insurance problems

hello everyone I decieded that I am tired of walking around with this extra 100lbs on me. I've tryed alot of other ways to loose the weight but they were never long term. So I decieded to try the Gastric Bypass. I recently moved to Kissimmee Fl. Five months ago. I tryed the celebration hospital of Obesity my insurance only covered 50% of all the cost so I would have to pay $4,000 out of pocket. Im unemployed and I don't have $4000. I have to pay that much because Celebration is not in my net work. I have Anthem bluecross/blueshields PPO of Florida I was told to go to Oscala. That is a hour away from Kissimmee. I don't know how I would get to my appointments that far away. If anyone has any advice for me please write me.

Anna, May I suggest Dr. Jawad. He is my surgeon and he is SOOO awesome. He has an awesome after care program too. I dont know if he is covered under your network, but if he is... you only have to go to ocala a few times. 1. Initial consult- first weighin, insurance information, exam and presentation 3 hour meeting Usually Tuesday and Friday in the morning 2. Pre-op appointment: week before surgery, all day meeting. info session, exam, go to ORMC (Ocala regional Medical Center) for bloodwork, urine test and such. 3. Surgery After that, unless you have severe complications that require hospital testing, there is a satellite office here in Orlando that the Nurse Practitioner runs on Mondays. You dont have to worry about going to ocala for follow ups and such. We have a support group on Monday night (see my previous post for info) and we would love for you to come.. It is lead by the NP Kevin Noon... who is just awesome. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Amy

Hi Amy Thanks for the information. I haven't had a regular doctor in two years. I know I will need referral's and records from my previous physicians, Will this make it harder to have the surgery. My husband job moves him from state to state and I visited different doctors. I have so much concerns and fears about the surgery. Will my hair fall out? What happen's to the extra skin after I loose the weight. It's just nice to know that there are people out there going through the same things Iam. Im really praying that this is the right thing for me. Im tired of being fat. Not being able to connect the seat belt on a airplane. Not finding a job because people think your fat and lazy. Going to a doctor and the only reason they give you for an illness is loose some weight. Anna

Anna, I didnt have to have a referral, but I have UHC, and can go where ever i want. I also didn't need my physicians notes, which was a good thing.. cuz I haven't been. LOL!! Everyone's insurance is different though. Some of my hair has fallen out.. its a fact of life.. loose weight = hair falls out. It doesnt matter how its done.. and it always grows back. Mine is still pretty healthy looking, though it was much thicker before.. now its thinner, but still retained its body (I have VERY curly hair). Loose skin will also happen, no matter how you lose weight. You can work out, which will tone up the skin you have and potentially make your need for surgery to remove it much less. I will probably need it in a few areas no matter what.. as I was nearly 400lbs when I had surgery. Something you posted before though I wanted to touch on.. You can't simply *try* gastric bypass. Its with you for life. there is no quitting it. Remember this as you are making your decisions. This is a LIFETIME deal. *hugs* and Good luck! Amy

Hi Anna, Call your insurance company and ask for a "network deficiency" or "gap" letter. It is usually granted by the insurance company if there isn't a qualified doctor/surgeon within 50 miles of your home (but distance varies by company). It isn't something that is offered - you have to ask the company for it. Call Jennifer at US Bariatric at 407-303-4504 for more information. Take care, Kristen