3boyzmom

Hi, I live in Victoria, TX! I'm planning on having mine in College Station, but have to do my 6-month medically supervised wt loss program first, which I just started last week. From what I've seen, cash-pay is somewhere between $10,000-$13,000. You can often get a loan and then just make payments to the bank. I haven't heard anything about the doctor you're looking into. My insurance only pays in-network if I go to a facility that is one of their preferred providers, which is why I've chosen College Station. We have a preferred provider facility in Victoria,but no one does the procedure there. The physician I chose has a mandatory seminar you have to attend before starting the journey, and it was great- they gave us all kinds of information, answered questions, and so forth. Does Dr. Chang offer any kind of information sessions? If not, I'm sure you can call the surgery coordinator at his office and ask your questions. Let us know how it turns out!

90 lbs- that's amazing! Yep, I'll be learning and waiting!

Thanks ladies! I do know that my BC/BS covers weight loss surgery, so that's the good thing. My BMI at the seminar was 36.2, but I do have a comorbidity of high blood pressure. It has never been very high, but just high enough that my PCP put me on a very small dose of medication. But that counts, I hope! I know all about the failed attempts- everything from Phen-fen and Tenuate back in the '80's, Xenical, every manner of herbal "miracle" that hit the shelves; exercise equipment, Weight Watchers (really a good program if you can stay with it, but if I could eat sensibly I wouldn't be in this predicament), and most recently Nutrisystem (lot of $$$, no results). I joined a gym in January thinking that if I just worked out hard enough I should see SOME results even if my diet didn't change- I do see results, but it has to do with toning and firming, but no weight loss (I work out 3-4 times a week). Of course that's the one thing that I can say I know is not a wasted effort because it's at least something that contributes to my overall health and will be really necessary as I lose wt., so it's good to already be in the habit. I wish you both the greatest success with your surgery!!! You will both be months ahead of me, so I can't wait to hear how your journey goes!!! Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Hi! I just went to my information seminar last week, and am starting my 6 month medically supervised weight loss program BEFORE surgery, which is required by my insurance. I hadn't realized that was required, and wish I'd started long ago- I had thought and thought about this so by the time I went to the seminar I was ready to do it NOW!!! But I know that a structured process is best. Just wondering, so I might know whether to anticipate any difficulties with insurance, anyone have experience with BC/BS? I know the procedure is covered, but am just wondering if they are easy to deal with. Nice to be here!!!:laugh: