Going through the process of Weight Loss Surgery is interesting. In some ways there is a TON of information out there, in other ways, there’s a lot of garbage information out there. I had a hard time finding information about the ENTIRE process. I wanted to know from the decision point on how things progressed, including costs. Here is a consolidated listing of posts related to the process that I am going through to be approved for the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (The Sleeve) on Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield (Standard). I am keeping a spreadsheet of all of my out of pocket costs, including co-payments, co-insurance, nutritionist appointments, EVERYTHING, as I go, which I will post after the final surgical bill has been paid. As each step occurs, I will update the list of posts.
Posts-Pre Op
Saying Goodbye-Feelings on changing my eating habits
Who To Tell?-Thoughts on who I do and do not tell about weight loss surgery
Making Choices – Conflicted between Lap Band and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Final Nutritional Meeting-Insurance Requirements
Appointments, Appointments, Appointments….and a Liquid Diet
Pre-Op Appointments
If you’re anything like me, you might just want to know exactly what you’re up against when it comes to being Pre-Op. You have a TON and I mean a TON of appointments to go to. I actually had fewer than most because Federal BCBS only requires a three month pre-op diet. Others can require 6-12 months, some require stress tests, some require you to become a circus clown! The point, check with your insurance on what THEY require, because every blasted insurance company requires something different. Heck even the plan administrators for super large insurance plans like Federal BCBS require different things for approval (ex. Anthem vs Care First)
- May 11-Bariatric Surgery Seminar
- May 13-Nutritional Assessment & Meeting with Dietitian DONE
- May 26-Consult with Dr. Mo (The Surgeon)
- May 28- Sleep Study
- June 10-Psych Eval Part 1 & 2
- June 20-Psych Eval Part 3
- June 20-Annual Physical
- June 21-Nutritionist Appointment
- June 22-Consult with Dr. M #2
- July 5-Endoscopy Consult
- July 12-Endoscopy
- July 25-Nutritionist Appointment
- July 16-Insurance Submission
- July 28-Meeting with the Surgeon for Pre-Op Directions
- August 4-Pre-Surgical class at Hospital
- August 8-Final Blood Workup
- August 8-EKG and X-Rays
- August 8-Insurance Approval
- August 11-Pre-Op Nutritionist Appointment
- August 16-Surgical Release from PCP
- August 17-Final meeting with Surgeon and Nutritionist
- August 22nd-Surgery Date!
Posts-Post Op
TMI The Good; The Ugly; The Gross (Things I’ve Learned #1)
