Help!!!!

[Idahobeauty]

I am and have been waiting to be banded for months now. I have all of my pre-op stuff done. I get a notice in the mail today stating that my insurance has changed its policy and they are no longer covering bariatric surgery of any kind. :mad: I am now in desperate need of information for a surgeon who can do this for the best price in Idaho, Washington, Utah etc. My parents, bless thier elderly little souls, have offered to pay for my surgery out of pocket but can not afford a ton of money. If anyone has any info on any places in these states please let me know. I really appreciate it.

[SheryBery]

~~huggin' Susan~~
I'm so sorry about the insurance problem. My insurance wouldn't cover it either and I had to pay out of pocket. My parents also helped me do mine and now we're paying them back, but at least that's easier financing. I went with Dr. Cahn and St. Al's in Boise and they were running a package price of $19,500. I know that's soooo much money, but I know it'll be worth it in the long run. And we're already saving grocery money and money we're not spending on fast food!
I know many people have gone to Mexico, but that wasn't an option for me, even if it is cheaper.
Stay strong, don't be discouraged. Good things come to those who wait, right?

[cjyoung61]

I wouldn't give up yet with your insurance company. You could appeal it because if they changed something you could be treated for in the middle of the policy term I think they still have to cover it until the normal end of the policy. I'd contact an attorney.

[PhotoNut]

We were talking about this at lunch today.. isnt there a bariatrics center in Portland or Seattle that bands for a reasonable price?

Also, Hippo's Hope.. I know you were banded in SLC. Any info you could share with Susan would be appreciated!

Hang in there Susan. You know this is all going to work out just as it should. We'll find lots of options for you and the perfect one will soon present itself. And you'll know it when you see it.

Keep your chin up and your FUPA sling tightened up! *winks*

Love ya!
*hugs*

[Tricia K.]

Da da da daaaaaa...it's Tricia to the rescue!! LOL...anyway, I wanted to share this info with you. I wasn't aware of this thread until Susan brought it to my attention. The following is information that I posted on "the other board."

Pacific Northwest Self-Pay Patients

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm originally from Oregon and thought this might of interest to those living in the Pacific Northwest. I found this website while researching something other than pricing, but wanted to share it with everyone.

The self-pay price indicated below is the same as what I paid here in Louisiana. I'm not sure whether or not it covers a year of follow-up care and fills like mine does but it's worth looking into.

Quoted directly from website:

"Special Pricing for LAP-BAND!
For self-pay patients, the Northwest Center for Weight Management is offering the most competitive packaged price for LAP-BAND surgery in the Pacific Northwest: $12,800.00 includes the hospital, surgeon, and anesthesiologist fees. For more information, call us at 1-800-823-6525."

https://www.fhshealth.org/bariatric/paying.asp

It looks as though they're based out of Tacoma, WA but will operate in partner hospitals in Enumclaw, University Place, Federal Way, Gig Harbor and Lakewood.

[Idahobeauty]

YEAH TRICIA!!!! Thank you so much for the information! You rock! I will call them on Monday and see what I can figure out.

[lucymann]

You are talking about Dr Oh who is located in Federal Way, WA. He works out of St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. I had mine done by him on June 20th 2006. He is extremely good - and thorough! St Francis Hospital is a Federal Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. I highly recommend him to you - and it was only $12,800.

Good luck to you.
Lucy

[AnnDe]

Yep ME to! But Dr. Srikanth did mine. I love him. He Just opened his own clinic at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. Let me know if you choose him or want to come up for a visit. Either Dr is really close to me.

[Tricia K.]

YEAH TRICIA!!!! Thank you so much for the information! You rock! I will call them on Monday and see what I can figure out.I'm happy to have helped. Best of luck to you. :hug:

[Idahobeauty]

I can't tell you how wonderful you all are. Talk about Band2gether! This is so awesome to have all of your help. I was so disappointed today when I got the news. I spent the morning crying my eyes out and now I am so excited again knowing that there is hope for me to have my surgery. You all are a wonderful group. Does the price of the surgery include the aftercare and fills or is it just the surgery itself? After the surgery I would be happy to do the aftercare and fills myself but my parents would like to know the whole deal, of course. I will be calling my mom and dad in the morning to tell them what a wonderful place this is and how great all the people here are! Thanks again

[Jacqie]

Susan~
I am so sorry to hear about your insurance - such jerks!! Hopefully the centers in Washington will work out for you. I have heard wonderful things from people that had their bands done in Washington. Thank goodness your parents are willing and able to help you. I know that without my mom's emotional, medical and her helping pay for alot of my preop testing I would have never had my band. When I started the process I kept thinking " Nothing good like this happens to me- I won't qualify, insurance will deny me" It was almost too good to be true for me. When finally my insurance gave their approval I kept thinking oh their going to call and change their minds and on and on. I didn't believe it was going to happen even when I was laying in the surgery suite and Dr. Anderson was chatting with me, still kept waiting for something to happen to cause me not to have the surgery. I feel blessed each day that even though I had to wait almost a year to get my band it was well worth the stress, doubts, struggles, arguements, and travel back and forth to Boise 2 or 3 times a week for 6 months. I know I keep telling you to be patient and it will work out, but it will. Keep your focus on what you want and keep researching and stuff. If it were me I would still go see Dr. Anderson on Monday and have them send in the stuff immediately and see exactly what your insurance says. I would also work the Washington front. But maybe with a bit of pushing your insurance will approve and pay, like Carla said they may legally have to. They are probably hoping people with not even try since the notice came out and heck that saves them money because most will not try. Good luck and keep us posted - work all the angles and push & push that insurance, bug and nag until your blue in the face. That is what I would do but you must do what is best for you and your family-- Best of Luck!!!

