Kyha

I am on my 13th day. i've lost 13 lbs on pre-ops. Basically a pound a day.

I am so stressed out. I've received a phone call this morning from the hospital were my surgery will be performed. The hospital rep wanted to go over my insurance information and my co-pays. Well, I was informed that my surgery will be inpatient. Originally, I was told by my surgeon office that my lap band will be performed as outpatient. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I so tried of my surgeon office flip flopping with me. Telling me one thing and changing to another. This is neither a good sign, nor those this sit well with me. I don’t know what to do. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> With the inpatient surgery am responsible for a much high patient responsible price. I've already budged and sacrifice obtaining my portion of funding for outpatient surgery at the lower price quoted to me. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Does any one know if lap band is an outpatient surgery? Why do I have to stay overnight? Again, my surgery office has not communicated with me the whys<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> My surgery is scheduled for early in the morning next week. I can't imagine being in the hospital for over 24 hours for inpatient. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Also, I am debating whether or not I should switch surgeon/hospital at this stage. I've come so far. But, I too upset and disappointed that my surgeon office did not bother to communicate with me changes in surgery. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Please some one help. In the past I've lost 70lbs from 202 to 131 by cutting of fast food, exercising, and moderate low carbs diet. But, I again the weight back & some in 2001. I am not sure that I am making the right decision to have WLS. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I am on my 10th day of full liquids. Lost about 13 lbs thus far by following the surgeon's office guidelines. <o:p></o:p> Sorry for rambling onk:blushing:

Thank you everyone for your comments. I am still a bit upset. The office cooridnator is not in the office today, so I can't ask why the flip flop or sudden change in information without informing me. I don't like when someone, especially a professional person to conduct business this way. Plus, if I am going to have surgery of this nature, it would be great to be explain things up front. I am seriously having second thoughts. I had one lady walk up to me last week stating that God doesn't want me to have this surgery. I don't know. I just wants to communicate with someone. Blessing too all.

Hi there, I too have Aetna. But my company's plan is the Aetna POS Open Access II. My max out of pocket is $2,500 annually. I have a $500 ded. My Aetna plan covers 90% for both outpatient and inpatient surgery at a in-network hospital. For my coming surgery on Jan 22, 2009. I was told to bring $1,500 (this includes my $500 ded). If I pay my portion upfront, the hospital will give me a 25% discount. By the way, the hospital billing Aetna $10,500+ Thank you K

CountryGirlNY, we both have our surgery on the same date. For my pre-op diet, my surgeon placed me on a full liquid diet using Optifast800 (5 daily). If I experience any headaches, etc, I am able to have 1 bouilion cube with hot Water. Also, I am permitted to have suger free popsicle and Jello. I've started my pre-ops this monday, and already lost add'l 9 lbs (probably water weight) but hey, it's encouraging. I tell, it has been quite tempting to grab some solid foods, but I have disciple now. I can do it. I have some friends that are questioning me on my decision to have WLS. They think I should do it on my own-through tradition dieting and exercise. But, I see the lap-band as an internal tool to faciliate me with my journey to controlling my weight or selecting healthy food choices. K

Hi, guy!! I will be joining you all for a Jan 22 surgery date. I am scheduled at 8:30 am. How is everyone pre-ops dieting going? My surgeon placed me on liquids only. No solid foods or regular meals. I am so excited. K

Almarie, I am a bit nervous too. My suregery is scheduled for Jan 22, 2009. I am both excited and wondering if am making the right decision. I start my pre-ops on Jan 5 while being on a 7 days biz trip in Miami. The more I read how this surgery changed some many people lives on this site, the more reassurance and at peace I feel. I am looking forward to changing myself from the inside, out.

Hi, I have Aetna POS I've completed the 3 months required program back on Nov 30. My surgery office submitted paperwork to Aetna on Monday Dec 15, recieved approval on Dec 22. I was the first person at my surgery's office that was approved by Aetna after a 3 months supervised program. I am still amazed and blessed that I did not have any problems with Aetna. I recall visiting another WLS doctor in my area that told me that no one has ever gotten approved with only a 3 months supervised program. The basically wanted me to spend $1,500 (out of pocket/not covered by Ins.) to participate in their 6 months program. Thank God I had researched and looked around for a program/doctor that was a little reasonable. I think part of the reason why I was approved so quickly is that I have been with Aetna since '96. Never change insurance, history/medical records were constant and well documented. I am scheduled for surgery on Thurs Jan 22. I am so looking for forward to using the lapband as tool to help jumpstart my journey to a healthier life.