Holiday

Hello Lisa and Chris! So glad to connect with you. It will be good to have buddies along the way. I have been doing the same - making lists, pouring over the information on the boards, and stocking the house with all of the must-haves. Something fun I've discovered are the youtube video diaries those who have gone before us made. It is a trip seeing these brave people shrink before your eyes. Very inspiring. And there is some terrific information about what items people really use in the days after surgery that have helped me. Lisa, I'm with you on the waiting. I'd like to just get on with it already. I can hardly focus at work for looking up info and thinking about my preparations. I'm not telling anyone at work up front. I won't lie if they ask, mostly because I'm a terrible liar. LOL I am actually anxious to get to the 2 week diet (September 27th) because it just puts me one step closer. Anyway, thanks for saying hello. Good luck!

Hello all! I'm all set for October 11th. I have another meeting with the surgeon and a pre-admission appointment, but otherwise I'm just counting the days. It's getting close, but the days seems to drag since the date was set. I'm in Kansas City, Missouri with Dr. Stanley Hoehn. He claims to be the very best in the area and if he has the guts to make the claim, I guess he must be right. LOL Oh, and his office is the only one my insurance will allow me to use, so there is that. His partner is younger and less expereinced, so I went with Hoehn. I have a 2-week pre-op diet starting on the 27th, so I've been making very careful eating selections recently - kind of a farewell tour as they say. I didn't want to miss fall chili, so we made a pot on Sunday. That sort of thing. I'm curious what others do in preparation for surgery. If anyone would like to share, I'd sure appreciate it. Best of luck to all of you!

Hi Terry! I'm scheduled for the day after you, October 11th. I have one more appointment with the surgeon beforehand and a pre-op appointment at the hospital.

There seems to be a lot of controversy about taking a food tour before going “all in” to this surgery. I kind of understand why people feel that mourning foods is the wrong approach. After all, if a few months I’ll be able to eat anything I like, more or less. But for me, that is the point of one last visit – the foods on this list mostly represent unhealthy things that I am preparing to cut out of my life altogether, whether I can eat them or not in the future. And in some cases, I am trying to get a taste of the holidays that I might miss since my surgery is about 5 weeks from Thanksgiving. I have made my peace with my decision. I can’t help it if others feel my choices are unwise. So judge not lest ye be judged. Here are the foods that I have said or will say farewell to before I begin my pre-op diet: Bo Lings – Gong Bao Chicken Crab Rangoon Margaritas – Puffy Tacos Lulu’s Noodles – Drunken Noodles Rainbow Noodles Basil Rice Crab Rangoon Corn Cakes Steak N’ Shake - Frisco Patty Melt Fries KC Sushi – I-29 Roll and various Maki Homemade – Chili & Store Bought Steak Burgers Mashed potatoes and gravy Hot rolls Tortillas Stuffing Apple Pie White Cake with white frosting Doritos Trader Joe's Na'an and Creamy Roadsted Red Pepper Hummus Starbucks – Pumpkin Spice Latte Eggnog Latte Gingerbread Latte

Thank you! You're right - the waiting for things to get going is killing me. LOL I'm actually excited to get to the start of the pre-op diet on the 27th. Dr. Stan Hoehn is doing the surgery.

I can't wait until I am able to wear the t-shirts they give away at Kansas City Royals baseball games. I can't wait to not feel sticky and sweaty the moment there is any humidity in the air, even if the temp is 70 degrees. I can't wait to have the whole world selection of clothes - to find my style instead of putting up with what is least offensive in the big girl's section of the store.

I love it, too. They have an app for my phone, so I can add things as I go, or sit down at the computer later to add my food.

The turkey pepperoni chips sound awesome! I will save that one for sure. I also saved the tofu recipe. Can't wait to try these!

