it comes with a price tag.

I'm thankfull it's over and my insurance paid for the surgery... now to pay off the co-pay... it only paid 80% of all the tests. Now I make payments on that for another 6 months.

offstringgirl · 01-07-2008, 10:51 PM

My parents are paying $1,200 for mine. All the 6 month stuff was covered though, except for co-pays. I think that since it's going to save your life, then maybe just put away a little each month, and before you know it, you'll have that $400. Good luck.

paige52 · 01-08-2008, 05:49 AM

than you better think long and hard about having this surgery. that a pitance "if" you end up having any kind of complications.

My hubby was a poster child for this surgey it went so well and we still spend a lot of money on continuous blood work, supplements, regular over the counter meds, new clothes ... the list goes on.

This is never a cheap surgery... just ask aroud the board, to many people have lost a lot financially to hae this surgery.

And the 6 month lifesstyle change is a great program. The surgery is only a tool. If you can't learn differetn ways to eat and live healthy... then you will end up being one of the unlucky that eventually gain the wieght back becasue the body adjusts to the new plumbing and it's all food choice and excersize to keep the weight off!

Good Luck

annamay · 01-08-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paige52

And the 6 month lifesstyle change is a great program. The surgery is only a tool. If you can't learn differetn ways to eat and live healthy... then you will end up being one of the unlucky that eventually gain the wieght back becasue the body adjusts to the new plumbing and it's all food choice and excersize to keep the weight off!

Good Luck

I know that the six month physician supervised diet and the $400 needed for the program is a big pain in the butt. Though, you may thank your lucky stars that you participated in this program so you will have an idea of all the changes that go with wls. I haven't had sugery yet, but I am getting kinda intimidated by thinking about what will and may change in my life.

Anna

Omaha Jim · 01-08-2008, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoonDox

I went to the seminar to get my bypass going, got a call from the doctor saying i was a candidate for surgery, BUT my insurance( UPMC, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ) wont cover it unless i go on a 6 month diet AND pay 400$ for a "Comprehensive Lifestyle Program" to prepare me for life before and after surgery with dieting, exercising, Pre and Post Op Lifestyle Changes.. I barley make enough money to pay my bills and they expect me to pay 400$ to even think about getting a bypass done. And if i dont go on the diet and go to all 6( 1 per month for 6 months) Lifestyle meetings AND pay 400$ or i cant get it done...

What can i do....

I paid $600.00 and it was worth every penny - worth double in fact. I did not get this way because I was honest and open with myself pertaining to my lifestyle. Do it - if you really want the surgery. If you don't, you cant.

Toony · 01-08-2008, 07:14 AM

The surgery will end up costing me about $3,000 out of pocket... ins. will pay the rest. Consider yourself lucky... there are many here who paid for the whole thing!

Corrine · 01-08-2008, 08:06 AM

A 6 month pre-op diet seems to be the norm.

As for the $400 for the "Comprehensive Lifestyle Program"... pay it. At this stage, you have no conception of the changes in your life that WLS is going to bring about, and I'm not just talking about the weight loss.

Anything available to you that prepares you for life after surgery should be welcomed and lets face it - most of us wasted thousands of dollars on crap and fast foods pre surgery anyway.

Trinity · 01-08-2008, 08:24 AM

The only thing I had to pay was $150 for the psychological exam (knock on wood), so I guess I'm fairly lucky. I understand that paying a few hundreds seems like a lot when you're on a tight budget. Sure, it's a drop in the bucket compared to those who have to self-pay or have large co-pays, but it is still a lot for others.

I do hope you are able to raise the money needed for the surgery. Best of luck to you!