New Here, and questions about WLS...

Hi I am new here, and know I have a lot to read and learn about WLS.  I currently have Blue Cross/Blue Shield as my insurance and our plan does not cover any type of Weight loss assistance.  So now I am thinking about a "All inclusive" WLS.. Any one know of anything that's all inclusive that won't cost a arm and a leg..LOL..

I did lose 150 on WW, and have gained 50 of it back but still need to lose another 150.. But as you all know all of this excess weight is killing me and I would like to see my almost 4 year old twins graduate high school..

Any suggestions on what to do to get the ball rolling?  or which way to turn on getting the WLS done without insurance to cover it? 

Thanks in advance,
Mrs. P.

I had surgery at WeightWise (www.weightwise.com) in Edmond and had a "package price" for the surgery itself.  I was self-pay because my insurance also specifically excludes wls.  But they did pay for a lot of the pre-op testing such as sleep study, labs, etc.  WeightWise is now charging $12,500 for the sleeve, the procedure I had.  This would include all the surgery expenses as well as post-op follow-up for a year.  My only concern was if I had a complication because your insurance won't cover a complication on a non-covered procedure.  But WeightWise requires so much testing and preparation that their complication rate is extremely low.

At 70 pounds lighter so far, I can tell you that this has been so worth it!  It is not a magic pill (darn it!) because I still have to make choices in what I chose to eat and about exercise but it sure is easier with my "secret weapon", the tiny tummy!

Ask away!  We are a very responsive and caring group!

Kim

My insurance also excludes WLS and I too was a self pay. My surgery was 7/7 and I have had no complications. I agree with Kim, the testing and preparation by WeightWise was very thorough. I am grateful for that, even if I complained at the time! Definitely no regrets!

Hello and welcome to Oklahoma OH. To get the ball rolling you need to decide where you want to have your surgery and what type of surgery. The next step would be to attend a seminar. By doing so, this should answer alot of your questions. Weight Wise in Edmond has seminars every Tuesday evening and Saturdays. Go to www.weightwise.com for more information. Best of Luck to you and congratulations on your WLS decision.

Rita

Mrs P
Welcome and congrats on your new and exciting journey.  I had VSG on 4/9/08.  Make sure its your insurance that exludes WLS and not your employer.  My insurance is BSBC and they pay for it, however my employer excludes it.  I had my surgery in Dallas with Dr James Davidson.  He was really awesome and I am thankful for how quickly everything went, however knowing what i know how, I would have chosen to have my surgery at WeightWise.  The costs is less than what I paid, but more than that, its only 2 1/2 hours instead of 6.  I have referred several people to WW, one just had surgery two weeks ago.  She feels so much better.

This forum is full of support and information.  If you need something just PM any one of us, or post a new topic and we will all through in our 2 cents.
Karen

I am a Lap RNY patient.  My surgery was 3/12/08.  My insurance excluded any type of weight loss assistance as well.  The big plus to an all inclusive WLS at WeightWise in Edmond is the mere fact that this is ONLY and Bariatric Hospital and specializes in every aspect of weight loss surgery.  Their staff is trained on this, their beds, chairs and facilities are for the larger patient.  They are awesome from the time you first attend a seminar until you have the surgery as well as afterwards.  I truly feel that I have been given a second chance at life with my life saving surgery.  Good luck in whatever decision you make!!!  We are glad to have you on our boards.

I'm also a self pay lap RNY. My surgery was Oct. 18. WeightWise where I had my surgery done has financing companies you can apply to. I would start by attending a seminar and choosing a doctor.

Thank you all so much for the warm and inviting welcomes.. I am a stay at home mom with 3 (almost 4 year old boy/girl twins).  My hubby is a truck driver for Crete Carrier Corp.  He drives for the Bartlesville distrubution center for delivering to Walmarts in our 5 state region.  We have BCBS through his employer,. and when I have spoke to them on the phone they informed me that Crete did not pick up the contract for WLS.. So does that make a difference?  I am just starting out with initial questions, so I am sure that I am not asking the right questions or getting the correct information. 

The Weight Wise center in Edmond sounds promising, and hubby is backing me 100% with this research.  How long does it take once you get the ball rolling with Weight Wise?  I would love to attend a seminar sometime soon, just need to find a sitter while I am gone. 

I am sure I will have a ton more questions.. Thank you all so much for your kind support..