Wanted to share my list, so far... Non-food Items: Demitasse Spoon and Cocktail Fork ($1.99 each at Bed Bath & Beyond) liquid Baby Tylenol Small, decorative plates (still looking for these) Funnel (Set of 3 nesting, $1 at Dollar Tree) Gas-X Tervis Tumbler and Travel Lid (The cocktail shaker version, $18.99, has measurements on the cup. It comes with a removeable jigger, strainer, and pourer that is easily replaced with the travel lid, purchased separately for $3.99) Baby Spatula (Silicone Frosting Spreader $1 at Dollar Tree) Spill-proof Sippy Cup that looks like a travel mug Travel Baby Formula Dispenser ($6.99 at Overstock.com) Water Bottle with measurements and narrow mouth ($8.95 at llbean.com) Bariatric fusion Multi-Vitamin Pantry: Cottage cheese Cheese Sticks broth Cream Soups sugar-free Tang Refried Beans Fat-free Greek Yogurt Hummus Sugar-free Apple Cider Miso Soup Natural Applesauce V-8 Low Sodium Decaf Instant coffee Packets (like Nescafe Hazelnut) 100% juice (grape, apple, cranberry) Unflavored Protein powder Isopure Bottles from GNC Individual packets of many, many Protein Powder brands and flavors Only a month until surgery! Any suggestions that for items that you found useful?

Non-Food Items: Demitasse Spoon and Cocktail Fork ($1.99 each at Bed Bath & Beyond) Liquid Baby Tylenol Appetizer Plates ($2.99 each at World Market) Funnel (Set of 3 nesting, $1 at Dollar Tree) Gas-X Tervis Tumbler and Travel Lid (The cocktail shaker version, $18.99, has measurements on the cup. It comes with a removeable jigger, strainer, and pourer that is easily replaced with the travel lid, purchased separately for $3.99) Baby Spatula (Silicone Frosting Spreader $1 at Dollar Tree) Spill-proof Sippy Cup that looks like a travel mug Travel Baby Formula Dispenser ($6.99 at Overstock.com) Water Bottle with measurements and narrow mouth ($8.95 at llbean.com) Bariatric Fusion Multi-vitamin Pantry: Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks Broth Cream Soups Sugar-free Tang Refried Beans Fat-free Greek Yogurt Hummus Sugar-free Apple Cider Miso Soup Natural Applesauce V-8 Low Sodium Decaf Instant Coffee Packets (like Nescafe Hazelnut) 100% Juice (grape, apple, cranberry) Unflavored Protein Powder Isopure Bottles from GNC (buy 1 get 1 half off in stores right now) Individual packets of many, many protein powder brands and flavors Only a month until surgery! Any suggestions that for items that you found useful?

Hello again. Great news - I received authorization from my insurance yesterday and have a date scheduled for surgery - October 11th. Now I'm trying to decide what flavor of Bariatric fusion Protein I should buy. LOL Apparently Dr. Hoehn's office insists that we use this brand for our 2 week pre-op diet. Any suggestions on flavors? I'm so excited!

I can't find it...any ideas?

That is so sad. For Jan, but especially for all the people who she turns away with her attitude.

Guess who called me today! Jan! I won't go into all the gory details except to ask, does she always sound so condescending? She didn't bring up our earlier conversation. My appointment is April 11. That is all that matters, right?

3/24/11: Appointment with my DO about a non-WLS matter. Noted that in the last two weeks, I lost 3 lbs. 3/28/11: Jan, from Dr. Heohn's office called to set up my initial appointment with Dr. Hoehn. She made no mention of our earlier conversation in which she said my insurance was limited to $10,000 and would not coverage a fraction of the total costs. She said that I should bring a list of current medications and the $500 program fee. I asked if this could be paid with my flex benefit card. She said it can. She asked if I understood how to get to the office. I replied that I had no idea where the office was, I had been only to the place where the seminar is held. Her directions are to take highway 35 to 75th Street, east on 75th, left at the light near McDonalds, then right into the parking lot. I asked if there was an address. She huffed somehting about it being suite 230, the address is 9301 W. 74th Street; Merriam, KS; but said she had yet to see 74th street anywhere, the address won't help. I wish I could convey her tone - it is hard to feel good about dealing with Dr. Hoehn and his staff when my contact is so thoroughly hateful-sounding. Upcoming appointments: 4/11/11 @ 12:30 Initial Appointment with Dr. Hoehn June: Call Jill to update her on my progress

Thank you all for the info and tips. I'm going to call on Monday. Hopefully, Jan will be willing to go ahead and set up my initial consult.

