slhobbs81

Hi everyone, I have a question for all those who had to pay for the cost of your pre-op tests. About how much did you have to pay for everything? My health insurance won't cover it, so I'm trying to get an estimate of my expenses. I know that it will be different from state to state, but all answers are appreciated. Thanks!

I'm talking about the standard labs. I have a high deductible insurance plan (10K), that won't cover anything until this large amount is met. Crazy, I know.

Congrats, and good luck on your journeys!

I can't answer your questions, but I wanted to say congrats! Did you ever find out if you have to pay before your surgery? I too have BCBSNC insurance and I was wondering the same thing.

I really enjoy reading about everyone's experience with Dr. Kelly, and his coordinators. I know that if I decide to go with this surgeon, whoever I choose to help me, be it Trish, Sandy, Linda, Tom, d**k or Harry, I will be very happy.

where you knew you had to do something. I came to that realization about three years ago, when my family and I went to an indoor waterpark. My daughter begged me to go down this tall waterslide with her, and I told her I would. In order to get on though you had to climb several flights of stairs. On the way up I had to keep stopping to catch my breath, and I could tell the people behind us were getting very aggravated. I had never been so embarrassed in my life! That's when I knew something had to change.

I didn't realize that. I was just sitting here thinking about why I'm going through all this. I guess he beat me to it, lol. Thanks!

I understand where you're coming from. I can't believe how much your weight can control your life.

Hello all! I am desperate to have this surgery, and lose the weight that has held me back from living a normal life for the past 10+ years. Unfortunately I have an extremely high deductible of 10k, and my insurance won't pay out a dime until this is met. I managed to save up half of the amount, but I don't know where I'm going to get the rest from. I was thinking that maybe I could find a finance company to pay the remaining amount. My husband said he would co-sign for me because my credit isn't so good. My question is this: what is the probability that we would get approved if his score is 660, and mines is 600?

Thanks to all who replied. To janese58: I'm going to pm you later. I have a lot of questions . To tjharmon: I know you are excited! I can't wait till the day I can get up here and make the same post.

How did you get in contact with Dr. Kelly?

Hello, and congratulations! I would love to chat with you. I am considering going to Dr. Kelly as well, but I am terrified. I've never even flown before, let alone go to Mexico to have surgery. If I go I don't want to go alone, but then again I don't want the person I take to be bored while I sleep. Did you go alone? And who did you go through to get in touch with him?

I'm the same way. It's been like that for me since I started researching weight loss surgery. I literally come home everyday to check what everyone on this website is posting in pre and post-op. I know that for me a lot of it has to do with feeling like my life has been on "pause" since I became obese, and I'm just so looking forward to "pressing play"!

Congratulations! Good to hear that you are doing so well. I'm considering Dr. Kelly for surgery too. How did you get the ball rolling with his practice? Did you go through a "middleman" service such as beliteweight, and did you have to pay a down payment?

I really am considering it, but honestly I'm scared to actually go through with it. It just seems so drastic, and I've never even gone anywhere west of NC, let alone to another country. On the other hand it would be nice to skip the whole insurance process, and save a lot of money. Tjharmon how was your experience, from start to finish?

OMG! This is so exciting! After all this time, BCBSNC has finally decided that VSG surgery is no longer investigational. I was making plans to go to Mexico because I really didn't want RNY or the band. I'm just so happy, I could dance (well if my knees didn't hurt, lol).

AMEN!!!

I was checking some posts on another forum (obesity help), and someone wrote about it. I then decided to check for myself and there it was! I was thrilled.

I'm not 100% sure, but this almost sounds like a pre-existing condition clause. Let us know what you find out.

Congratulations!!! You're on your way!

Bturek, Are you going through BeLiteWeight? I was just wondering how did you get started with Dr. Almanza. Did you have to pay anything down? I have been looking into having surgery with him but I don't know where to begin. Also, can you give me some information about what airline you are going with, like how much were your tickets. I've never flown before, and that's one of the things that is keeping me from going to Mexico.

I watched a re-run the other day of "True Life" on MTV about people who are happy being fat. It got me thinking: how can anyone be content with being overweight or obese. From my personal experience I'm always in pain, can't find nice clothes without breaking the bank, and it's hard doing things that I like to do. Maybe it's just me, but I hardly believe anyone who says they have no problem with being fat.

Divadee, how did you get involved with dr. Almanza? did you call their office directly, or did you go through someone else (a company like beliteweight). Also, did you have to put any money down before going?

hey doggroomer, if you don't mind me asking how did you start your journey with dr. almanza, and how much do you have to pay? I'm thinking about going with him too, but I need more info. Please write back.