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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

That new beginning...now, just days away!


Well, here it is. There's no turning back now ( I could, but I won't---LOL). Wednesday, January 19, 2011 is the day I reclaim my health. My GOOD health. I begin the journey of a "new" life after bariatric surgery and capturing a quality of life that I could and should have had all along. This so-called "weight loss surgery" is not about cosmetics. It's not about vanity. It's about life. It's about a more reasonable portion of good health. It's about living without Diabetes and other co-morbidities.


I want to advise, that if you are considering gastric bypass or lap-band surgery---be mindful of the business side of the medical procedure. Attending a seminar or two is just the first step. Contact your insurance company. Find out about what they pay; how much they pay; what is your payment responsibility (deductible, out of pocket expenses). Above all, understand that the surgeon's office maybe separate from the hospital where the procedure is being performed.  


I have learned so much over the past few weeks. Especially about the money side of the surgery. At my surgeon's seminar, we were told that we could, make payment arrangements with the hospital if we needed. However, after my pre-op testing, I was ushered to the hospital's financial services office. The counselor went over my surgery, insurance and all those numbers. But then, went on to ask me for my ENTIRE maximum out of pocket expenses allowed under my health insurance plan--$1,750.00.Needless to say, that request was a shock.  


And of course, I strongly disagreed. This set off a trip back to the surgeon's office, a call to the insurance company, and the surgeon's office staff trying to intervene. The insurance company couldn't understand why the hospital was asking for the entire $1750 when they don't know what the actual out of pocket expenses would be. Anyway, the hospital came down to $1312---a 25% discount.


More phone calls, and meetings were held. In the end, the surgeon's office struck a deal with the hospital's business office allowing me to pay half of the $1750, and make payment arrangements on the balance. What about the $1312? That was only if I was going to pay that in full.

Anyway, we made the deal and all systems are GO! Now --back to the pre-op diet ( the cream of chicken soup tastes like flavored liquid chalk! LOL)


Love, peace and Protein (no more chicken grease! :o)