I still haven't heard anything back from Jan or anyone from Dr. Hoehn's office. Can someone give me Jan's email so that i can contact her and keep track of my attempts? Thanks!

Thank you! I have been looking for a book with all the informatin in one place. hswelch@hotmail.com

It's a mess, totally. And Jan didn't call me on Friday, so I still feel like it is all very much up in the air. I think Jan is out of the office this week as well (she said as much the only time we spoke) so I may not have a firm answer until next week. But I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my diet and hope for the best. It's amazing the kind of will-power I am finding with my diet, but it's only day three. hee hee About the $11,999 or $16,500, it just isn't do-able for me right now. I'm happy there are those of you who can afford self-pay prices, but I don't have a prayer without insurance.

I really appreciate the encouragement! And I need it. The last few days ahve been uber frustrating. I'm blogging the experience, mostly for my personal venting and keeping track of info, but I also want to share my recent frustrations here. 3/7/11: After an overnight fast, I went to DO's office for pre-supervised diet/exercise program blood work. Later that morning, I partipated in scheduled meeting via phone with my UHC case manager, Jill. She instructed me to 1) tell the folks at SM that she is my case manager, 2) called her with any questions at (866) 534-7209 x65559, and 3) check in with her in June to let her know my progress. In the evening, I attended the seminar at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. Delivered my paperwork and insurance and ID copies to the staff. I also met Connie - what a sweetheart! 3/10/11: I was excited about starting my supervising diet at the appointment with my DO that evening. I called Jill, my case manager, in the morning to check that the 6 months worth of dates I meant to schedule with the DO will work within the parameters of the requirements. I had to leave a message and wait for a return call. About 2:00 pm I received a phone call from Jan at The Bariatric Center. She called to tell me that my insurance only pays for a maximum benefit of $10,000 of weight loss surgery expenses, not nearly enough to cover even just the expense of surgery, let along the additional office visits and evaluations required. We decided not to set my appointment with Dr. Hoehn until I sort out if/how I should proceed with this new information. She explained that Dr. Hoehn's surgeon fees alone are $5000, and that to get the cost of the hospital stay, I should call Shawnee Mission Medical. Of course I flipped - and it only got worse. Next, I called and left another, frantic message with Jill. My first appointment was scheduled in just a few hours with my DO to begin my supervised diet. At this point, I couldn't be sure it was even possible to pay for the surgery and all of the appointments associated. After waiting a few minutes, I decided to call the member phone number on my insurance card to check if the $10,000 was accurate. The lady I spoke with assured me that the cap existed and was not subject to my yearly out of pocket max of $1000, so all excess costs are mine to bear. I started to ask which office visits would be billed against the maximum benefit, knowing that if the supervised diet, the psych eval, etc, etc were all debited from that bucket, there would be no money at all to pay the surgery. She wasn't sure of the answers, so she transferred me to the UHC bariatric specialists’ location where Jill is located so that I could ask more detailed questions. By this time, it was 15 minutes until I was leaving for my appointment. I tried to explain my problem to the operator. She wanted to know "what my question was" and I tried to explain that I had many questions, all relating to how my benefits work, and that I really needed answers before I left for my appointment. She insisted on knowing what my appointment was, and assured me that if I told her what appointment I was going to, maybe she could get my question answered. I told her the appointment had nothing to do with my questions. The operator (who had been extremely rude and could barely be heard over the constant, furious clicking of her plastic fingernails typing as she spoke) told me that elective procedures are not considered urgent by UHC and I would have to leave a message and await a phone call. Waiting for my work phone to ring (oh, yeah - all of this is happening on my work phone, where nosy co-workers can easily overhear, my bosses keep coming by for one reason or another and find me still on the phone, red-faced and frantic...it wasn't pretty or good for my career), I took out my cell phone and called Shawnee Mission Medical. I was directed to Patty at (913) 676-7736. Patty explained that the actual cost for the hospital stay in considered outpatient, though I would be observed overnight, for a average total of $39,000. However, UHC's contract allows them to bill about $7500 ($5735 + observation hours). Then she dropped the bomb - this did not include the fee for anesthesiology. My heart sank. Even with a sizeable chunk in my flex account, there was no way I could afford this surgery. $10,000 isn't coverage, it's a tease. My stress level and psychological health would have been better served if my policy didn't claim to have any benefit for weight loss surgery. I said as much to Patty, who cheerily replied, "At least you don't have to pay $39,000!" Some consolation. Patty was kind and helpful, even if she did not understand my predicament. She gave me the billing code all of the docs will use for the surgery expenses (43843) and the name and number of the anesthesiologists’ office so I could call them to see how much they would charge. (Anesthesiologist Midwest Anesthesiology Group (913) 234-1600). In the meantime, it was time to leave and I didn't receive a call back from UHC or Jill. I did begin my 6 month supervised diet, despite the turmoil. After all, a supervised diet that included accountability with my doctor was better than taking no action for my health at all, right? She prescribed daily caloric intake under 2400 calories and to resume my training with Bethanie at the gym where I currently belong. 3/11/11: Received a phone call from Jill fist this in the morning. I explained what happened. She assured me (numerous times, at my insistence) that there is no $10,000 cap on my weight loss surgery benefit. There is a $10,000 cap on travel and lodging expenses, if I were over 100 miles from the nearest approved Center of Excellence, but that is not the case. The promised she would call Jan at the Bariatric Center to clarify the insurance terms and she would ask Jan to call me to set up my appointments. *cue sappy soap opera type music* At this point, I'd like to ask for something in writing. But first, I am waiting to see what happens if/when Jan from the Bariatric Center calls me. After so many dark moments in this process that has only barely begun, dare I hope it will all work out?

