Need Help Getting Started

Hello, my name is Dee-Dee and I really don't know how to get started. I haven't talked to my doctor yet because I'm scared. I weigh 289lbs and I have diabetes. I'm also starting to have blood pressure issues. I've recently decided that maybe wls could help me. I started walking about a month ago and have lost about 8 lbs. I'm eating healthy now also. I know my insurance (kaiser) has a written clause saying weight related treatment is not covered. So I will have to self pay. Don't know where I'll be getting the money from, but I'm not going to let that stop me. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Dee Dee, I was self-pay...and I did not encounter a lot of the problems (referrals, etc.) that are required of insurance pay WLS patients. You need to do the research as to which type of procedure that you would like to have and also the research of the surgeons. I did not need a referral to a WLS surgeon. When you decide on the procedure and have narrowed down your list of surgeons, start 'interviewing' the various surgeons. The surgeon will tell you if you need to have any special clearances (cardio, pulmo, gall bladder ultrasound, etc) in order for him to do the surgery. Best of luck to you, and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime!!! Norma 251/137/128

I agree, Please do your research on what procedure you want to have done. There are several all with advantages and disadvantages. I am having the duodenal switch done. There are companies out there that will finance WLS. Ask the surgeon if he/she has a company that finances the procedure. Check the internet. There are alway the regular loans out there (2nd mortgages, personal loans, etc) to try. Get the costs up front from the doctor and hospital. This way you know what you are looking at. Consider going outside the US for the procedure as many have done to save money. You can always ask your insurance company to cover it, as treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea (if you have it). The worse they will say is no. Good Luck.

Hi, One option you might want to look into is the Mini Gastrc Bypass at CLOS.net. You will see there the details and advantages of this option, including the better statistics regarding mortality rate, shorter surgery time and recovery, fewer complications, the fact that it is reversible AND the cost. I have lost over 200 pounds, and all the post-ops I have talked to and met are very happy with their results. My best advice, though, is research, research, research. I did and am very pleased with my choice. Sandy

Hi - I know the feeling of being lost in your search.... I was there not to long ago. I took the advise that was given to me - RESEARCH. I attended my first seminar this past weekend. Very enlighting. They did let the attendee's know that if they were self-pay, that there were options for financing. They also had a list that came with the packet that was handed out, for the attendees. So, Research would be the first option. Contact your insurance company - you never know. Also, as the Doctor/Surgeon stated to all of us - YOU ARE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!!! Push the insurance company, if you have to - it's your life - not theirs.