Oregon Weight Loss Forum

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penaloza79
on 10/23/14 9:12 am - Springfield, OR

Topic: RE: no one in oregon has had wls

I'm hoping to have surgery in Mexicali in January or February. Is that where you had yours? How was your experience? It's been a long time for you!

MS.LISA
on 10/20/14 3:13 pm - Salem, OR

VSG on 11/23/10

Topic: RE: no one in oregon has had wls

I am! I am lisa and had vsg in Mexico Nov 2006

Patty T.
on 9/27/14 7:30 pm - Boalsburg, PA

Topic: RE: New to this.... again. I have a few burning questions:

Hi Linda,

I'm also a retired state employee with Providence PERS and expecting to have my surgery covered. The Group Plan Reference guide says prior auth is required for bariatric surgery. See page 17 in the following PDF.

https://healthplans.providence.org/pdfs/medicareplans/documents/group-plan-reference-guide-2014.pdf

There is no mention of the surgery not being covered.

Hope this helps,

Patty

Linda_S
on 8/4/14 2:20 pm - Eugene, OR

RNY on 07/24/07

Topic: RE: New to this.... again. I have a few burning questions:

Hi there,

I can't answer all your questions, but I'll try to give you some info. Time off for the surgery will depend on how strong you are before surgery. I'd recommend taking up a regimen of walking as much as you can to get yourself as fit as you can beforehand. It really helps. You'll need a minimum of 2 weeks off after surgery. I think that's all the time I took. I was a secretary, and didn't do heavy lifting. I was still plenty tired when I went back, but it was do-able.

As far as insurance, I was a state employee, but at the time I had surgery, our coverage was with Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I got approved easily and had my surgery, all was well with yearly check-ups, etc., even when state coverage eventually changed to Providence. However, once I retired and got switched to PERS retiree's insurance with Providence, I found that they cover absolutely nothing to do with bariatric surgery. I have a complication and need a revision, and I'm up the creek without a paddle. So - be careful with that situation.

I'm not sure what the cost of surgery is nowadays. I had my surgery 7 years ago. Costs will depend on whether your insurance will pay or if you pay yourself, and if you pay up front, you usually get a big discount. This will be something you should address with the surgeon, perhaps on your first visit.

Best of luck to you!

Success supposes endeavor. - Jane Austen

Keeks911
on 7/31/14 3:55 am - SALEM, OR

Topic: New to this.... again. I have a few burning questions:

I have been on this site and receiving emails from OH for years. I had called for and received the bariatric surgery packet from Salem Hospital twice. I just filled it out and actually mailed it last night, so I am further than ever before. I have a few questions though, one specific for State of Oregon workers.

1) How long should I plan to take off work? I will need to bank some comp time, I'm sure. I just need to know how much. How long will it be before I can go back to work. Which is sedentary, I don't do anything real physical. This is based on a normal recovery after surgery and no complications.

2) Who has PEBB Providence Choice insurance and did they approve the surgery without a whole history of trying diet drugs from your doctor? I was reading that the usual reason they don't approve the surgery is the lack of weight loss history from your doctor. Thing is, I still have a weight problem and I have tried a hundred different diets, just never wanted to try the drug route. Doesn't mean I haven't tried weight loss, just never with drugs.

3) How much does a surgery usually cost, if insurance doesn't approve my surgery and I have to pay for it myself. I am thinking about the financing option Salem Hospital provides. But I need to know if it's doable.

Thanks you in advance for any insight or advice you can provide.

Thank you!