What kinda BS is this! - Page 4 - ThinnerTimes

ladytonya · 01-10-2008, 08:22 PM

I had to pay $250 out of pocket for my initial consult. That was applied to other appointments if I was approved. I then had to pay $500 for one year of nutritionist care. The surgery itself was $750 deductible and $3,000 maximum out of pocket. I scrimped and scrounged and came up with the $250. The $500 was paid in 5 monthly payments which I had to save for and the $3,750 was a personal loan that I had to beg my mom to cosign for me. I have a monthly payment that reminds me why I had the surgery, what I went through to get it, and why I need to stick to the plan.

As others have said, also think about the other expenses. Protein, supplements, vitamins, etc. Some people say you'll spend less on food and that's what I thought, but that was wrong! Eating crappy food is cheap, eating well is very expensive! I don't always eat what I should simply because I can't afford it! Seriously, though, think about the step that you are about to take. If you can't somehow come up with the $400, can you really afford the long-term expenses that are inherent with this procedure? Good luck to you! I really pray you get what you are looking for.

pgh3rivers · 03-01-2008, 11:39 PM

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....

Sign up for the classes and ask for the payment plan. I am in the classes and I am irritated that I had to spend $400 to be in them. The classes are disorganized and understaffed. I am told they will make sure my insurance approves the surgery so- I guess I am happy. I figure if its what I need to do to get approved then so be it.

My cousin used the UPMC surgeons but did he pro-op stuff with her pcp. You don't have to use UPMC's weight management program.

thedonnybrasco · 03-02-2008, 02:31 AM

i have now paid $33,000 out of my pocket and lost 135 lbs. wouldn't change it for the world. that was my down payment i had been saving for a house.
HOLLA!

Omaha Jim · 03-02-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedonnybrasco

i have now paid $33,000 out of my pocket and lost 135 lbs. wouldn't change it for the world. that was my down payment i had been saving for a house.
HOLLA!

That s why you are loved JD. YOU know what is important so that YOU can live life to its fullest. A very small price to pay for it!.

Dare to live!!

Mumsy · 03-02-2008, 12:23 PM

Well I know that the 6 month diet sucks and having to pay $400 for the other program is tough...but you know...a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

I am closing in on the end of my 6 month "diet"...it has almost driven me crazy but I suppose it disciplines you a bit for life after the surgery.

Some here have suggested a payment plan for the $400 program. This sounds like great advice and very workable. If there is a will there is a way (okay...corny but true).

Hang in there and best of luck.

mumsy

mirabeaux · 03-03-2008, 10:00 PM

That's pretty standard for most insurance companies these days. It's really for your benefit too. It really is a lifestyle change and you will need time to adjust to new eating habits so that the transition is a smooth one and you get the most out of your surgery. Best of luck to you.

Amandazon247 · 03-10-2008, 08:55 AM

Well I had to pay 10% of my 6 month diet supervised by my PCP. That came to about 70 bucks... then I had to pay 165.00 for the psych eval.... I didnt have to pay for the nutritionist is came with my surgeons fee. I will have to give them 1450.00 on the day of my pre-op to cover my yearly out of pocket expense. I had to work another project to get this money and I have a flex spending account for health stuff at my work and had them take so much out of my pay check to help with it.

So by no means is it cheap for anyone.... but I am determined and no matter what I am doing it ...

Check and see if you can do payments or if your PCP can do the supervised diet.... if you want this bad enough you can make it happen.....

nannag · 03-10-2008, 09:42 AM

This is Nannag the new kid on the block. I was just reading BoonDox and have a question. Do all the Doctors ask you to go on a 6 months diet before they will schedule surgery? I've been on one for 6 years, 6 more months won't help.

Toony · 03-10-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nannag

This is Nannag the new kid on the block. I was just reading BoonDox and have a question. Do all the Doctors ask you to go on a 6 months diet before they will schedule surgery? I've been on one for 6 years, 6 more months won't help.

My insurance required a 6 month supervised diet... but my Weight Management Team also "likes" to see you go through a pre-op program as well. It varies from surgeon to surgeon. Don't fight it, go with what you have to do! I don't think it's as much of a time to "diet" and lose weight as it is an educational and mental preparation for the surgery.

Use the time wisely to figure things out, research and meet other surgical patients... The time really will pass quickly - before you know it, you'll be on the Loser's Bench with the rest of us!

Amandazon247 · 03-10-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nannag

This is Nannag the new kid on the block. I was just reading BoonDox and have a question. Do all the Doctors ask you to go on a 6 months diet before they will schedule surgery? I've been on one for 6 years, 6 more months won't help.

My surgeon didnt require a 6 month diet .. my insurance did... so depending on your insurance and if you have had a supervised diet before you may or may not have to. It really went by faster than you think it will... and it gives you some time to get ready... good luck.