Question about TWH and Optifast

Hi all,

 

My sister is supposed to go on April 5th to TWH to pick up her Optifast for surgery, but due to finances, she can't afford it, will they let her use some kind of substitute like Boost Diabetic or something instead? I wanted to ask first,, so I can let her know, I don't want her missing her big chance because of something like this.

 

Thanks all!

Hi Julia,

I hate to be the first one to tell you, but if she can't afford the Optifast, they won't do the surgery.  They will only let you use something else if there's a medical reason that prevents you from using Opti, e.g. being allergic to something in it.  I was told to bring a credit card and that I wouldn't get my surgery date until I paid for the Optifast at TWH.  I've also heard substitute shakes are actually more expensive than the Opti.

Jenn.

Just out of curiosity, she has around 100 lbs to lose, give or take, how long would she have to be on the Opti for roughly, and how much would it run her?

Oddly enough, I had the paper with the prices TWH charges for Opti on my desk.  TWH charges less than centres in areas outside Toronto, perhaps because delivery is included?

The rule of thumb is that for every 100lbs you weigh, you do one week of Optifast, I don't know what they do if you're around 250lbs - do they make you do 2 or 3 weeks.  I would plan for 3 weeks maybe.  It isn't based on how much excess weight you have - unfortunately.

Cost of Opti at TWH:

2 Weeks - $159.60 + HST

3 Weeks - $239.40 + HST

4 Weeks - $319.20 + HST

Jenn.

I was at 270 when I got my opti from TWH and had to buy 2 weeks.

My understanding is that the rule is that if you weigh in the 200's, you do 2 weeks, if you're in the 300's, you do 3 weeks, if you're in the 400's, you do 4 weeks, etc.

And yes, unfortunately, if she can't afford the opti, they may not do the surgery because they'll assume that she won't be able to afford the supplements afterwards. 

It's wrong, and no one should have to go through means testing in order to get life-saving surgery, but unfortunately, that's how the system works right now.  :(  She'd be best to try and borrow the money from somewhere to get the Opti and not mention the difficulty affording it to the hospital right now, if she knows that she'll be able to afford the vitamins after surgery.

The guidelines are as above and she will be prescribed 2 weeks if her weight is in the 200's but there are reasons the surgeon may prescribe longer. I was given three weeks at a similar weight as your sister and told it was because I had previous abdominal surgery (hysterectomy).
She will not be needing any groceries other than sugar free jello and broth. So she could use her grocery money. But yes they can and will deny surgery based on the inability to afford the needed supplements.

Chris

I just ordered my opti on thurs.  how many weeks usually depends on ur weight but the dr. Decides.  I am 265 lbs and have to do 3 weeks.  $239 for 3 weeks.  She will need to order it at her sergeon apt.  See if family/friends can pool some money for her.  ( would make a great early gift for her/ birthday/Christmas etc...). It's nice that you care enough to put this out there for her!  Good luck!

Just as Onward and Downward said, don't let your sister let it slip to anyone if she's having difficulty coming up with the money for Opti - they will be worried as to how she can afford lifelong vitamins, etc.  The SW was very concerned about me for a while about being able to afford lifelong vitamins because I've been depressed and don't work.  She didn't accept that my credit cards had high limits, or how many thousand I had in the bank, and it took me a awhile to talk her down.  It wasn't until she realized that ''your parents have been supporting you for years'', and I pointed out what I might inherit, etc., that she calmed down and said I could have the surgery.  At first, she wanted to see one of my parents and have them vow to her face that they would pay for the vitamins!  I told her my Dad brought me to the TWH, and was in the car, and could come inside to talk to her, but thankfully, she accepted reason, telling me that she could see that "someone, your parents has obviously kept you and clothed you until now".  She was the only frankly unpleasant, humourless person I've met on my WLS journey, and she was the first, the gatekeeper.  Everyone else was really nice. 

So, if your sister could borrow the money, and not mention any difficulty, I would strongly advise that!  As long as she has enough credit left on a Visa or Mastercard, she'll be fine.

I weighed in at 289lbs and did 3 weeks of Opti.

Jenn.  :)

I'm going through HRRH so the standards for OPTI may be different but I've been prescribed 2 weeks at a cost of $220.00. I've noticed before on this site that people have put out pleas for help with Opti and have had people with leftovers respond to their pleas. Just a thought.