[AnnDe]

Susan, I know with Dr. Srikanth I know my follow ups are paid for, but I do have to pay $125.00 for a fill. Now that he has his own clinic I'm not sure how new patient's are. I could call and find out for you if you would like. I have a appointment on Nov. 10 th and I think Susan is coming up for a class in Seattle that weekend. I like what Jacqie said, about asking you Dr. to work with the insurance and push them. I just can not believe insurance will not cover this as it would save them so much in the long run. I hope it works out for you... Just PUSH PUSH PUSH for what you want... I have found that works well. Now I have more fight in me for what I want than before where I would just sit back and cry! Good luck .... DeAnn

[Idahobeauty]

DeAnn, Thank you so much! I would really appreciate it if you would call and check for me! That would be awesome! As for the insurance, I can't do anything, it is NOW a written exclulsion in my policy. There is nothing left to do with that. I WILL have my surgery, somehow, some way, I will get this!

[AnnDe]

I will get to it Monday morning.... Your right this band2gether is the best thing ever!!!

[Idahobeauty]

Thanks again to all of you. DeAnn is on a mission for me. I can't tell all of you how much this support and help means to me. I was telling my husband just a few minutes ago how much this situation has turned around in 24 hours thanks to all of you. I will not give in and with all of you here I feel stronger than ever! DeAnn, HUGE HUGE HUGE hugs.

[PhotoNut]

I have to add a big word of praise for Susan. The night she went to the informational seminar and learned about the band, she was told that she would have to stop smoking in order to be considered a candidate for surgery. She stopped the next morning. Even through the stress that her insurance company has dumped on her, she has not turned back to smoking! That is determination!

I'm so proud of your attitude and focus, Susan. I knew we'd find some good information and support here for you. You are surrounded by a wonderful group of friends, your parents rock for helping you out like this, and your hubby is the best!

Everything's going to work out, and you'll be banded before ya know it. I just feel it.

*big hugs*

PS - I promise the next time you call me, I won't be a bitch. *winks*

[LindaV]

Susan,

I'm just catching up with this thread. Wow! A lot has happened since lunch yesterday. I'm so glad to see you have hope again.

We really are banding together! (sniff, sniff) I'm verclempt!

[Idahobeauty]

P'Nut! LOL You are by no means a bitch...lol just sound like it when you are busy...LOL

Thank you so much for your encouragement. It has been hard, and yes, I am surrounded by such a supportive bunch here and in my family life. I would not trade my friends and family for anything! It is people like YOU GUYS that keep me motivated. The first thing my husband told me when he heard about the insurance thing was "don't smoke!" and again, he was right. He knew we would find a way to do this! My parents are angels. If you all just had any idea about my dad. He is a retired corrections officer and ran his house just like he did his prison. He was a hardass to say the least. We did not get along at all until I was about 21 years old. Now, in his elder years, he is the one pushing for my surgery. HE is the one who felt so bad for me. HE is the one who wants to see me get healthy again!. I talked to him today and he said "sweetheart, we WILL make this happen, one way or another, you will get your surgery" I just teared up and cried. For my dad to fight so hard for something for me when he is battling his own Parkinsons battle day and night means so much. Ok,, I will stop blubbering now. All I can really say is that I am totally blessed to be surrounded by friends, lots that I don't even know in person just here, and family that are so supportive. Susan, HUGE hugs. You were the first person I thought of when all of this hit. I automatically thought I needed to talk to you and I was right. You and Dawg touch so many more people than you will ever know. Thank you for B2G!

[PhotoNut]

I am too a bitch. Darnit! Don't you be spoiling my image! :P

And stop blubbering, ya big baby. Go tighten up that duct tape. *grins*

[Idahobeauty]

Maybe the duct tape is why I am blubbering...emotions run high after that kind of experience...LOL

[LindaV]

What experience is that? (Linda smiles and widens eyes innocently)

[PhotoNut]

Ok, I actually laughed a very evil cackling-type laugh when I read that!

Bwahaha!

[Idahobeauty]

LOL.. shopping list.... duct tape, goo done..etc...LOL

[PhotoNut]

Homemade FUPA slings. Can't beat em! *grins*

[Idahobeauty]

Do you think we could market a "Do it yourself FUPA sling"? Maybe have different colors, prints etc...LOL

[ReginaK]

I would still check with a lawyer because their have been some new federal laws related to insurance covering weight loss surgery.

[PhotoNut]

I agree. Never hurts to ask. Who knows, you might get a refund! HO HO HO! Merry Christmas!!

[rinkrat]

I had mine done in Washington . . Dr. Landerholm--they are awesome . . they will work with you and your insurance, as well as cash.