Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe what I currently feel...

[jantra12 28]

I hate to hear yours was denied @@jantra12 ! But so glad you can still go through with it.

Unfortunately- self pay for the bypass is not an option for me. $70,000 - $80,000 is just not a realistic expense for me

$70,000 - &80,000? Who in the world is charging $70,000 - $80,000?

My friend had the VSG by the same surgeon at the same hospital and her hospital bill alone came out to $50k. Not including the surgeon or anesthesiologist fees. And she only stayed over night 1 night. With RNY- I'll have to stay a minimum of 2 nights. So I was kind of guessing in that figure which may have been a little more but not too much more I wouldn't imagine?

With that being said- I've wondered how some of these folks I've seen on here get/got VSG for around $11k. Maybe it's based off of location? The hospital I'll be going to was ranked #2 in the state behind mayo. Maybe that has something to do with it?

You'd think they would train these people better. smh.

Right??? One would think....

Mine will cost about $35,000. Including hospital, surgeon, anesthesia and 2 nights. They give a discount for cash.

Mine is at Methodist Hospital in Medical Center Houston.

[sassyfrass23 525]

Gosh...even $35k is more than I could imagine spending

Idk if this makes a difference, but my surgeon will actually perform a robotic surgery on me. Maybe that's where the higher cost comes into play? I'm curious as to what the self pay price would be.

Edited February 4, 2016 by sassyfrass23

[jantra12 28]

I just took out a loan... It was devastating when they told me my insurance excluded all Bariatric surgery. I could do nothing... I cried for days. But I had to figure out a way... Only way I could do it. Mine doesn't do robotic surgery. Just him and his partner.

[Renkoss 420]

I know that most of the surgeries done at The Cleveland Clinic (in Cleveland, Ohio) are done laproscopically with 5 holes in the abdomen. They only open you up if necessary. Is that what you mean by robotic? I know the laproscope looks kind of like an octopus...long arms.

[sassyfrass23 525]

@@Renkoss It's laproscopic but my surgeon sits at the robot to move/control the tools. Like this video:

[sassyfrass23 525]

Ah crap- it won't let me post the link. If you go to YouTube and type in robotic bypass surgery, I believe it's the second video.

[sassyfrass23 525]

Quick update: Dari emailed me today and said her UHC rep asked that I give them 1-2 days to investigate this whole situation. I'm very grateful that they appear to be taking this seriously and want to give me a FINAL answer rather than guessing like the customer service reps were so quick to do. My file should have been submitted today or will be tomorrow according to what Tonya said yesterday. Progress!

I appreciate all of you talking this out with me and allowing me to rant/obsess/freak out! I'm sure my husband enjoys the break

[deleteaccountdelete 2]

I am so sorry this is happening to you. I would have been heart broken. Prayers for you that this gets resolved very soon. Good luck with everything.

[sassyfrass23 525]

Thank you, @ ! I certainly do appreciate all the prayers I can get ????

As the initial shock has worn off...I have come to have more at peace with waiting if I have to. That may be another story if I hear later in the week that I FOR SURE have to wait until August. But I'm not allowing myself to panic just yet!

Edited February 3, 2016 by sassyfrass23

[bellabloom 2,467]

Gahhhh. I hope this works out okay!!!

[sassyfrass23 525]

You and me both, @@bellabloom !! I must say that patience isn't my strong suit either.

[Nurse_Lenora 903]

Stay strong! This will all work itself out and for now control the things you can. Be as ready for surgery mentally and physically as you can and it will happen!

[RNYDawn 160]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I know I would have been calling all the time too - mostly because my coordinator is overwhelmed and has a lot of patients so I wouldn't have gotten a fast response Oh and I'm impatient.

Thanks for all of the updates. We are all rooting for you! I hope that your surgeon can escalate the surgery so you don't have to wait another six months. Big hugs!

[sassyfrass23 525]

Stay strong! This will all work itself out and for now control the things you can. Be as ready for surgery mentally and physically as you can and it will happen!

Thank you! And yes ma'am. The more time I have to prepare mentally and physically, the better. I actually had a moment of panic last night when I thought about everything I would be giving up for this procedure. I know without a doubt that the mental challenge will be the worst, but I know it will be worth it in the end and that really is all that matters. I have to save my life.

[sassyfrass23 525]

Thanks for reassuring my obsessive phone calls, @@RNYDawn ! And to be honest, I called again last night (gasp!) to inquire about the Psych eval amount I was billed. While on the phone, I figured it was worth asking about the status of my file and if it'd been received yet. The nurse advocate also read off my dang requirements again. I almost want to join in with the reps everytime they do since I practically have them memorized. And because...well...I'm curious... I asked her how SHE perceived the additional 6 month wait. She was flabbergasted. Said that out of all the policies she reviews DAILY, that was the first she'd ever seen. She really couldn't believe it. Much like many of us. She gave me hope in saying that if it's true and required that I could have my surgeon submit an appeal to override the wait. So as the days go on...I honestly do feel a little better about everything. I didn't hear back from Dari today, but hope to by tomorrow or Friday at the latest.