Recent Posts
Topic: RE: Altius insurance appeals
I have Altius Federal High Option (covers more than the standard Altius policy/but lower copays and deductible) HMO. I was denied on my first request, but approved after the second request (and after having sleep studies, upper/lower GI scopes, 6 month primary doctor monitored diet, losing 5% of my body weight, psychological eval, dietician eval, and whatever other requirements they gave me). My approval was based on moderate sleep apnea, hyperinsulinism, degenerative arthritis, and possibly my fibromyalgia.
It takes time and effort to get an approval through any insurance. Don't give up. It may take some work to qualify and get approval, but it will take your dedication and work after surgery too. :) You didn't put on all your weight overnight, so allow yourself the time that it will take to get insurance approval (or to change insurance companies).
Oh, Altius also required that I work through a Weight Loss Center of Excellence. I did my homework and found Dr. Daniel Cottam at the Salt Lake Regional Weight Loss Center of Excellence. He is the doctor everyone goes to when they need to fix what other doctors have screwed up. He has a wonderful reputation and fabulous numbers (low complication rates, etc.). He is a pretty quiet guy, but his success rates were great.
Cash pay for the band is about $18,000 for the surgery, plus $150 per band fill/adjustment. Gastric bypass (RNY) is about $20,000.
My costs for RNY, after insurance will be:
--$500 program fee for the psychologist, 1 year followup meetings, dietician, and exercise physiologist
--$100 for the in-patient surgery (2 days with RNY)
--10% of the surgeons fess (2 surgeons), about $1,200
--10% of the anestesiologist
--10% of the radiologist and any in hospital tests (like the fluid test/x-ray done to check your pouch seal)
Total after insurance is expected to be about $2,000 to $2,200.
Best wishes to you and make sure to check out the insurance sections of this site. Take care and feel free to email me if I can be of any more help.
It takes time and effort to get an approval through any insurance. Don't give up. It may take some work to qualify and get approval, but it will take your dedication and work after surgery too. :) You didn't put on all your weight overnight, so allow yourself the time that it will take to get insurance approval (or to change insurance companies).
Oh, Altius also required that I work through a Weight Loss Center of Excellence. I did my homework and found Dr. Daniel Cottam at the Salt Lake Regional Weight Loss Center of Excellence. He is the doctor everyone goes to when they need to fix what other doctors have screwed up. He has a wonderful reputation and fabulous numbers (low complication rates, etc.). He is a pretty quiet guy, but his success rates were great.
Cash pay for the band is about $18,000 for the surgery, plus $150 per band fill/adjustment. Gastric bypass (RNY) is about $20,000.
My costs for RNY, after insurance will be:
--$500 program fee for the psychologist, 1 year followup meetings, dietician, and exercise physiologist
--$100 for the in-patient surgery (2 days with RNY)
--10% of the surgeons fess (2 surgeons), about $1,200
--10% of the anestesiologist
--10% of the radiologist and any in hospital tests (like the fluid test/x-ray done to check your pouch seal)
Total after insurance is expected to be about $2,000 to $2,200.
Best wishes to you and make sure to check out the insurance sections of this site. Take care and feel free to email me if I can be of any more help.
Highest: 297 lbs/Lowest 127 lbs/Maintaining at 140-145 lbs 
RNY Nov 2009/Perforated Ulcers Jan 2010/Revised to modified VSG Dec 2011 
Topic: RE: Altius insurance appeals
Thanks for the info. It seems there is a no surgery policy. It sucks. Do you think it was worth it?
Topic: hey guys
Hi everyone. I had surgery on January 25th and have already surpassed my goal of 180 and currently sit at 172.. uping my calorie intake now to try and maintain the weight. yes im struggling to stay put.
