Question:

I have exhausted all avenues and have been denied by my insurance for WLS. My only last hope is that I might have to have my gall bladder removed and insurance would have to cover that and that would help with hospital costs. I don't even know for sure yet (my preeval is 5/10) what my surgeon does about gall bladder or if I even would need mine removed. So, I know that I need my tonsils removed. Obviously, not in the same area as WLS but I was wondering if anyone had both tonsils removed and WLS at the same time or if anyone had any idea whether or not this could even be an option. I know this was pretty confusing but I'm in a hurry and, as you can tell, I'm grasping at straws. Any help would be appreciated    — Faith B. (posted on March 19, 2004)

March 19, 2004
Hi. I have heard of having your gall bladder removed at the same time to save money when self paying. I don't know about having your tonsils out. I would try it and see. The insurance will have to pay for your hospital stay so you would just have to pay the surgeon and testing from the WLS. I would go to your Dr. and see if there is anything wrong with your GB. I think that would be the easiest. Why has your insurance company denied you?
   — AmyWollet

March 19, 2004
Tonsil removals are performed by ENT doctors usually it's outpatient surgery. I don't think you will have any luck getting WLS done at the same time. WLS is an inpatient procedure that the hospital will want to be reimbursed for.
   — Kara J.

March 19, 2004
Oh lord I would not even want to consider having both tonsils AND WLS at the same time. You're miserable enough with ONE of those proceedure, but both? Ack! A tube is put down your throat during WLS - and if you have complications and end up on a vent....well, oh my! Not to mention you can't drink much at first - and with tonsils out that would add to the misery of drinking postop. I just can't fathom a doc doing them together.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 19, 2004
I had my tonsils removed a couple of years ago. I was in the hospital for maybe 5 hours, max. I went in early in the morning and was home before 12-noon. I also vomited up large amounts of blood because when they remove the tonsils, some of the blood goes into your stomach and causes you to be sick. I think you have a better chance with the gall bladder removal. My boyfriend had his gall bladder removed and was in the hospital for two nights and three days. Good luck!
   — Shayna T.

March 20, 2004
Believe it or not I read someone's profile on this website of someone who had both her tonsils removed and RNY at the same time. I remember because she said it was horrible and would never recommend it to anyone. Anyway...besides that...I'm sure she was approved for the surgery and just wanted to kill two birds with one stone because as the other posters said...a tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure and wouldn't help you much with lowering the costs, unfortunately. Although, if you need your GB removed than that may be a different story even though that is typically an outpatient procedure as well. Best of luck to you...I was also a self-pay patient so I understand your frustration. Hugs. Denise 280/150/143
   — denisel

March 20, 2004

   — amie