New at this

Hi, I am new to this but I have been reading everyones progress and stories for months. I am trying to get all info about this surgery. I have insurance with CHAMPVA because my husband is a disabled veteran. Just wanted to see if anyone has ever used this insurance to have a gastric bypass. The insurance rep said they don't need pre-approval and even faxed me the letter to show the doc. I took it to a physician close by and he wanted his money up front. As I mentioned we live on a monthly disability so up front $5000. was a little over my head. I was hoping I could ask what the rest of you had as "out of pocket" money. I want this surgery so much and it seems my insurance is supportive but.............Am I just kidding myself? By the way. WAY TO GO ALL YOU LOSERS....I LOVE YOUR STORIES AND PICS. MAKES ME READY TO GET IN THE LOSING LANE.

i am so glad you finally decided to post... i herd that kind of insurance is good... try shoping around for dics cause 5000 is a lot of money... hope to see you at our meet and greet on 8-28!! lexa

Glad to talk to you Lexa. Yes I want to shop around. I have talked to the Obese Center in Gainesville also. They seem helpful. They want all the paperwork before I make my first appointment so I have that ready to fax tomorrow. I will travel anywhere in Florida if I have to. Guess I better get busy.

Hi Carol! Welcome! Shop around a little. Some surgeons only charge $1000.00. A few don't charge an extra fee. Try calling around, like Eliot Sieloff, M.D. Tallahassee, FL. Good Luck, Erika L

Hi Erika L Actually, Sieloff is who I saw. His office is who told me he took his fees "upfront" and then they would help file the papers. She told me he would want his $5000 before the surgery.

Carol, I am Tricare Prime, same situation my husband is 100% disabled due to VietNam war. We were called ChampVA years ago but I thought everyone was Tricare or Tricare Prime now.... Anyway, they do cover the surgery with a dr in network. Since I am Tricare Prime and there was no network dr where I live Tricare Prime wanted me to go to Tampa to a Dr. Murr or to Ocala to De. Jawaad who both take their payment scale. However I have been fighting them a yr now regarding the surgeon I wanted in my area and they gave in and sent me an authorization last week and that authorization said he may charge me 15 % more. Does this help?

Thanks. Yes, I am still under CHAMPVA out of Colorado. My husband is also Vietnam vet. (really was rough on them, huh) I am going to contact Ocala. It is a ways from me but we are currently trying to relocate to East coast anyway so......... I think I am really going to like this message board thing. I never did this before BUT I am glad I finally put my name on the board. Nice to know there are others out there like me.

Good luck 0n your journey, let us know how it goes.