3/7/11: Attended the seminar at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. Delivered my paperwork and insurance and ID copies to the staff. Met Connie - what a sweetheart! 3/10/11: I called Jill, my case manager, in the morning to check that the dates I meant to schedule with the doctor who is supervising my diet will work within the parameters of the requirements. I had to leave a message and wait for a return call. About 2:00 pm I received a phone call from Jan at The Bariatric Center. She called to tell me that my insurance only pays for a maximum benefit of $10,000 of weight loss surgery expenses, not nearly enough to cover even just the expense of surgery, let along the additional office visits and evaluations required. We decided not to set my appointment with Dr. Hoehn until I sort out if/how I should proceed with this new information. She explained that Dr. Hoehn's surgeon fees alone are $5000, and that to get the cost of the hospital stay, I should call Shawnee Mission Medical. Of course I flipped - and it only got worse. Next, I called and left another, frantic message with Jill. My first appointment was scheduled in just a few hours with my DO to begin my supervised diet. At this point, I couldn't be sure it was even possible to pay for the surgery and all of the appointments associated. After waiting a few minutes, I decided to call the member phone number on my insurance card to check if the $10,000 was accurate. The lady I spoke with assured me that the cap existed and was not subject to my yearly out of pocket max of $1000, so all excess costs are mine to bear. I started to ask which office visits would be billed against the maximum benefit, knowing that if the supervised diet, the psych eval, etc, etc were all debited from that bucket, there would be no money at all to pay the surgery. She wasn't sure of the answers, so she transferred me to the UHC bariatric specialists’ location where Jill is located so that I could ask more detailed questions. By this time, it was 15 minutes until I was leaving for my appointment. I tried to explain my problem to the operator. She wanted to know "what my question was" and I tried to explain that I had many questions, all relating to how my benefits work, and that I really needed answers before I left for my appointment. She insisted on knowing what my appointment was, and assured me that if I told her what appointment I was going to, maybe she could get my question answered. I told her the appointment had nothing to do with my questions. The operator (who had been extremely rude and could barely be heard over the constant, furious clicking of her plastic fingernails typing as she spoke) told me that elective procedures are not considered urgent by UHC and I would have to leave a message and await a phone call. Waiting for my work phone to ring (oh, yeah - all of this is happening on my work phone, where nosy co-workers can easily overhear, my bosses keep coming by for one reason or another and find me still on the phone, red-faced and frantic...it wasn't pretty or good for my career), I took out my cell phone and called Shawnee Mission Medical. I was directed to Patty at (913) 676-7736. Patty explained that the actual cost for the hospital stay in considered outpatient, though I would be observed overnight, for a average total of $39,000. However, UHC's contract allows them to bill about $7500 ($5735 + observation hours). Then she dropped the bomb - this did not include the fee for anesthesiology. My heart sank. Even with a sizeable chunk in my flex account, there was no way I could afford this surgery. $10,000 isn't coverage, it's a tease. My stress level and psychological health would have been better served if my policy didn't claim to have any benefit for weight loss surgery. I said as much to Patty, who cheerily replied, "At least you don't have to pay $39,000!" Some consolation. Patty was kind and helpful, even if she did not understand my predicament. She gave me the billing code all of the docs will use for the surgery expenses (43843) and the name and number of the anesthesiologists’ office so I could call them to see how much they would charge. (Anesthesiologist Midwest Anesthesiology Group (913) 234-1600). In the meantime, it was time to leave and I didn't receive a call back from UHC or Jill. I did begin my 6 month supervised diet, despite the turmoil. After all, a supervised diet that included accountability with my doctor was better than taking no action for my health at all, right? She prescribed daily caloric intake under 2400 calories and to resume my training with Bethanie at the gym where I currently belong. 3/11/11: Received a phone call from Jill fist this in the morning. I explained what happened. She assured me (numerous times, at my insistence) that there is no $10,000 cap on my weight loss surgery benefit. There is a $10,000 cap on travel and lodging expenses, if I were over 100 miles from the nearest approved Center of Excellence, but that is not the case. The promised she would call Jan at the Bariatric Center to clarify the insurance terms and she would ask Jan to call me to set up my appointments. At this point, I'd like to ask for something in writing. But first, I am waiting to see what happens if/when Jan calls me. After so many dark moments in this process that has only barely begun, dare I hope it will all work out? Upcoming appointments: June: Call Jill, my case manager at UHC to update her on my progress

