ChickenChick

I did But I've always found it super hard not to fluctuate at least 5lbs. Depending on what time of day, or what time of month, if I've gone to the bathroom...I mean, how is it possible to be exactly the same? (Rhetorical) Anyway, I have, but I've also had to find a new surgeon midway through. My Optum nurse said it didn't matter with my insurance. In some paperwork from my new surgeon it says not to, but that's just not possible for me and it's not required by my insurance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yikes! Mine is only an hour away. I'm just gonna keep my mouth shut

I also have an option to go with a Centers of Excellence (COE), if I do, my annual deductible is waived (whatever that means). My UHC also requires the 6 months of weight loss visits and whatnot. At first I was going through True Results but they permanently closed a few days before my 5th appointment. Other than my 5th and 6th appointments I had done everything. My 'case manager' or my nurse through Optum (I was required to sign up and speak to a nurse through my insurance) gave me a list of surgeons I could choose from. When I picked True Results the surgeon was on that list, however I didn't realize he didn't do his surgeries at a COE facility (he has hospital privileges at a COE facility, but didn't do his surgeries there). So when I was forced to find a new surgeon, I was sure to pick one from the 'list' and make sure he does surgeries at a COE facility. I've been a little aggravated having to switch to a new surgeon in the middle of this process. Not all of my records with True Results was sent...most of them, however my psych evaluation is missing. But I guess it was a blessing in disguise because I wasn't aware that the first surgeon I picked didn't do surgery at a COE. I had a consultation with the new surgeon and I really like him. With True Results I had never laid eyes on the surgeon. Now if I could just get the psych evaluation sent to my new surgeon I would only have one more appointment. Having to switch surgeons has set me back, I would be having surgery in September...now I'll be lucky to have it before the end of the year.

Is your annual deductible waived if you use a Center of Excellence facility and surgeon?

Yes. They totally close and I had two appointments left. They called me the Saturday before my 5th appointment the following Tuesday. Not only that, but when they sent over my 'records' they didn't send the psych eval, even though they said they would.

Twins, let us know what they say. Also, is yours a day surgery or are you staying overnight? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

casenior, I had to google it and watch a video on it.

Twins, you are/were seeing Dr. Fass, but your concerned he won't be the one doing your surgery? Just call the office and ask. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's who I'm using as well. Still going through the process though, surgery not scheduled yet.

Me too, going through Dr. Fass as well! Were y'all satisfied?

I also have UHC. (BMI over 35, but not 40) Insurance required 6 months of supervised visits, blood work and psych eval. I also did an EKG at some point. I have my 5th appt tomorrow. I hope to have my 6th appointment on September 2nd. Mine has been a little tricky to navigate because the place I was going to permanently closed right before my 5th appt. So I had to find a new surgeon and do a consult, but so far it seems they will honor the process I've started. I just hope when I get my hands on my medical records from the previous place it contains everything I've done (still waiting on that certified mail to be delivered). *roll eyes After my next two appointments everything is submitted and if insurance approves, I have to do a pre-op appointment with the surgeon. This is to go over the pre and post -op diet requirements. (The new surgeon requires a two week pre-op diet, even though my insurance doesn't.) Then I'll have a pre-op appointment at the 'Surgery Center' a week before surgery. According to my new surgeon once they submit everything to the insurance they said it would take 2-4 weeks, but normally they hear back within a week.

I see. I was going through True Results and received an email yesterday that they are permanently closing (as well as the surgeon is "no longer providing bariatric surgery." I had two appointments left, and just verified an appointment via text on Thursday for my appointment on Tuesday. So I wondered if you could be in the same boat. What insurance are you using? I'm on United Health Care. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Pink Ninja, What facility (or facilities) are you using? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I started my journey today. I also have UHC (Choice Plus) through my husband's employer and I'm in Texas. I was told by the staff: I'll have to have a physical (scheduled for Monday 4/4) 6 visits, one month apart with a nutritionist (on staff) and my first is considered on Monday 4/4 Psych eval (which will be done during a visit and they have one on staff) No diet No weight loss They said my insurance covers 90%. Worse case scenario out of pocket will be $3400, best case $1200. I'm at 37BMI and on medication for high blood pressure and for high cholesterol. Although the patient advocate said my insurance only requires one comorbidity with a BMI of 35..in which case mine would be blood pressure, they may not count it since it's 'controlled' with medication and they also said my insurance didn't consider high cholesterol. Having said that, he said he was 95% sure I would qualify for the surgery, so that was a little odd. Possibly they hated to be too positive. However, when I spoke to UHC to start the process I was asked: How tall are you? Almost 5'4" How much do you weigh? 210 Do you have high blood pressure? Yes -Are you currently taking medication? Yes Do you have high cholesterol? Yes -Are you currently taking medication? Yes Do you have diabetes? No I was under the impression I need two comoridities if I'm below 40 BMI but above 35. I haven't read anything yet about if they are controlled with medicine then it doesn't count, yadda yadda yadda. The other stuff about 6 months visits, physical, psych eval - none of that surprised me. At this point I'm not 100% sure if that's the facility's requirements or my insurance, or a combination of the two. A nurse from OptumHealth will be calling me later today so I'll hope to know more then.