Cost & Vitamins Pre-op
Yes, I do have a drug plan which will cover some of it. All I remember was just about choking when the clerk gave me the bill. I was pretty dopey that day and thankfully my daughter did the carrying of stuff and driving but my MasterCard bill was $542. This has been a very expensive, but worthwhile, journey so far.
Now, my clothes are getting too big so there will be new expenses again but I'm not going to buy until I get down to my goal. I will wrap my clothes around me and hold them on with a tight belt until then!
Carol
Now, my clothes are getting too big so there will be new expenses again but I'm not going to buy until I get down to my goal. I will wrap my clothes around me and hold them on with a tight belt until then!
Carol
Referral April 2012, Surgery August 21, 2012
There might also be some meds post op. I know at humber there is an injectible blood thinner we take for 2 weeks (if memory serves) and also an antacid-type medication for 6 months. Some of these might be covered if you have a drug plan. I know at the Humber orientation they gave the costs involved in these. Sorry I can't recall them off the top of my head (perhaps someone more recently out can chime in).
You can save some on clothing by going to support groups that sometimes do clothing exchanges, shop at thrift shops like value village till your weight stabilizes.
Hope that helps.
Andrea.
You can save some on clothing by going to support groups that sometimes do clothing exchanges, shop at thrift shops like value village till your weight stabilizes.
Hope that helps.
Andrea.
RNY February 2012
starting BMI 40
Hi,
I am pre-op as well, and they did bloodwork and I am taking a B12, and 2000IU Vit D.
Those are not covered by my health plan.
It has also been recommended that everyone take Calcium citrate.
I am in KIngston and they have said that a chewable multivitamin is recommended for the same reasons stated by others. I am not sure how much they cost.
Optifast is prescribed, so it will be covered by my health spending account. For that I am fortunate.
Hope that helps!
d
I am pre-op as well, and they did bloodwork and I am taking a B12, and 2000IU Vit D.
Those are not covered by my health plan.
It has also been recommended that everyone take Calcium citrate.
I am in KIngston and they have said that a chewable multivitamin is recommended for the same reasons stated by others. I am not sure how much they cost.
Optifast is prescribed, so it will be covered by my health spending account. For that I am fortunate.
Hope that helps!
d
Orientation - April 25, 2012, Nurse - May 16, 2012, Social Worker - May 25, Dietician - May 25, 2012, Abdominal Ultrasound - June 29, 2012, Cardiologist - August 1, 2012 Pre-Surgical Education Class September 19, 2012, Meet with Surgeon September 27, 2012, PATTS November 9, 2012, Surgery Date November 16, 2012 (Dr. Mamazza)
One other thing you may need to think of (depending on centre) is protein drinks. Some get premade ones at costco, but it will depend on what you like.
If your clinic is not at a hospital, or your hospital doesn't do outpatient bloodwork, then there is one test that you will have to pay for.
If you find you have sleep apnea, there is a cpap machine you'll need.
After surgery, protein and vitimins. Don't forget, you'll be taking 2 multi's a day, so it will cost you twice as much for that than you are paying now.
Cathy
If your clinic is not at a hospital, or your hospital doesn't do outpatient bloodwork, then there is one test that you will have to pay for.
If you find you have sleep apnea, there is a cpap machine you'll need.
After surgery, protein and vitimins. Don't forget, you'll be taking 2 multi's a day, so it will cost you twice as much for that than you are paying now.
Cathy
The best thing to do is start saving now and put aside $1000-$1500. That way you won't have to worry about costs later down the road.
As far as I know, Optifast went up in price according to a sheet I got from my recent appointment with the dietitian (unless this sheet is incorrect). It says $45.99 per box.
I was taking a one a day multivitamin but was asked to change to prenatal vitamins (for life) which can cost up to $20/100 tablets. Vitamins like vitamin d or calcium citrate can range from $10-$20 (for life as well).
Then there's the cost of Tinzaparin (blood thinner) you need post-op. I think I read somewhere it was $150 or $250 for the injections, I can't remember. Also, if you have sleep apnea, you need a cpap machine which can easily cost $300-$500 to rent.
Can't forget about protein drinks after too. Premier sells for almost $30 a box at Costco for a case of 12 I believe. You may need four boxes for one month alone until you can improvise with other protein sources.
Hope that gives you a rough estimation.
As far as I know, Optifast went up in price according to a sheet I got from my recent appointment with the dietitian (unless this sheet is incorrect). It says $45.99 per box.
I was taking a one a day multivitamin but was asked to change to prenatal vitamins (for life) which can cost up to $20/100 tablets. Vitamins like vitamin d or calcium citrate can range from $10-$20 (for life as well).
Then there's the cost of Tinzaparin (blood thinner) you need post-op. I think I read somewhere it was $150 or $250 for the injections, I can't remember. Also, if you have sleep apnea, you need a cpap machine which can easily cost $300-$500 to rent.
