Hi you guys!

I haven't posted before, but have been checking this site for a few months. Some of you may have met me at one of the monthly meetings. I am the lady that was scheduled to have my surgery done at Keesler AFB and now that those plans are "gone with the wind", I am feeling like it will never happen for me. The only doctor in Hattiesburg that agreed to do the surgery now doesn't want to do it because the insurance doesn't want to pay what he wants. Since I am Tricare, I would like to have it done at a military facility, but nobody seems to be able to tell me anything. I feel like time is running out and my health is deteriorating. I am an insulin diabetic and have osteoarthritis so bad that I can barely walk some days. You guys keep my hopes up and seem to be really on the right track with your weight loss. Does any one have any suggestions for me?

Hey Sweetie! Welcome to the board!!! It is good to have you! I feel your pain about the wait. I was to get my surgery date on Monday, Oct 3, and my Doc left his clinic and hospital on the Friday before!!!! But I did have my surgery at Keesler....And I was told by one who should know that all clinics at Keesler will be seeing patients in January and that the hospital side should be up and running in March....that is the plan...of course, plans don't always come to pass, but it gives us hope! Do you have a Doc at Keesler that you were seeing? If so, who? I may have his email...lemme know! Check out the Covington, LA group, too, if you feel that the wait at Keesler may be too long for you! Hang in there! WE are here for you! Smoochies Arlies

Terry, Welcome to the board!!!!!!! Hang in there. it will happen! If anyone can get you some info it is Arlies.She is my and a great person to boot.She is also our Queen I was to have my surgery Sept 6th in Biloxi, and as yours it was "Gone with the wind" thanks to Katrina. I started over in Mobile and SOME DAY will have surgery. So don't give up. Tomanip

Hey Terry! The waiting game is horrible. If Keesler AFB will be taking patients for surgery sometime next year, I would go that route. Another option is to look into the difference of what the Hattiesburg Dr. wants and what the insurance will pay. Bargin for the lowest price. Then, try to finance the difference. I had my surgery in South America. I had to finance all of my cost. It was $14, 900 my notes are $200.00 a month. I was like you. I had major health issues and could not play the waiting game. I am now healthy and no longer need meds. My meds. were costing me $125.00 month. So the way I look at it....my surgery is only costing me $75.00 a month. I used to eat out all the time! Now if I go, my bill is so cheap that I am saving most of the $75.00 with my new way of eating. My doctor's website is affordablebariatrics.com. He accepts insurance. I know he will work with you if you choose to go that route. Whatever you decide, please keep us updated!!! We are here to help. Sincerely, Sonya Sumrall

I think you are talking about Dr. Whitehead. He is my surgeon and he is wonderful. I knew he didnt take tri-care but maybe like Arlies said you could pay the difference. It really amazes me how much the cost is. For someone paying ca****hink the doctor charges $5500.00. I know that was what was billed to my insurance but of course they settled for $2300.00. Would be nice if they could take that price from everyone. Any idea when Keesler will be back up and running? I know it must be very hard and frustrating. I will keep you in my thoughts and maybe something will work itself out.