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Topic: RE: OSSG-GH Members Chat Here
Have you thought of going out of the country? There are several docs in Mexico that do the surgery for much much less money. There is a forum on here for out of country WLS. Also, has your daughter had a sleep study done to see if she has sleep apnea? It is worth a try. I didn't know I had it until I was tested.
Good luck to you...
Lori
Lori 
Topic: RE: OSSG-GH Members Chat Here
I read GH criteria (I work for GH) and it is obssessively strict. I just wondered if that is the official criteria, but they really OK some people after turning them down a few times. She has BMI 43 and GERD and asthma, back pain. But they specify only certain co-morbities qualify, such as sleep apnea, uncontrolled hypertension, etc. Her co-moribidities are not there. They also specify age 20 and above.
We are looking at several options. We could self-pay, but if she had complications that could ruin us, as you know! It also seems like the cost in Washington state is $32000 for a lap RNY bypass, but might be lower in other states, such as Utah, where I saw a price of $22-25,000 with Rocky Mountain Assoc. Physicians. Do you think many people self pay? We initially thought she could have a lapband at $13000 but the Dr. recommended the RNY as more appropriate for her at her age and GERD status.
Topic: RE: OSSG-GH Members Chat Here
Hi Kathy, here is a link to the website that has the official GHC criteria for WLS. I'm not sure if you have seen it yet. Good luck, Mari
http://f6.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cGd8QgAGmlI2lblFD-KDbM7Za7kUohySpG9ihJEqZrbn1aVrkO8iK_-cbw_IG0ABa3DS7VNicPZNhvFyQceM6i3fvsgHydI/Group%20Health%27s%20Bariatric%20Surgery%20Criteria.doc
Topic: RE: Surgery Approval
Yes, I figure that if GHC saves me the cost of the surgery $28-30K that $1450 is a bargain! 
Topic: RE: Surgery Approval
Carol, It does seem like a lot. I had to borrow $1000.00 of it from my credit card. (I'm especially not happy since I spent $400.00 on Weigh****chers last year preparing for my approval.) I know it is really important to have the nutritional support to help us eat correctly after the surgery. Everyone is different in their reactions to the surgery so it is very individualized.
Hopefully you will get responses from members who have gone through a few months of it. They KNOW what they are talking about. LOL
Mari
Topic: RE: Surgery Approval
You know that's a VERY good question I have always heard that it is to cover the counselling but what I do not get is if they are willing to do the surgery would it not be fair to tweach us to eat right as well?? I am just figuring it up as a co payment and leaving it at that good luck with the $$. I wish you the best of luck
Topic: RE: Surgery Approval
I have another question...
Why do we need the "Free and Clear" program?
I may have problems coming up with 1450.00!
That is almost an entire months pay for us, and as you can guess it is spoken for already with 2 mortgages, utilities and the one credit card we have. I only spend about 200$ per month on food now and that maxes us out! I fast one day a week and my husband goes over to our daughter's home to eat 3 days a week in order to save money.
Is there some clinical reason or do they just want to cover their bets?
Carol 
Topic: RE: Surgery Approval
Yeah I was hoping to be in on that orientation as well, I read your profile and wow I can seriously understand so much of what you said. Yes you spelled Lhasa apso right and I think they are adorable. The white one was not bred very well and has wall eyes but the brown one had an awesome breeder from Stanwood and he is just about a perfect dog.. From what I understand Harriet is out for 6 weeks. I do not think anyone is filling in for her because my last results have not been read yet. Have a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY and a gr-8 weekend!!
Topic: RE: OSSG-GH Members Chat Here
You would need to find out the clinical criteria for WLS. Does your GH coverage include weight loss surgery? Which GH plan do you have? There are several. I have the traditional plan. It covers WLS if you qualify. BMI of 40 with at least 1 co-morb (sleep apnea, arthritis, etc.), BMI 50+ with no co-morbs, BMI Under 40 with 2 or more co-morbs.
Hope this helps,
Lori
Topic: RE: Surgery Approval
Any idea how long Harriet is gone? She desparately needed a vacation. I will give her that. I wonder if they have someone filling in for her. Anyway, hopefully you will get the same orientation date as Me, Mari, and Jim. It would be way cool to meet everyone face to face! By the way, I absolutely LOVE your babies! I have wanted a Lhasa Apso (sp?) ever since I can remember! They are adorable!
Lori
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