This is driving me crazy!

I haven't posted in awhile because I was sort of in limbo waiting for my job to go permanent so I could get insurance! Well, the good news is that it finally went though! But I'm just having an awful time trying to decide on which insurance company to pick. We can choose between Blue Cross of MN and United Healthcare. Within those two, we have the option of three various levels of coverage. If I want to do this surgery, I really need to choose the 100% coverage plan, but if I do that, I have to be really careful with doctors and hospitals, because there is no coverage at all for anything out of network. It's an all-or-nothing kind of thing. 

OK, so Blue Cross would cover either UI Hospital or Genesis in Davenport. However, they require a six month Dr supervised diet. I got my medical records, because I did lose about 30 pounds doing low carb a couple years ago, and I was going to the doctor regularly because I had also just had a hysterectomy and was getting my HRT figured out. She did notate my diet efforts in the record, but it's not quite six consecutive months, meaning I'd probably have to start all over again with that. Which wouldn't be the absolute worst thing in the world, EXCEPT that my family doctor isn't "in network" on the 100% coverage plan, and I really don't want to give her up. 

She IS in network for United Healthcare, but ironically, the 100% plan doesn't cover UI! So I'd have to go to Genesis. Actually I really like the people there and all, but it is an hour away, which makes things inconvenient for follow up visits and stuff like...what if I get a stricture and have to go back in? It would also be less convenient for my husband to visit, although if I'm only there 2 nights, I'd probably just as soon not even have visitors....I just know my 11 year old daughter would be a little worried if she couldn't come and see me. As far as requirements, United Healthcare says they just require it to be "medically necessary", but I talked to the coordinator at Genesis, and she said they always want to see that you've been MO for at least 5 years. Which I have been, but we've moved a couple times and that makes more records I have to track down. 

So I guess my dilemma is.....Do I feel comfortable in general NOT having UI as a potential hospital? Not just for WLS, but just in general. I had my hysterectomy at Mercy in Iowa City and loved them, so I know it's a good hospital. I just always have that weird "what if" feeling. 

Is it worth going out to Davenport and getting United Healthcare just so I can keep my family doctor, even though there are a lot of inconvenient things about it? 

Maybe I should also point out that I'm a big believer in protein shakes, and I know that UI doesn't follow that line of thinking, whereas Genesis does for new post ops. 

And of course, I want to follow the path that will be the least traumatic, approval wise. 

So anyway, I don't know if anyone has any words of wisdom, but it helps to just think out loud regardless, so thanks for letting me ramble!!! 

Glad to see everyone is doing so well!!!!

Hi there! You sure have a lot on your "plate" to think about, a decision im sure you are not taking lightly!!  I cant and wont really tell you what to do, but I will pray for you that GOD will give you the wisdom to make this decision and that it will be the right decision for you and your situation.  Sorry I cant do more for you.  I dont know anything about Genesis Hospital, but I can tell you from my experience at University, that their program is wonderful! The only downfall, in my opinion, about the protein shakes, is that they can be quite pricey.  But if that is what you are comfortable with and it works for you, then that is fine!! I will be praying for you...hope that helps!! :D

~Jenn

Tough situation...

I know I love my PCP and I've switched clinics to follow her... even though it's on the opposite side of the metro area.

Keep in mind you will have to go back to your surgeon for 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, etc, as well as all of the pre-op testing, and then there are support groups etc.

As far as the hospital stay itself -   I pretty much asked family and friends NOT to visit.   I really just wanted my husband - and my sister who is a nurse around.    (Seriously - when I'm tired, cranky, underdressed, and sometimes in pain, I really don't want people stopping in to chat.)   My twenty something son and daughter each decided they really HAD to stop in ... my daughter was okay with it - but it really stressed my 20 year old son to see me hooked up to an IV, grimacing when I got out of bed, and walking so slowly.    My 17 year old was fine with my recommendation that he just stay home and call if he wanted to chat.

Good luck!  
Jody

For what it is worth, here is my two cents worth on this..............

As I began to pursue this surgery, I checked out three places.  Genesis, Sartori and UIHC.  I visited each place, talked to staff, attended seminars, asked questions, talked to people who had their surgeries there and talked to others about the whole thing.  Hands down, without a doubt, UIHC felt the most comfortable place for me.  The staff seemed to have the best handle on the surgery, it was the hospital where the bariatric surgeon who pioneered RNY taught and practiced at, they kept in touch with me when my insurance turned me down and they seemed to genuinely care about my health.  All three places are the same distance for me so it really didn't matter to me where I went as I was researching the programs. 

I'm not sure what is the best for you, but I agree with Jodi (I beleive she said it), you have to remember you will be making multiple trips there before and after your surgery and you have to think about that, too.

I wish you the best and hope that you take your time researching the programs htat you are interested in.  Your health is very important and you have to go where you feel the most comfortable.

Keep posting and let us know how things are going for you.

Carol

As a new post op, you are going to need the support of any support group offered.  You will need to keep that in mind.  Are you willing to have to drive to get to a support group?  I'm changing my care to the Methodist group here in Des Moines because of that issue.  Even at almost 5 years out, I need a support group.  I'm not willing to drive an hour to get to one.  Find out when each support group meets.  One or the other may not work into your schedule.  Also find out if either group allows anyone to attend the support group, not just those who have had surgery there.