Another newbie + a couple KP questions

I was so excited to see that others on the OH boards are working with Kaiser in Colorado.  There are several people at work here who've had both the RNY and the lap and been successful.  I've been considering one or the other for several years. Unfortunately, my company excluded all forms of weight loss surgery two years ago, so I thought that was pretty much it.  Lucky fate; they changed the policy back this year and revised it again for 2008.  Long story short: bariatric surgery is covered but my  portion 30%. I've been working with my doctor, who knows I have been on Weigh****chers for over a year.  I've lost about 30lbs but am stalled and even starting to rebound a bit.  I finally broke down this week and emailed my doc about surgery.  She gave me an instant referral to the Weight Management group and says she'll help with whatever I need.  I've read up; I know it can take a while. I'm sorry if this is an inappopriate question, but can anybody give me an idea of what my out of pocket costs might be if I am paying 30% through Kaiser?  I'm trying to figure out financing for this grand adventure Thanks in advance!

Hi there - I have Kaiser insurance here in Colorado with the 30% co-payment as well and my surgery is in just a few days (October 30th).  Kaiser gave me an estimate of $7,000 - $10,000 for RNY surgery, the exact amount will depend on how long I'm in the hospital, etc.  Dr. Chae is doing my surgery  and I had to pay $5,300 as a downpayment prior to the surgery.  You can make payment arrangement if you need to.  I don't have the specifics on the payment arrangements though.  I believe if you have the lap band it is less expensive.  I've been very happy with Kaiser so far.  Good luck!

I'll send you positive thoughts tomorrow, Karen.  Congratulations!  Thank you so much for the information; it will give me an idea of what I'll have to pay at least. Good luck!

Hi all, Karen, I know surgery was today, but in case you read this post op, good luck.  Karen is right, gastric bypass can be around $25K and up, so your portion is about $7 to 10K, lap band usually is less expensive.  If you check out www.coloradobariatric.com, Dr. Thomas Brown's website, one of Kaiser's Dr.'s and go to the financing section there are 2 medical loan groups there.  The other Dr. Kaiser uses is Dr. Frank Chae, his website is www.nationalbariatrics.com, not sure if they have financing there or not.  Hope this helps. Jen

Hi there - I'm back home after surgery.  I spent 2 nights in the hospital and slept so much better when I got home.  My recovery is going good.  I'm sore, but that's to be expected.  Thanks for the positive thoughts!  I'll check back later when I have more energy.

My portion through KP was $5000.  I did not have to pay anything up front, but that may be because of the hospital, I'm not sure (Penrose in Colorado Springs).  Your hospital may work a payment plan with you as well, just ask.

Thank you all for your help.  It gave me a great idea of where I'd have to start. I got my referral packet around the beginning of November and sent off the application letter THAT NIGHT.  Their letter says they'll get back to you within two weeks, so you can imagine I was fairly frantic when I still hadn't heard as of last night. I called today, just checking to see if maybe my application hadn't made it to them. I'm APPROVED!!!!!!! I can't believe it was THAT QUICK, and only one letter! She said my packet went out the 28th and I should get it today.  Sure enough, DH called to say it was in the mailbox when he checked it this evening (I work till 9:30PM Friday nights).   I am so excited.. on to the next step!