Bummed Out
Well I have been so excited about getting WLS to improve my life. I went and talked with my doctor, she recommend me to a WLS surgeon. I met with the surgeon and he recommend I attend a WLS seminar. My wife and I attended the seminar the other day and decided the RNY is the right WLS for me. So we contacted my insurance today and found out I do not have coverage for WLS ... Turns out my employer elected to a go with a plan that cost less. The disturbing part is my premium stayed the same and I now have less coverage / benefits. I am so frustrated and bummed out right now !!
Hey neighbor!
Don't throw in the towel just yet. There are a lot of people on OH who have had obstacles such as yours, and if you look at and post on some of the different forums, you'll probably get a lot of ideas for how to proceed.
Self pay is always an option, although not always a viable one for everyone's budget - I know it wouldn't have been for mine. I don't know who's seminar you went to, but most hospitals have a financial assistance office - you could make an appointment to see someone there to discuss your options. Does your wife have insurance available through her employer (assuming she's employed)? Perhaps if you switched to her coverage?
Just don't give up. I've known a number of people who have gone south of the border to have their WLS for reasons similar to yours. For whatever reason, it's much less expensive for self-pay.
You would be wise to get involved in local support groups, even being pre-op, you'd be welcome for SURE at Park Nicollet's support group (2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, behind Methodist in the Meadowbrook building, just at the top of the staircase...), coffee get-togethers, etc. Get motivated by seeing the success of others - it'll help boster your determination to MAKE WLS HAPPEN for YOU!!!
Good luck
Don't throw in the towel just yet. There are a lot of people on OH who have had obstacles such as yours, and if you look at and post on some of the different forums, you'll probably get a lot of ideas for how to proceed.
Self pay is always an option, although not always a viable one for everyone's budget - I know it wouldn't have been for mine. I don't know who's seminar you went to, but most hospitals have a financial assistance office - you could make an appointment to see someone there to discuss your options. Does your wife have insurance available through her employer (assuming she's employed)? Perhaps if you switched to her coverage?
Just don't give up. I've known a number of people who have gone south of the border to have their WLS for reasons similar to yours. For whatever reason, it's much less expensive for self-pay.
You would be wise to get involved in local support groups, even being pre-op, you'd be welcome for SURE at Park Nicollet's support group (2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, behind Methodist in the Meadowbrook building, just at the top of the staircase...), coffee get-togethers, etc. Get motivated by seeing the success of others - it'll help boster your determination to MAKE WLS HAPPEN for YOU!!!
Good luck
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful