Recent Posts
EGD Thursday, Surgery scheduled for December 5th. So far preop Full liquid diet not horrible. Hope that remains the case for 2 more weeks.
Not sure if I could possibly be more prepared. Just need to make one more Amazon order for vitamins.
Congratulations! I am happy you have made it this far. It definitely requires mental and physical preparedness. I dont think the surgery is a pass/fail thing. As long as you go in knowing what is required and being willing to do it, that will take you a long way. Be kind to yourself, consider speaking to a therapist if you can afford it, and don't be afraid to reach out. This website is a great resource. People here will support you and give you real tips, and also hold you accountable. You're in good company here.
Also, there used to be some sort of arrangement where you could make pre-tax contributions to a medical fund, which you would have to use during the calendar year or lose it. If that's still a thing, it could be a big help depending on your tax bracket.
That is still true, but that HSA funds is available only for people with high deductible insurance, and this year has a limit of 3,500, or 7000 for family
"HSA Eligibility"To be eligible for an HSA, you must meet the following requirements, as defined by the IRS: You must be covered under a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month. You have no other health coverage except what is permitted by the IRS."
"HSA holders can choose to save up to $3,500 for an individual and $7,000 for a family (HSA holders 55 and older get to save an extra $1,000 which means $4,500 for an individual and $9,000 for a family) - and these contributions are 100% tax deductible from gross income."
The new limits for health savings accounts (HSA) for 2020 are going up $50 for individual coverage and $100 for family coverage, the IRS announced last week, bringing them to $3,550 and $7,100, respectively.
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."
Some people get loans, get a second job, get a different job with better insurance, cut out unneeded expenses like cable, wait to get a new car, etc.
When I was saving up for plastic surgery I taught summer school, tutored, babysat, sold things I did not need, and made crafty items to resell.
I hope you make a plan that will help you reach your goal!!
Laura in Texas
53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)
RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis
brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco
"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."
I would suggest looking into surgery in Mexico. At least see what they have to offer and if you can qualify for a payment plan.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
Just got estimates for a Sleeve surgery. My cost after insurance will be about $13,000. I guess if I save $100 from both paychecks a month I can afford surgery in about 7 3/4 years.
I don't understand how people afford this!
many ppl go out of the country for surgery. It is way less expensive. 10 years ago I paid 4000.00 for my entire surgery, including the hospital, surgeon fee and a few days in a hotel.
It is more than that now, no doubt but still way more affordable than in the US.
Some groups have a payment plan where you make a down payment and then so much a month.
I know the cost of the surgery varies widely in the U.S., and Alaska seems to be among the highest. So you might be able to get the surgery for a lot less if you go to, say, Nevada or Florida. Even with the cost of the plane flights and some time in a hotel to recover, you might come out way ahead.
I found this page that has lots of advice:
https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/cost-bariatric-surg ery.html
I hope you can find a way to get the surgery!
I do think you're progressing your diet too quickly. Stick to things that you know you tolerate well for the moment. When you've had a couple of days without digestive problems, try one new food. If you tolerate that well, you can continue to eat it, but don't add anything new to your diet for a couple more days. Repeat this for each new food. Also, one thing I've learned on the forum is that each person is different, and a food that most people can handle at week 4 may cause someone else trouble until they are several months out.
I had lactose intolerance before surgery, but I was OK with cheese and yoghurt. After surgery I was doing well, but then I drank an Actimel and the pain was bad! Much worse than when I tried some other food my stomach wasn't ready for. So I do think it would be a good idea for you to avoid all dairy until you've had several days with no stomach trouble.
Good luck to you, and please keep us posted on how you're doing.
Thank you for your answers. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in this!
Thank you so much!!! Unfortunately my insurance will only cover half no matter if I meet my deductible or not. I work at a hospital and the insurance they have for us is about the worst in the state. My husband and I make enough to pay the bills but to much for Medicaid.
thank you for sharing your story with me??