Congratulations!! I can't wait for the day I can post this news.

2/14/11: Verified with Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss that my insurance would cover their program 2/15/11: Attended St. Luke's Seminar 2/23/11: Attended first pre-op Dr. appointment. Sandy explained that I would need a 1) sleep study, 2) appointment with their nutrionist and exercise specialist to begin a three month supervised diet/exercise program, 3) psych eval, 4) letter of medical clearance from my GP, and 5) copies of notes from any doctor I saw in 2009 and 2010 showing my current weight. I would also need to attend at least one support group meeting. My appointments for the psych eval and diet/exercise specialists were set. I briefly met Dr. Price. 2/24/11: I received a call from the St. Luke's Sleep Lab to schedule my sleep study. 2/27/11: Completed sleep study. 2/28/11: Received call from Kara at UHC. They explained that my policy does not cover Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss . In addition, my policy requires a 6 month medically supervised diet. You might imagine my reaction to this news. I was devestated and furious at St. Luke's for assuring me that my insurance would cover everything when they clearly had NO IDEA. 2/28/11: Reserved a spot in the upcoming seminar (3/7/11) at the only local program my insurance does cover, The Bariatric Center of Kansas City at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. All I can do now is wait to see what my earlier mistakes will cost me and try to move forward despite them. 3/7/11: Went to DO's office for pre-supervised diet/exercise program blood work 3/7/11: Partipated in scheduled meeting via phone with my UHC case manager, Jill. She instructed me to 1) tell the folks at SM that she is my case manager, 2) called her with any questions at (866) 534-7209 x65559, and 3) check in with her in June to let her know my progress Upcoming appointments: Monday, 3/7/11, @ 6pm: Attend the seminar at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City at Shawnee Mission Medical Center Thursday, 3/10/11 @ 5pm: First appointment with DO to begin supervised diet/exercise program June: Call Jill, my case manager at UHC to update her on my progress

I'm really happy that there are so many active KC users here. We should definately stick together and compare notes.

That is nuts! I talked to UHC today to find out if my DO can suervise my diet (because my policy specifically states an "MD supervised diet." The DO is fine, but if she gets busy and sends her nurse practitioner in to see me, that won't fly. Who would have thought? You're so close to being done! I envy you.