Ladiec2

That's a bummer to have to go through all those other tests and then at the end to find out that your psych wouldn't give you clearance. That is why I am getting all my tests done right now and out-of-the-way. my surgery is not until February 2015. I only have my EGD and my psych eval. I hope everything works out for you very soon!

I don't think you have to be seen 5 years for obesity, you just need to show a record of your weight at any of your doctors as long as its In your records for the past 5 years. What insurance do u have?

Thanks for the info Tiffany. How many times did you have to go to the psych? What was the process?

Here is my timeline for the Sleeve Surgery. I hope to have my surgery Feb. 2015. Gastric Seminar - October 1, 2014 PCP Approval - October 5, 2014 First Surgeon Visit - October 9, 2014 3 Month Weigh-In Began - October 9, 2014 Wellness Consult (Nutrition, Behavioral, Exercise) - October 22, 2014 Completed Bloodwork - October 22, 2014 EKG, Chest X-Ray & Abdominal Ultrasound - October 22, 2014 Psychological Eval - November 8, 2014 (Scheduled) 1st Dietician Class - November 15, 2014 (Scheduled) 2nd Dietician Class - December 13, 2014 (Scheduled) EGD - TBD Final weigh in - January 2015 Submission to insurance – TBD Insurance Approval – TBD Surgery - February 2015 (I Hope!)

Where do u fly into

Good luck today...let me know how it goes and any suggestions you have as my sister will be getting this done in Mexico as well.

Does the fee include airfare? If not, how much was it and where did you come from? I have a twin sister and I don't want to do this without her. We're about the same stats but her insurance doesn't cover hers. I'm hoping to have my surgery in Jan or Feb. and I want her to have hers after mine so I can travel with her. She'll be self pay so I'm trying to gather a lot of info for her. Thanks all and good luck!

I know the waiting is hard. Do you have any idea what the hold up might be? I know I will probably be having the same issues when my time comes and probably will be calling every day. Hopefully you'll be hearing something very soon. Good luck!

If all goes well I'll be having my surgery in February 2015. Im doing the 3 month multidisciplinary weigh in. I had my surgeon appt with Dr. Halmi at Blue Point on 10/9/14 and my Wellness Consult, blood work, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound on 10/22/14. I have my psych eval scheduled for 11/8/14 for 3 sessions. So that'll take 3 weeks. I have AETNA and hope I won't have a problem getting approved. Did anyone have to get an EGD? If so who did you use and also who did you use for your psych eval?

Thanks for the response. If all goes well I'll be having my surgery in February 2015. Im doing the 3 month multidisciplinary weigh in. I had my surgeon appt with Dr. Halmi at Blue Point on 10/9/14 and my Wellness Consult, blood work, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound on 10/22/14. I have my psych eval scheduled for 11/8/14 for 3 sessions. So that'll take 3 weeks. I have AETNA as well and hope I won't have a problem getting approved. Did you have to get an EGD? If so who did you use and also who did you use for your psych eval?

@@Ethomas15, @amiclvrt....I was the same way. After I had my first Oct. 9 surgeon appt., I breathed, ate, slept and dreamed about my next appt. which starts the official process. I know ai called that office about 5 times with questions and they were always polite and helpful. I am sooooo excited now. I stay on this site to get as much info, ideas and suggestions as I can. I hope to have my surgery in Feb. 2015 as well. Good luck to you both!

Welcome. I'm kind of new myself. Have been reading everything on here. There's lots of great support and great topics that will help you through the process. Good luck

@Engteacher. If I'm understanding you correctly, you should have no problem qualifying for the surgery for your weight of 232 if you have sleep apnea. I would try to get that done before you go to your surgeon's appt. Also, your surgeon will use the highest weight from your PCP during that year. How many years do you have to go back for your weight. I have AETNA and it has to be documented in my PCPs notes that my BMI was 35 or more for the past 2 years. I'm struggling with that right now because in 2012 my BMI was 34.6. I am trying to find another specialist that may have my recorded weight that is higher in 2012. My Surgeon's office hasn't mentioned this to me, but I'm taking matters into my own hands just in case in the next couple of months they tell me that that's an issue. Good luck!

I'm a lightweight as well. 204 lbs. - 5' 3" with severe sleep apnia, RA, and hypothyroidism. Strokes and diabetes run on both sides of my family and I've decided to take my health seriously and get this done. People look at me and say the same thing...that I don't look overweight. Well I do and I can't get into my smaller clothes and refuse to buy any more larger sizes.