Anyway i just wanted to invite everyone to www.DiscussWLS.com. Get a unique support here. Please join us for our weekly support chats in our chatroom on sundays at 7pm est. One can never have enough support outlets
For those that had surgery at geisinger like me, we have our own geisinger section in the social group area.. Many features are also available to our users al for free. :)
You can slso find us on twitter at www.twitter.com/discusswls
and
facebook at www.facebook.com/discusswls
Anyway i just wanted to invite everyone to www.DiscussWLS.com. Get a unique support here. Please join us for our weekly support chats in our chatroom on sundays at 7pm est. One can never have enough support outlets
For those that had surgery at geisinger like me, we have our own geisinger section in the social group area.. Many features are also available to our users al for free. :)
You can slso find us on twitter at www.twitter.com/discusswls
and
facebook at www.facebook.com/discusswls
Topic: RE: Altius insurance appeals
I know when I had Altius they had an exclusionary policy. From what I was told they have never approved anyone? I had open RNY back in 2003 and it was about $18,000. Hope that helps a little.
Topic: Altius insurance appeals
Has anyone had any luck with an Altius appeal for surgery? Or is it a lost cause to pursue this route? What is the estimated cost of the band surgery, bypass? can someone tell me?
Topic: Band2gether Lap Band Conference will be FREE!
B2G has big news!
We believe this year's Band2gether National Lap Band Conference is going to be
an unforgettable event. The educators and presenters we have lined up are all
working hard to bring the very best in education and motivation for our
attendees!
Unfortunately, since we began planning the conference, the economy has taken a
turn for the worse and many people are struggling financially. Because of this,
many have expressed disappointment in their inability to attend the conference.
So, we have decided to offer the conference for FREE!
To accomplish this we will no longer be offering three catered meals and free
B2G t-shirts as part of the registration. Instead, we will be hosting a
Saturday afternoon B2G Luncheon, which will be catered at the conference center.
Tickets to the luncheon will be $22, and can be purchased our conference website
at http://band2gether.net/09g2g/orders
We are fortunate to have acquired a few contracts with vendors who will be
presenting their gastric band and/or health related products and services. This
income will help offset the costs of the event. Band2gether, Inc. will be
covering approximately $2,000. As the founders and owners of Band2gether, Inc.,
my husband, Paul, and I are very dedicated to making this event a success.
Therefore, we will be covering approximately $4,000 of the conference expenses
from our own personal money. We hope that the event is a blessing for all who
attend.
The conference is free and open to anyone, so we strongly encourage spouses,
relatives, and friends who are part of a bandster's support system, or are
simply interested in the lap band to attend. We will ask that each person
attending register for the event so that we can prepare name tags and handouts
for everyone. Registration instructions can be found at:
http://band2gether.net/09g2g/register
We do have a maximum seating capacity, so please pass this information along to
everyone and encourage them to register soon to assure a seat!
All the best,
Susan Morris
Founder and CEO
Band2gether, Inc.
We believe this year's Band2gether National Lap Band Conference is going to be
an unforgettable event. The educators and presenters we have lined up are all
working hard to bring the very best in education and motivation for our
attendees!
Unfortunately, since we began planning the conference, the economy has taken a
turn for the worse and many people are struggling financially. Because of this,
many have expressed disappointment in their inability to attend the conference.
So, we have decided to offer the conference for FREE!
To accomplish this we will no longer be offering three catered meals and free
B2G t-shirts as part of the registration. Instead, we will be hosting a
Saturday afternoon B2G Luncheon, which will be catered at the conference center.
Tickets to the luncheon will be $22, and can be purchased our conference website
at http://band2gether.net/09g2g/orders
We are fortunate to have acquired a few contracts with vendors who will be
presenting their gastric band and/or health related products and services. This
income will help offset the costs of the event. Band2gether, Inc. will be
covering approximately $2,000. As the founders and owners of Band2gether, Inc.,
my husband, Paul, and I are very dedicated to making this event a success.
Therefore, we will be covering approximately $4,000 of the conference expenses
from our own personal money. We hope that the event is a blessing for all who
attend.
The conference is free and open to anyone, so we strongly encourage spouses,
relatives, and friends who are part of a bandster's support system, or are
simply interested in the lap band to attend. We will ask that each person
attending register for the event so that we can prepare name tags and handouts
for everyone. Registration instructions can be found at:
http://band2gether.net/09g2g/register
We do have a maximum seating capacity, so please pass this information along to
everyone and encourage them to register soon to assure a seat!
All the best,
Susan Morris
Founder and CEO
Band2gether, Inc.
Topic: RE: Possibly moving to Utah from Texas?
