Appointment with Surgeon Tommorrow...Nervous but Excited

BamaXpress78 · August 22, 2011

Approximately 10 years ago I went to a weight loss surgery seminar and honestly it scared me to the point I decided I could do this on my own (at that time I weighed 330lbs). This past weekend I went back and now after hearing about the VSG procedure I know that it is time for me to get this done. I am meeting with my surgeon tomorrow afternoon and have filled out all the paperwork. My main concern is that I haven't really had a 6 month supervised diet with a primary physician. I've tried weight watchers, personal trainer, eating plans, gyms, weight loss clinics, etc and yes I can lose a few pounds quickly I just cannot sustain the weight loss more than a month or two.

I am hoping and praying that I meet the requirements, insurance approves the procedure, and by some miracle we can find the money to pay all the copays that will be required. My wife just started nursing school so money is not exactly growing on trees around here at the moment. I would appreciate any feedback anyone has to offer on their experience with UHC insurance and also anyone that has lost A LOT of weight as a result of VSG. I have 200+ pounds to lose and I feel like this is my last chance to turn it around.

ravenjeh · August 22, 2011

Hi, I'm meeting with my surgeon tomorrow too. My insurance excludes WLS, so I don't have to jump through hoops with supervised diets and a ton of testing, but I have had to come up with $10k . Hope we both get good news tomorrow! Good luck!

BamaXpress78 · August 22, 2011

Thanks ravenjeh! I hope tomorrow goes well for you too. The good news is I called UHC and my policy does cover wls but at 80% after my deductible. My annual out of pocket maximum was $3200 so at least I know it won't be any more than that. They couldn't really tell me all the "hoops" my policy required but I figure worst case scenario if I have to start going to primary doctor next week for 6 months it may be that long before we could put back the money anyway. I don't think the surgeons and hospitals will work with you like they did in the past on payments but knowing that some people have to pay themselves I'm not going to complain. Good Luck!