Can't forget about protein drinks after too. Premier sells for almost $30 a box at Costco for a case of 12 I believe. You may need four boxes for one month alone until you can improvise with other protein sources.
Hope that gives you a rough estimation.
HW: 315 SW: N/A GW: 185 HT: 5'2"
* Orientation Session: June 4, 2012Gastroscopy: September 21, 2012 * Ultrasound: October 15, 2012 * Start Optifast: February 6, 2013
* Nurse & Dietitian: August 31, 2012 * Social Worker: October 2, 2012 * Meet Surgeon: October 31, 2012 * Pre-op Appt: February 15, 2013
* ECG: August 31, 2012 * Internist: October 15, 2012 * Nutrition Class: January 31, 2013 * Surgery: February 22, 2013
This is pretty accurate!
I take: calcium citrate (from walmart) $15 for about 180 capsules .. I take 2/day (also, if you shop across the border, since you're close enough from the sounds of it, you can go to costco in the US and get calcium citrate for even cheaper, like $10-$12 and you get 2bottles. I TOTALLY plan on doing this when I go to the states in 6 weeks)
B12 (I try to get it on sale, walmart was the last place I got it) $5 for 60 tablets .. I take 1/day
multi-vitamin (vita-vim from walmart for 125) $15 .. I take 1/day
probiotic (get it from my dr) $35 for 100 .. I take 1/day
herbal laxative, swiss (from walmart) $6 .. I take 1/day
Premier shakes from costco 18 per case $30 (4 boxes for one month??.... that might be a little excessive ;) ) I wouldn't buy more then 2 boxes, they DO go bad. And you'll likely only get in one per day at the very beginning.
It's really NOT that expensive ;) especially if you get the vitamins on sale, you can stock up a bit. I think I only buy them about 4x per year and everything on sale :D
I take: calcium citrate (from walmart) $15 for about 180 capsules .. I take 2/day (also, if you shop across the border, since you're close enough from the sounds of it, you can go to costco in the US and get calcium citrate for even cheaper, like $10-$12 and you get 2bottles. I TOTALLY plan on doing this when I go to the states in 6 weeks)
B12 (I try to get it on sale, walmart was the last place I got it) $5 for 60 tablets .. I take 1/day
multi-vitamin (vita-vim from walmart for 125) $15 .. I take 1/day
probiotic (get it from my dr) $35 for 100 .. I take 1/day
herbal laxative, swiss (from walmart) $6 .. I take 1/day
Premier shakes from costco 18 per case $30 (4 boxes for one month??.... that might be a little excessive ;) ) I wouldn't buy more then 2 boxes, they DO go bad. And you'll likely only get in one per day at the very beginning.
It's really NOT that expensive ;) especially if you get the vitamins on sale, you can stock up a bit. I think I only buy them about 4x per year and everything on sale :D
BELOW GOAL 
Happily maintaining 4.5 years out!! 
Life is GREAT!!! 
Had my plastic surgery!
Yes my bill was a whopping 542 aswell. I tried. The calcium chewables and they didn't work for me. Neither did the milk of magnesia. And I only needed the liquid Tylenol pain for 3 days post op. had surgery July 13th if anyone lives in the Hamilton region and wants to offer a bit of money for the product that would be great because I'm not using it.
Costco protien shakes (18/case - 30 g protien) $27.99
Costco - Liquid Calcium with vit D - 2 large bottles $17
Opti was $110/ week
Multi vit (chewable - Equate Silver) 10.50 - 60 pills/1 month (Centrum silver $17/mos)
Fer-in-sol (iron supplement) 250ml $20.00
b12 - if you get monthly injections - covered by drug plans but over the counter can range around $15 a bottle
Prevacid and innohep (injections) vary greatly by pharmacy
These are just some of the costs so far. Plus parking etc
I had 6 months from referal to surgery date - I bought one - two things every pay to get a bit of a cushion at home. Don't forget the sugar free mints and gum (gum -not post op) to battle the horrible breath (ketosis) from having 0 carbs during opti....
Hope this helps and doesn't frustrate you
Costco - Liquid Calcium with vit D - 2 large bottles $17
Opti was $110/ week
Multi vit (chewable - Equate Silver) 10.50 - 60 pills/1 month (Centrum silver $17/mos)
Fer-in-sol (iron supplement) 250ml $20.00
b12 - if you get monthly injections - covered by drug plans but over the counter can range around $15 a bottle
Prevacid and innohep (injections) vary greatly by pharmacy
These are just some of the costs so far. Plus parking etc
I had 6 months from referal to surgery date - I bought one - two things every pay to get a bit of a cushion at home. Don't forget the sugar free mints and gum (gum -not post op) to battle the horrible breath (ketosis) from having 0 carbs during opti....
Hope this helps and doesn't frustrate you
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