Very proud of everyone! Good luck and safe travels back home. By the way once you have the surgery there, how soon are you able to travel back?

Hello everyone: I'm scheduled to have bloodwork done tomorrow and I forgot to call the Drs. office to see if I have for any blood work that I'm having done. Was there any fasting required of anyone when you had your blood work done?

Yes...that was one of the other things I didn't like. Seems way too expensive. That was included in the $1300 out of pocket costs..but still way too expensive. After speaking with Leslie today, I decided to go ahead and go with BluePoint. I have my Wellness class tomorrow and then 2 Dietician classes online and all the other tests, classes, etc. I will update after tomorrow. I am also scheduled to get the bloodwork done tomorrow since I'm off and am also trying to schedule my EKG.

Hello All: I'm a newbie. I had my first appt. 2 weeks ago with Dr. Halmi. They gave me a sheet with a list of tests I need done. I have another appt. with Dr. Elariny tomorrow 10/22/14. I am seeing another Dr. because I want to have a choice and will figure out which is a better fit for me. BluePoint has out of pocket costs of approximately $1300 once all is done. One thing I do like about them is that they have online Dietician classes on Tuesdays. Once I take the Wellness class, I can then take the 3 Dietician classes online which will result in less time from work. That was one of the things that concerned me...taking a lot of time away from work. With the list, do you guys recommend I do the tests now or wait until towards the end of the 3 months. I was afraid I may have to repeat something if I do it too early. I have AETNA and am doing the 3 month cycle instead of 6 months. One of the things I dislike about BluePoint is that I have to use their shakes and Vitamins. Any tips, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciately! I will repost after I have my appt. with Dr. Elariny tomorrow about whether I decide to go with him or Dr. Halmi.

It's not that I'm ashamed at discussing this with anyone. I decided not to tell anyone because it's nobody's business. My personal health is very private and I also don't want to be the topic of discussion at everybody's table. People will then be watching what I eat, what I'm drinking. I've never discussed any previous surgeries and certainly don't feel the need to let everyone in on this one either. I've always been private.

I requested a copy of my medical records and just received them yesterday. It shows my BMI was below 35 during the 2 year period requirement. I have AETNA insurance and one of the requirements for the surgery is: Surgical treatment of morbid obesity (bariatric surgery) – a condition that has persisted for at least 2 years in which an individual has a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 40 or a BMI greater than 35 in conjunction with documented significant co-morbid conditions (such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea or refractory hypertension). My BMI up through July 2012 is 34.6 and my next appt. which was in 4/2013 it was 36.3 and has been 36.3 up through this month. Should I be worrried that my BMI was below 35 during that period? I really, really need this surgery.

Here is exactly what my Surgeon's office charge for out of pocket fees: $250 – Wellness consult (2 Hrs.): Nutrition, Behavioral, Exercise Evaluations $100 – Weight Loss Nutrition Class (2 Hours) $15 -- Patient Educational Materials $70 -- Nutritional Pre-Surgery Final Visit (30 mins.) $35 – Nutritional Status Post Surgery Visit (15 mins.) $110 – Diet Advancement & Exercise Re-Assessment (75 mins) $50 – 6 month Exercise Follow Up Visit (45 mins) $50 – 6 Month Nutrition Follow Up Visit (30 mins) $50 – 12 Month Nutritional & Baviorial Follow Up Visit (1 hr.) $150 – 3 Month Nutrition Program (Wellness Consult + 2 nutrition classes) $300 – Bariatric Advantage Surgical liquid Diet Program $86 – Sleeve Vitamin Kit Total $1266 This is crazy!

I went to see my surgeon for the first time last week and found out during that visit that my out of pocket costs will be $1300 which includes dietician fee, classes, materials, and I have to use their supplements and shakes. I have an appointment with another surgeon next week and hopefully it won't be as much.

I agree with AvaFern. Why would you need your PCP's approval if you're doing self-pay. Many of these doctors don't want us to have this done because some of our health issues will improve and therefore we won't need to see them as often...they lose money and we gain better health. Go for it girl!

I believe the range is $16,000 - $20,000. If you decide to go self-pay, find a doctor that includes after care and complications in that fee. There are many that do. For example, if you're having the surgery and you a hernia repair, that charge is already incuded...no additional fee. So ask the surgeons to make sure everything else is included in that fee so there won't be any surprise charges. Good luck!