WA Newbie that's undecided

Hi Jen,
So sorry to hear about you family! That is horrific after everything that has happen. There is a PATS office in Hedland and they will pay for your flights down to see the specialist everytime. You just have to get a PATS form signed by your GP. Go in and see them at the office though because they can actually help you with accommodation too. I didnt know about PATS and for the first 3 years of having my band I paid for my own flights. It can get really expensive!
Iam just considering the sleeve myself as I have not been happy with the results of the band and would not recomend it.
I have contacted my private health today and they have said that Iam covered for the sleeve op and I only have mid hospital with Medibank. I know it is important to get onto it right away because weight loss seems to be so vital for your health but if you are having trouble with the $$ it might be an option to join a Private Health and wait your year. Might be able to talk your fmily around by then to because it would be nice to have their support and you might find you need it.
Good luck with everything
Kristy

Hi Jenster



I was sleeved by Dr W in June 2011. He is a lovely man and great surgeon. I have had no problems with the op, only mild heartburn which is normal. I went skiing 6 weeks post-op with no issues.



Dr W will cost you about $3000.00

His Assistant about $200.00

Gas Man about $1300.00

Pathology about $140.00 for basic routine stuff.

Dietician $60 first visit, then $40 a visit.

SJOGH about $6500 for room, theatre fee and stapling. Extra $15 for TED stockings.



Try to get a fixed quote for everything and then present the cost to the Super People. My private Health Insurer covered nearly everything. You should be able to get a better price if you are paying 'cash'.



Good luck. Dr W has 'mad skills' and I can recommend him highly.

Hi Jen!

Welcome to the group :)

I was sleeved by dr W & he is great. He answered any question that I had, and monitored me extremely closely after my surgery as I had a few complications.

I had quite a few appts with him prior to surgery as I had a few doubts/questions, and each appt cost me around the $55 mark which from memory I was able to claim approx half back from Medicare.

I paid $1350 for the booking fee & got back about $500 from Medicare.

I'm with hbf top hospital, the surgeon & anesthetist were both fully covered by hbf, I was covered for a private room, and all I had to pay was $100 for pharmaceuticals.

I'm not too sure about using your super as I paid all expenses out of my own pocket & hbf covered the rest.

Hopefully that helped... And hopefully your family will start to understand & accept your choice re surgery. My family didn't understand at first either, but after sitting down with them, explaining the surgery & my reasons, then also letting them know about the success stories of so many amazing ppl on here, they started to come around.

Good luck xx

Hello Jenstar

I cant answer all your questions but this is to say Welcome! Having the sleeve is the best thing I have ever done and YES I went through APRA and my Super fund and had no problems just make sure the letters from your GP and specialist are written exactly as they are in the APRA information and add anything about your and your families health as back up as well.

It must be very hard not having the support but just keep being very positive about it all and try and explain to your family that this is a tool and you will still have to work on the correct foods that do go in - but boy what a tool!

Keep smiling and stay positive - and keep reading everyones threads - this is a fantastic and very informative site! Use it and you will win the battle!

Good luck in the future!

I Jen,



Sorry I can't help you with your question but just thought I'd welcome you to the forum.



I live in Wedgefield!!! Small world! I currently have a band and am getting it removed next month. Then at a later stage I will then get a sleeve. I'm having to fly down for all of my appointments here too, so I get where your coming from. I'm in Perth at the moment, for I flew down for my first appointment (which was today).



Goodluck



Emma :)

Hi All



Well I must say, you are all an inspiration!



I had a chat with my Dr a few months ago and he suggested the gastric sleeve, he said he will organise the referral and for me to go through as a public patient but i found out last week when i went to check on things that he never did it and has since left town :(



I have been given a new referal to see Dr Senarath Werapitiya in Bunbury. Im excited yet scared. I knew nothing about him untill a few hours ago when i stumbled apon this site. I loved reading the feedback, good and bad. I can't wait to ring his office tomorrow for a chat.



I have another small speed bump in my road tho, I live in south hedland and there is no one up here who does the surgery. I'll have to travel regardless who i see. I chose bunbury as I have family there and none in perth and i'll have to stay down there for atleast 2 weeks apparently. Aaannnd the family that i'll be staying with is not happy about me wanting the surgery.



I have been on and off diets for years and the weight doesnt stay off. 6 months ago i had the implanon put in and have put on 20kgs. Im yet to have the implanon out, its not a simple procedure up here in the bush. 2 weeks ago i was unwell, i presented to the A&E and after a few tests the Dr's told me i was at the beginnings of a heart attack, im 30 years old. After an emergency flight to perth and being poked and prodded and over a dozen needles i end up only having a chest and lung infection which caused fluid to build up around my heart and put it under stress. Man was i relieved! So now i want to make a change, I need to make a change. Im scared tho, we dont' have much money which will make it hard as i have to take time off work and probably travel back and forward a few times prior to surgery and im scared of having to stay with the nonsupportive family for 2 weeks. I dont' have a choice, i can't afford a hotel for two weeks. I want the surgery tho.



How hard was it to use your super to pay for the surgery? And has anyone been to Dr Senarath Werapitiya and how much did it cost, roughly?



Thanks for reading.

Jen