Recent Posts
RNY: 7/2009
HW: 361 SW: 320 CW: 157.6
The support from Novus was great. They handled everything for my insurance and I never had to talk to anyone from the insurance company. I felt the $500 was worth it for the pre and post-op support. The dietician and mental health counseling that was part of the Novus program satisfied my insurance requirements, so I didn't have to deal with co-pays for any of those visits before surgery. I never bought any vitamins or anything through them since I was so educated from doing tons of research online and I knew where to get the items on my own.
Even if you don't go through Novus, their monthly support groups at St Lukes are open to EVERYONE. They realized that getting a variety of opinions and experiences was very helpful for post-ops. Jarrod and his wife, who both work for Novus are also WLS patients, so there is first-hand experience within the company. Even if you don't have the $ right now, I would encourage you to go to the monthly support groups as a pre-op. Once you get signed up with Novus, you'll have access to their classes which are more structured than the support groups and will give you a lot of information on subjects such as diet, exercise and mental health effects.
I haven't found any support groups yet here in Tallahassee. I'm 2 years out and doing ok. I know what I'm supposed to be doing, but having the support group acted as my accountability and I'm finding that I really miss that. I've managed to lose and keep off 190lbs throughout the whole process, which is much better than I'd ever imagined I would do.
You are giving me good advice and I should take that advice. I probably should go back to Novus's office, or call them, and speak to someone about financial arragnements that can be made.
Not not to put anyone on a spot...so to speak, I wonder what your thoughts might be now about Rosanne and also Carly. They both regained. I am concerned, I guess the only thing for me to do is not let this happen to me. Many people on the OH Forum are a few years out and still maintain their loss from surgery. I wonder how long ago you had surgery and about your personal progress...
Wishing you continued success in all you do and in your own health.
Samantha B. Vadnais
[email protected]
The first meeting of THE JOURNEY WLSSG will be held on Monday 8/22 @ 7pm.
This meeting is a free meeting (never a charge) for all those who are pre/post-op or have been on the journey for a while. We will be meeting @
5582 Jonquil Circle #104
Naples, FL 34109
Please email ([email protected]) or call me for directions 239-330-0467.
Can't wait to see you, all!
Liza Branch
Ashley, oh, ok, I understand about you not having to do the co-pays now. That makes sense. Yea, the job market in Jacksonville really sucks now. They are STILL laying people off in various areas. I must say that the traffic is much lighter, LOL, because of this. I'm so glad you did find a job though, even if you had to move to Tallahassee. What kind of field are you in? What kind of job are you working at now, if I may ask? I'm on disability. I last worked for the Boy Scouts of America as an admin asst. Before that, I was a registrar, then before that, I worked concrete construction for many, many years---until I injured my back pretty good and was told that if I wanted to walk anymore, I had to quit my job and all jobs like it. It was a hard experience to suddenly be just "home," and I continued to get up around 4:45 - 5 am for another 2 1/2 yrs after that. I'm so glad you do have family in Tallahassee Ashley!!! I think that the hills around there are sooo beautiful,...much prettier than most other super flat Florida land. I do hope one day you can be assured of a good job back here in Jacksonville and be able to move back---if you still want to by the time a job was available. At least you will have friends in both places by now. Amy
Part of the pre-op requirements from the insurance company for me were dietician meetings and a mental health assessment. Novus has a registered dietician and mental health counselor on staff and part of their pre-op program requires you to see them regardless of your insurance requirements. So rather than going to a separate counselor or dietician and having to do a co-pay (if insurance would even cover those visits at all!), Novus was able to fill out those parts of the insurance requirements for approval for surgery.
I would move back to Jax if I could get a job. I tried for 4 years to get employment there and finally landed a job in Tallahassee. I still have a condo in Jax that I get to pay the mortgage on and can't sell..so yay. At least I'm living with family in Tallahassee, so I don't have double living expenses.
RNY: 7/2009
HW: 361 SW: 320 CW: 157.6
Ashley, I hate that you haven't found any support groups in Tallahassee yet. Tallahassee is big enough that it SHOULD have things like that available. Any chance you'll move back this way ever? I think if you've lost 190 lbs and even kept if off for 2 yrs, that is great! I hope you can continue to maintain your current weight. I know it must be VERY HARD loosing the good support group(s). I hope to loose at least 190 lbs...more like 210-220 lbs. I feel the $500 pre-op is worth all that you get too....and the after care is much better than anybody else around here offers that I've found looking through the Internet, that is. I can't wait until I am able to go to a few of their classes. I'm really looking forward to that part! I hope I'm not asking to much, but, how did you get around co-pays with your insurance for the pre-op stuff? I'm wondering if I can do that too some way, even though we most likely have very different kinds of insurance. thanks again for you help Ashley. YOu are so kind and helpful. 
....Amy
