What other expenses are their besides the surgery?

[spoiltmom 44]

If I'm approved my surgery and all medical bills relating to it will be covered at 100%. So what other expenses will I have? I see some of you posting about Optifast and Vitamins and I saw a supply room full of vitamins and Protein powders at my surgeons office. I'm just trying to get an idea of how this will all work.

[btrieger 21]

Protein shakes and new clothes.

I am almost 4 months out and haven't had to take any Vitamins except for the daily I already do every day.

Your life is not going to change drastically.

[spoiltmom 44]

Protein shakes and new clothes.

I am almost 4 months out and haven't had to take any Vitamins except for the daily I already do every day.

Your life is not going to change drastically.

Thanks! New clothes definitely sounds good:)

[goodlyfe 0]

Protein Shakes, Vitamins, Water, and insurance co-pays.

[Gone23456 0]

If I'm approved my surgery and all medical bills relating to it will be covered at 100%. So what other expenses will I have? I see some of you posting about Optifast and Vitamins and I saw a supply room full of Vitamins and Protein powders at my surgeons office. I'm just trying to get an idea of how this will all work.

I have to take a Multivitamin and Calcium every day for the rest of my life. Other than that, I haven't drank a Protein shake since surgery - they're icky to me. Some people use them to get in more Protein during the day or to replace a meal. My Dr. doesn't want us drinking any liquid calories and Protein drinks count towards that.

I agree with btrieger completely though - new clothes have been my number one expense (but what fun I've had shopping for sales!)! Just remember though, you won't stay the same size for long so buy cheap clothes! Good luck!!

[shelley1057 0]

My insurance is covering the surgery but I had to pay a $1000 "administrative fee" my surgeon charges that covers his staff's time and efforts dealing with insurance, another $230 for the Optifast and the Vitamins which are $39.95 and $19.95. I will also have to pay a $30 co-pay every time I see him. As time goes by some folks use Protein Powder which you get at Vitamin stores or Walmart. New clothes?, well I'm lucky in that my mom is a few sizes smaller than me and has tons of stuff I can wear so will not have to buy new clothes until I get closer to goal. Besides this is Florida where all you need are a few pair of shorts and tees.

Edited June 26, 2010 by shelley1057
adding text

[dfav3412 116]

besides all everyone has mentioned, some people have to pay for fills, those who don't have insurance to cover that. Fills can cost in the range of 100.00 to 300.00 per visit and the visits can be many times a year for 2 years. Good new is that you eventually get to a point that fills aren't necessary and maybe just maybe you will be one of the lucky few who don't require them.

[Katy517 1]

You beat me to it as I was going to mention fills. The hospital that I go to is charging $992 per fill though. Only one has been billed to my insurance company though and I don't yet know how much they'll actually pay as a negotiated price. I know that if I weren't insured I could find a more reasonably priced alternative to have them.

Also, be sure that everybody on your surgical team is covered by your insurance. I'm fighting now regarding the assistant surgeon's bill as he's not covered on my plan and $3400 of his $4000 bill was deemed to be over and above 'usual and customary' charges by my insurance company and thus not paid.

besides all everyone has mentioned, some people have to pay for fills, those who don't have insurance to cover that. Fills can cost in the range of 100.00 to 300.00 per visit and the visits can be many times a year for 2 years. Good new is that you eventually get to a point that fills aren't necessary and maybe just maybe you will be one of the lucky few who don't require them.

[Cota129 0]

Shop at resale/thrift stores for your everyday clothes during your weight loss. I have great clothes, but have paid next to nothing for most of them.