I live in Utah county and have lived here for most of my life. With the exception of moving to Green Valley, Az for a few years. I personally don't think Utah is too bad...... I don't think the shock would be as bad if you were moving from like New York city to here. And the comment that chick made about Mormons...... there are ALOT of people here that aren't Mormons. Not sure why that would matter if you like a state or not. But to each thier own. Maybe you should check out the Utah County areas..... I guess it also depends on where your husbands company is! Good luck!
Topic: RE: Possibly moving to Utah from Texas?
Hi,
I'm Beverly. I have lived in Utah. I have been very happy here all my life.
I just joined this web sight and was glad to find someone from Utah.
Dr. Christina Richards is also my doctor. I just started my pre-op diet tonight. I have surgery on Aug. 25, 09. I have been scared and nerves about what it's going to be like to have the bypass. I'm not sure what it is going to be like not cooking for my family....like I use to. I have always pleased everyone through their stomach. Now that is going to be the thing of the past.
Can I ask you a few questions? How long did you stay in the Hospital after your surgery? And what kind of Protein Drink did you drink, pre-op and post- op? I don't know what brand to buy. I bought slim fast...Kirtland brand from COSCO and I don't think it is sugar free. ?? I guess I better go to bed. The sun will be coming up soon. I have just had a lot on my mind.... LIFE.
I hope you enjoy Utah.
Thank you,
Bev
I'm Beverly. I have lived in Utah. I have been very happy here all my life.
I just joined this web sight and was glad to find someone from Utah.
Dr. Christina Richards is also my doctor. I just started my pre-op diet tonight. I have surgery on Aug. 25, 09. I have been scared and nerves about what it's going to be like to have the bypass. I'm not sure what it is going to be like not cooking for my family....like I use to. I have always pleased everyone through their stomach. Now that is going to be the thing of the past.
Can I ask you a few questions? How long did you stay in the Hospital after your surgery? And what kind of Protein Drink did you drink, pre-op and post- op? I don't know what brand to buy. I bought slim fast...Kirtland brand from COSCO and I don't think it is sugar free. ?? I guess I better go to bed. The sun will be coming up soon. I have just had a lot on my mind.... LIFE.
I hope you enjoy Utah.
Thank you,
Bev
Topic: RE: Possibly moving to Utah from Texas?
Hi Ash
We moved here five years ago to Hill Air Force Base North of Salt Lake...about forty-five minutes. I grew up in Garland and North Dallas. We absolutly love it here...it is so beautiful and there are four seasons. The people are great and we have loved the school system too but we came here from Los Angeles Air Force Base which was a nightmare. We loved it so much we retired here when my husband got out of the military last year.
Salt Lake is much smaller than Dallas and it is cheaper as you go North of Salt Lake...prettier too. Send me a message if you need anything more.
I see Dr. Christina Richards and I have been very happy with her. Her main office is in Salt Lake but she has a satellite office here as well.
Good luck with your move.
Lisa
We moved here five years ago to Hill Air Force Base North of Salt Lake...about forty-five minutes. I grew up in Garland and North Dallas. We absolutly love it here...it is so beautiful and there are four seasons. The people are great and we have loved the school system too but we came here from Los Angeles Air Force Base which was a nightmare. We loved it so much we retired here when my husband got out of the military last year.
Salt Lake is much smaller than Dallas and it is cheaper as you go North of Salt Lake...prettier too. Send me a message if you need anything more.
I see Dr. Christina Richards and I have been very happy with her. Her main office is in Salt Lake but she has a satellite office here as well.
Good luck with your move.
Lisa
Topic: RE: Possibly moving to Utah from Texas?
Hello My name is Brook Gardner and i just had my lap band surgery and was browsing and found you. i am also a realtor in the area so i can help in that way as well.
since i used to live in hurst and worked in richardson i can say there are alot of similarities but dallas is definently biger. i live out side salt lake 30 minits which is probably what ou will want.
my email is [email protected] my web site is www.isellutah.com feel free to contact me for any help.
since i used to live in hurst and worked in richardson i can say there are alot of similarities but dallas is definently biger. i live out side salt lake 30 minits which is probably what ou will want.
my email is [email protected] my web site is www.isellutah.com feel free to contact me for any help.
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