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One more thing to consider is that if you're taking medication for high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, you're likely to be able to discontinue it, which could lead to savings in the long term. Of course, I realise that if you don't have the money to spend now, then the possibility of savings later on doesn't help much. But if there are sacrifices you can make to get the surgery, it's probably worth it. Confirm this with your medical team, but my understanding is that people with type 2 diabetes can usually discontinue that medication right after surgery, but blood pressure takes longer (1-2 years) to come down, so you'd still be on that medication for a while. Also consider if there are any other medications you're on for conditions that would likely improve as you lose weight (such as pain medication or anti-inflammatory meds for joint problems).
Here's a survey of VSG prices for different states in 2018.
https://www.obesitycoverage.com/insurance-and-costs/how-much /average-cost-of-gastric-sleeve-surgery
According to that survey, the states with the lowest prices are:
1. Oklahoma ? $9,800
2. Arkansas ? $11,935
3. Nebraska ? $12,300
So if you could get your surgery for $12,000, and your insurance would pay half, you'd be down to $6,000 plus the cost of a plane flight and a couple of nights to recover in a hotel (which should be pretty inexpensive in those states). You could probably make arrangements to have consultations with the dietitian by Skype, and to have any preliminary blood work done locally. Take into account any tax savings, and the cost might not be quite as far out of reach.
Congratulations!! Thank you so much for your post - it's very inspirational to those of us who are in the first year post surgery. I especially love seeing such success stories with those who have had VSG like I have. You are so motivating!! Thank you again for sharing!
Thank you for the advice. Always good to hear about the path ahead.
This typo tickled me: "I pack a small lunchouch with drinks". I envisioned an old fashioned lunchbox that, when you open it, it tries to bite you,and you say Ouch! That's why it's called a "lunchouch". Could be very useful for anyone on a diet. 
Congratulations! The next year or so will be very exciting for you indeed.
Good morning - I do not post often on the VSG side, but am active on the Menu Postings on the RNY Forum. I wanted to share my story with other VSG folks.
Today is my 5 year surgiversary. Prior to surgery, I was a Type 2 Diabetic with High Cholesterol and Blood pressure. I was taking 6 medications including insulin and my last pre surgery A1c was 11.2. Today I am still medication free. I did a quick out of pocket calculation and monthly savings are $638 and 5 year savings $38,280, I have not reviewed savings previously, so is amazing. While the scale may not read what I would like it too, being medication free and healthy is a wonderful thing.
Some of the things that have helped me:
OH menu forum and friends, the daily postings help me to reaffirm what I know. ( my spouse and parents think it is Ok to have just one, I am not able to limit myself to just one)
Holding myself accountable. Weigh my self daily , weigh and measure portions, meal prep and planning.
Tracking - tracking food intake and weight daily. The apps today make this so easy and I love to look back even 5 years ago to see what I was doing, especially if in a rut.
prepping for travel - even when going shopping with my wife for a day , I pack a small lunchouch with drinks, protein shakes and healthy snacks.
If I have a bad day or make a bad decision, I dust myself off and get back to what works for me.
I do not compare myself to others. Everyone is different, every metabolism is different. Find what works for you and stick to it. Everyone has a Calorie/Protein level at which they lose and which they gain.
Low carb - Low carb work s for me, even when I am working out. I am not able to introduce more than 20-25 carbs daily or I gain. I wi**** was different.
Stay healthy My friends, Mike
- Pre- Surgery/ Type 2 Diabetes, High BP and Cholesterol, treated with 6 medications, including Insulin. Post Op- low dose BP med 2022, Mounjaro 10/2023
HW - 299 , Consult day weight - 277, Day of surgery ( 11/19/2014) - 259,LW - 178, GW - 195, CW- 194.2 - reached goal
Sorry for saying man in my previous posts. Read the post didn't pay attention to the picture. I did not mean to offend anyone if they or you are annoyed with the pronouns used. Just super excited for you. and doesn't change me cheering you on!
Congrats man! Keep the progress going and stay positive! It makes things go so much easier. Be glad you are having a good time with the liquids! My liquid pre op phase started rough but i eventually got into it alot easier. Witch helped a ton! Cheering you on mate!! Here's to your Healthier and happy future!!!
Timothy
EGD Thursday, Surgery scheduled for December 5th. So far preop Full liquid diet not horrible. Hope that remains the case for 2 more weeks.
Not sure if I could possibly be more prepared. Just need to make one more Amazon order for vitamins.
Congratulations! I am happy you have made it this far. It definitely requires mental and physical preparedness. I dont think the surgery is a pass/fail thing. As long as you go in knowing what is required and being willing to do it, that will take you a long way. Be kind to yourself, consider speaking to a therapist if you can afford it, and don't be afraid to reach out. This website is a great resource. People here will support you and give you real tips, and also hold you accountable. You're in good company here.
Also, there used to be some sort of arrangement where you could make pre-tax contributions to a medical fund, which you would have to use during the calendar year or lose it. If that's still a thing, it could be a big help depending on your tax bracket.
That is still true, but that HSA funds is available only for people with high deductible insurance, and this year has a limit of 3,500, or 7000 for family
"HSA Eligibility"To be eligible for an HSA, you must meet the following requirements, as defined by the IRS: You must be covered under a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month. You have no other health coverage except what is permitted by the IRS."
"HSA holders can choose to save up to $3,500 for an individual and $7,000 for a family (HSA holders 55 and older get to save an extra $1,000 which means $4,500 for an individual and $9,000 for a family) - and these contributions are 100% tax deductible from gross income."
The new limits for health savings accounts (HSA) for 2020 are going up $50 for individual coverage and $100 for family coverage, the IRS announced last week, bringing them to $3,550 and $7,100, respectively.
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."
