Charlotte NC

Darion · 09-21-2008, 06:28 PM

Hello My name is Darion, from Charlotte NC. I am scheduled to start my journey on tomorrow. I have a seminar with Dr Voellinger. Keep your fingers crossed. I have UHC- choice. I already know that lap- band is cover, all but $3000.00. If anyone can advise if I will be billed this amount or will I have to pay this before I am able to have the surgery? I am too embrassed to ask a co- worker who has had this procedure.

RestlessMonkey · 09-21-2008, 06:34 PM

Once you've done the seminar and contact the surgeon's office to start scheduling all your preop appointments, ask them when payment will be due. If the receptionist doesn't know, she can direct you. There are a LOT of people who don't have a handy 3K to just "drop" on surgery or whatever and so I know your question isn't uncommon. It's forward thinking and prudent! Good luck!

Darion · 09-21-2008, 06:43 PM

Thanks! I am so excited! I lost 125pounds about 5 years go, but I have gained back about 60 pounds. I am so tired of the way I look! I am just so unhappy. I don't have that drive to commit to dieting like I did then. I wondering if I should do the by-pass rather than the LAP-BAND^®!

RestlessMonkey · 09-21-2008, 06:51 PM

That bypass v LAP-BAND^® is a decision only you can (and only you should!) make. Hopefully the seminar you attend will present both fairly, as mine did. It was a no brainer FOR ME to choose the LAP-BAND^®, but we are all different. Lucky there are options for us nowadays!

thin within · 09-21-2008, 06:54 PM

HI Darion,
I just had surgery thursday with Dr V. I had to have everything paid before my surgery. I was self pay so they may do different with insurance patients. So your next appointment just ask or call if you dont want to ask in person. Good luck Might run into you at the office.
Renea

Darion · 09-21-2008, 07:02 PM

Thanks Renea!
I am hoping that I won't have too, If I do I guess I won't have the surgery. With the LAP-BAND^® did you still have to see a nutristionist and have a pysco exam? From your 1st visit how long was it before you had the surgery?

thin within · 09-21-2008, 07:46 PM

it was a little over 2 months. Since your insurance is paying your circimstances are probally different. My insurance sucked and wouldnt pay at all for wls so I took out loan to pay for mine. But at the seminar you will be given a packet unless you already have it. They do expect you to pay a $200 fee on your appointment on prior to. All other fees and money they work out with you at your appointment.
Renea

RestlessMonkey · 09-21-2008, 07:52 PM

Good luck Darion. I can only say I originally thought my insurance didn't pay (I'd called them in Jan and again in April and was misinformed each time) and my husband and I were going to get financing if we had to, to cover it. I figure it costs about what a KIA would and I'm surely worth as much as a KIA! Even if you DO have to pay 3K up front, they may have financing options available for you. The surgeons won't finance it most likely but they have brochures and such.