I am sad not more people from Oregon are on this board. I expected to see lots of posts. Sorry I can't help answer your question...Just commenting on your No one from Oregon has had WLS

Hi   My surgery is tomorrow December 2nd. I was hoping to connect with some other Bay Bariatric Patients on here. I'm having RNY surgery.  This is such a great step for me, physically and emotionally. I no longer am afraid of my past. I am safe. Being fat helped keep me invisible.  It has taken much therapy to get me here but I am excited to step out of this shell of protection. I don't need it anymore. I feel like a butterfly ready to emerge from the cocoon. I know I have a ways to go but I also have the skills, mindset and drive to get there. I will be attending the support group at Mercy Hospital in Roseburg. Hope to see someone there that I can connect with in Oregon. 

Hi Keeks! I was also rejected by Salem Hospital and am approved to start the process with Legacy. We may run into each other!

Just an update, I didn't get into Salem's bariatric program but did get into Legacy Weigh and Diabetes Institute in Portland.  I have been to the first meeting, the welcome group and look forward to my dietitian, psychologist, physical therapist and nurses appointments.  PEBB Providence appears to have approved the surgery, and I have been authorized for 1 year's worth of appointments.  I also called Legacy prior to actually being accepted and they had already submitted for the surgery authorization, which I must have received since I am now in the program.

They require a 5% weight loss before surgery, should be about 20lbs and per Providence, I have 6 months to do it.  If not within that 6 months, the authorization terminates.  I am not sure how much of the surgery they will be covering and I have been advised to contact them.  However, I have tried that and got the "we don't cover that surgery" answer.  Perhaps I need to word it a certain way?  I am not real sure, at this point, it's something to look into.

Legacy does the surgery laproscopically so I am hoping that it is a minimal down time.  I also have a very sedentary job, so I could probably go back quicker than if I had a physical job.

Before being accepted, these questions were on the top of the list, however, now I have several more.  What a journey this will be.

Thank you all for your replies.

I don't know about PEBB or Salem Hospital, but I just went to a consult at PeaceHealth Bariatric Center here in Eugene and the total estimated cost for pre op/surgery/post op was around 40,000. My insurance only covers 50% up to a maximum of $15,000 per lifetime!! I had no idea it would cost that much. If you find out how much it is at Salem Hospital let me know!