Tina4heath4ever

I have Anthem Blue cross insurance. They cover 80% of the costs, and I have a consult with a preferred provider. How much would you expect my costs to be? Is there in house financing for this? Thank you!

Honestly, this is a big fear of mine. My best friend hardly talks to her own sister after her sister had weight loss surgery. Mostly because it brings up insecurities about herself. I have resolved not to tell my best friend, but am still worried about how she will react once I loose weight. I would never make the decision NOT to do it because of how she feels, but at the same time, it's heavy on my mind. I have my initial consult on June first, so I am a long way off from this, but I've read this is a common thing. That friends will be lost in the process, and it just saddens me so much. I would never be friends with a person because of their size. Small or large. It's the person inside that matters to me.

I have my first appointment June 1st, honestly, I'd love to get the surgery over the summer (as this is when I have the most help/time off), But.... I doubt this is possible? I have a couple friends who had surgery with the same guy I have a consult with. (A preferred surgeon through my insurance, thus being covered at a higher rate) And she said it took 6 months. She also said if I was to be more flexible with scheduling appointments. (With nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) It could go faster. But how much faster?

Hi everyone! My name is Tina, and all I have at this moment is an initial consultation with a surgeon June 1st. This is honestly a huge step for me. I've considered the surgery for over 13 years, but have always been to scared. Scared to tell my family, my husband, my friends. Of surgery in general, of not waking up... But I finally had a talk with my husband a few weeks ago, scared out of my mind at how he would take it, and he was very supportive. I called my insurance the next day, found a surgeon, and made my first appoint. After hours and hours of research, I feel like the sleeve is where I feel most comfortable. I'm worried about some Vitamin deficiencies I've heard are more common with the gastric bypass, and that is my main reason for wanting the sleeve. I'm sure this could all change once I see my surgeon. At this point, I don't know who all I will tell. I've been judged my whole life because of my weight, and I don't want to be judged for the rest of it because I chose to get help in the form of surgery. I know I will tell a select few. My mom, my sister, but I'm not sure who else. I don't even know if I'll tell my kids. I have 3 of them, and they are the cause of most of my fears. I want to be with them as long as I can, and surgery just scares the crap out of me. My stats: I'm 37, almost 38, 5'10", and 329lbs. I've started watching my weight again, have cut out sugar, started increasing Protein, cutting down fat, and watching carbs. I'm sure like most of you, I know exactly what to do. I've been doing it my whole life. I'm just hoping this extra tool will help keep me on track and help me get to a normal weight for the first time in my life. If anyone has been through this journey already, or is in the same boat as me and just at the beginning, I'd love to get to know you. To support you, and have you support me in return. My next step is to talk to my mom about it. She's very anti doctor, and I know she wont like the idea. I hope she can see my struggle and support me, because walking this road without her support would be extremely difficult.

It seems a ridiculous question, but I'm going to ask anyway. The only think I can think of is if I was to get below a BMI of 40 and not qualifying, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Thoughts?

@@Inner Surfer Girl LOL Gotta love Michael Phelps!

My thoughts exactly! Thanks guys!

Wow, yeah... this is going to be a challenge! Hopefully I will get more answers on the 1st. I have so many questions!

@@Dub Dub, you crack me up! LOL I would feel the same way.

I read somewhere on here, not sure where, that you have to give up coffee prior to surgery. I'm wondering the reason? Is this forever? or just initially? Is it the caffeine? the acidity? both? Honestly, I will give up just about anything for this, even though I know this one will be hard for me. I'm just wondering the reasons. Thanks!

@@CardinalsGirl I'm in the same boat. The only time I really go to the Dr. is to have babies, or like you, have felt like I was dying! I imagine there are lots of people like us though? Lets cross our fingers.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone, makes total sense! Especially during healing.

@@OutsideMatchInside Okay! I'm in California, wondering how different it is over here... we shall see!

@@OutsideMatchInside I'm not sure what that means? Blue Cross, Blue shield? What's IL? I have Blue Shield

@ Okay, not too bad then.

@ I've wondered this too. I've never been to one before, and hate talking about myself! LOL How many times do you need to go?

@@OutsideMatchInside Oh wow! Did you go through insurance?

@@SilentBotts So that's not too bad then. It can be my Christmas present to myself! Probably a hard time to go through everything, but maybe the best too... We'll see!

@@KristenLe Thank you Kristen! So helpful!

@ What a great response! I haven't talked to my PCP. I was told by my insurance that I didn't need to, but we'll see as the process continues. First steps, they're hard to take! Congratulations to you for making yours!

Okay, so the only thing that would count would be Lindora. And I only have 10 weeks recorded of that.

@@Clementine Sky I've heard of this, and it's honesty tempting, but I doubt my husband would go for this option. I'm also sure there's more out of pocket costs? that's another factor for me.

@@SilentBotts So a little over 6 months? @@marylu Thanks for sharing your story and good luck with your surgery! <3 I guess I'm just impatient. I've thought about this surgery for 13 years, and now that I've decided to do it, I just want to hurry up and be on the other side of it. I must learn patience.

@@KristenLe What constituent as "proof" does a credit card bill count? Or do I have to go in and get my records? @@KristenLe What constituent as "proof" does a credit card bill count? Or do I have to go in and get my records?