Need advice, before I can help...

Hello everyone, I have a friend who is considering wls, she has an appoitment for the first week in march. She found out about the new requirment from pmri about the 1,200 upfront. She told me she was considering cancelling (sp) her appointment with Dr. Wynn because she doesn't have that kind of money. I convinced her to atleast go to the appointment. Does any one have any suggestions on how they got over this financial road block I have past experience on road blocks but not that one. So any kind of help would be greatly appreciated. I would hate for her to give up, so soon. Take care Dana

Hi Dana, Nice to see you and hope that you are doing well. I don't have any advice I'm sorry to say. But I do think it's very sad that wls is traveling down the road to be a rich man's surgery. Everyday Joe's don't have that kind of money laying around (at least not IMHO) and it's horrific to not be able to do something to improve your life quality because of money. I don't feel that WLS is a cosmetic procedure, but one that can save your life. I hope it works out for your friend, in every way. Tina

Thank you Tina, it is good to hear from you too. I am still doing great, I am down 71 lbs and feeling great. My hair is thinning quite a bit, but if I had to choose between wls and hair......well give me a wig, or a hat!!! As far as my friend, I am sure I can keep her from giving up, I just need to come up with some ideas on how she can come up with the money, I told her I would have a yard sale for her!! I just ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts and prayers that she can overcome this obsticle. Thanks again!! Dana

Dana, I also don't have any real advice for you but like Tina wanted to offer my support. I really feel for those who are dealing with this. I hope that you and your friend can get some help and some answers. Had this been a requirement for me, I would have never been able to have had my surgery. That $1,2000. would have been cost prohibitive to me. As it was, it took all we had to be able to do it. Truly, I feel for those who have to come up with this kind of money. Hope all is going well with you. Hugs, Tammy

Thank you Tammy, It is good to hear from you. When warmer weather gets here, would you like to get together for a walk? Let me know. Dana

Hi Dana I'm sorry to hear that your friend has come up against a $$$ road block. I too, think this is horrific that someone might not be able to get the WLS that they need in order to become a more healthy, productive person, because the surgeons want money up front. I think a yard sale is a good idea. I doubt, though, you'd be able to raise that much money. Maybe, ask several friends to go in together for one HUGE yard sale. Just a thought. Anyway...................I hope she comes up with something. Bonnie

My advice would be to see a different doctor. Dr. Smoot in Havre de Grace is an option. Smoot has an excellent track record. There's a doctor down in Salisbury who's doing the surgery as well. I would also check Phillie and surrounding areas. (I just did a business story for the Delaware Business Ledger about where people can go for WLS now that the Seaford, DE operation has shut down. It will be in the March issue). Diane Dover

Unfortunately, Dr. Smoot's practice, in Havre de Grace, requires about the same $$ amount up front too. I went to see him before I saw Dr. Irgau because he was closer to home and I could get in sooner. The two big draw-backs for me was the required money up front (to cover follow-up care for the next 3 years) and that, while he is an excellent surgeon, he only does open surgery. I am really glad that I got in at Chrias before this new $$ requirement went into affect. The up-front money for PMRI was enough! Donna

Dana, I just went through that with PMRI. I was in the last Nutrition class that was held, and was told that after my class all other surgery candidates would have to go through the lifeskills class. When I called to set up my psych, nutrition and clearance appointments with PMRI I was told that I had to go to the lifeskills class regardless, and that they were sending everyone through now. Fortunately my insurance covered all but $575, the cost for the lifeskills classes and the after surgery support, and yes, they do require the money up front before you can schedule any appointments. If your friend has insurance, Judy at PMRI will call your friend's insurance company to see what they cover then she can let your friend know exactly what will be required up front. Someone had mentioned that PMRI is only a requirement if you're having your surgery done at Christiana, and that Dr. Wynn does perform surgery at St. Francis. I'm not certain that's accurate, but it might be an option.

I would suggest looking at he Baric Clinics in Langhorne PA. Had my surgery there in January and am very pleased. My doc was Dr. Brader who is the only one who does laproscopic surgery up there. I was very comfortable with him on the first meeting. You can find miore contact information at: http://www.barixclinics.com/ They are out of network as far as my insurance company Aetna was concerned, but so are the local surgeons in Delaware. Barix specializes gastric bypass and the staff understands botht he physical and emotional stress that we are under. It might be worth a try, their program is very similar to the the local one and I have used PMRI and the local support groups for my supporting and education. My first visit with the doctor and tour of the facitilities was free, so it cannot hurt to call and talk with them.