DrSayrahK

Tomorrow I am headed to see my primary doc to discuss weight loss surgery... I was already denied by insurance because its not in their policy so I've decided to go to Mexico... I'm not sure what I'm worried about but it makes me nervous that he won't "approve"... I want him to tell me this is the right move even though I know his opinion doesn't matter and in my heart I know it's time for a change... November last year I married the love of my life... November this year I hope to be on the road to a new healthier me!!! Anyone have a nov surgery date? Mine is probably nov 17th!!

My doc visit went really well. He was very encouraging and actually I have decided to push off surgery. He wasn't against me going out of the country, however, encouraged me to start with step 1 and 2 instead of jump to 3 and 4. I totally see his point of view and he is willing to help me on the journey. I joined weight watchers and am going to give that a go.... in a few months I will reevaluate and see where I'm at and how well I'm doing. If I can do this without surgery, I will. If not, I will look back into surgery. Thanks for asking!

Hey Ready to Lost it! My goal is to lose weight before my surgery too... I think I've been thinking the "I better eat it now before surgery" junk too.... it's hard but I know I need to get busy working on it! Good luck!

Thanks, same to you! Maybe we'll have more to join the group! I'd love to get to know others who are in about the same stage as us! I think it helps! Are you doing a "diet" right now? I am headed to my primary doc today to discuss my surgery and all that jazz. Hopefully he will have some helpful insight for me! I'm ready to get this show on the road!

Thanks yvette!! Where in Mexico will you be headed? You're completely right... It is about happiness and feeling better mentally and physically!

I plan to be sleeved in November I was denied by insurance... Isn't covered by my plan so I plan to go to tj Mexico to see dr Kelly. My plan is nov 17th . Can't wait!!!

I too love hearing stories about dr Kelly. I'm not scheduled until nov 17th... All about taking time off work. Can't wait to hear how everyone does!!

how are you doing?

Good to hear! I hope today is even better for you!!

Exciting!!!! Congratulations!! Look forward to the update!!

That's so cute! Don't stop....don't give up! I wish I could say I was on the other side of the surgery and already dropping the pounds. Hopefully soon.... we'll see! Good luck to everyone else out there...no matter what side you're on and what you're dealing with!

Hello Everyone! I have really enjoyed reading and learning about VSG on this site! Super helpful and encouraging! I am hoping and planning to have surgery in November, probably the week I am out for Thanksgiving break. This is also my 1st Anniversary, my husband is being such an amazing sport and huge encouragement! I had hoped to have my insurance cover my surgery at a local hospital, however, since filling out the paperwork I have been told that my insurance won't cover "elective surgeries" without it being medically necessary. 1st question- has anyone been able to prove the surgery was medically necessary? I have PCOS, high blood pressure, and asthma. I can't imagine how those 3 things aren't medically necessary. Any thoughts on this? There aren't really any guidelines for wls with my insurance, so I have no idea how this works. If I am unable to have the surgery here in the states, I would really like to go to Mexico. Years ago, a lady that helped in my classroom had the lapband surgery in Mexico, I thought she was crazy. After reading up on the surgery and the different doctors there, I don't feel like it's that bad. My husband is fine with it, he tells me if that's what I want to do, he's there with me. My parents aren't 100% sold on the idea yet. I want them to feel comfortable with it. I think the reason they are worried is because when I was 5 (23 years ago) I had a tonsillectomy and while I was on the table my lungs filled up with Fluid and I almost died. I think this was a reaction to the anesthesia. I have had my wisdom teeth taken out and 2 foot surgeries since that time and didn't have any problems. My concern is I don't think this was the same type.... any thoughts on this? Anyone have knowledge about anesthesia? I had decided and been in contact with Omar at Dr. Kelly's office in Mexico. There are several other doctors there that I feel would do a wonderful job, however, price is a huge factor for me. So with that being said, would anyone share their Dr. Kelly story with me? One more thing and I'll be quiet for now, Does anyone know of a place in the USA that is cheaper for the surgery without insurance? My doctor told me it would be $16,000.... OUCH! I just can't afford that. I would need for it to be closer to 6,000. I just don't think I'm going to find that here in the USA. I have an appointment with my PCP on Tuesday. Maybe he will be able to lead me in the right direction but I figured if anyone had any advice to offer, that'd be wonderful! Sorry to be so wordy and have so many questions! I look forward to getting to know some of you! Thanks, Sarah

Congratulations! You look amazing!!

Thanks ladies! I feel so stuck. The surgeon's office I have been in touch with here said they have never seen an insurance policy like mine. I am getting my PhD, so it's graduate student resource insurance. Just one of those "road blocks" I have to deal with. There aren't any specifics written about baractric surgery, etc. The only mention would be the "elective surgeries" but nothing about wls, etc. So there aren't any "rules" in place for the surgery, etc. That's what makes me think they won't cover it. @tracey, do you have a copy of the letter you made? If so, do you mind sharing it with me? I would like to go into the doctors office on Tuesday and have everything together and ready for him. Thanks again ladies! I guess it's just a wait and see sort of thing.

I have already talked to my insurance a couple of times. I have graduate insurance, if that tells anyone something? It doesn't list anything specifically for bariatric surgery.... that's the problem. Of course, they are also extremely hesitant to say much on the phone. All they said was according to my policy they do not cover elective surgeries. Bariatric surgery is an elective surgery, so unless it is medically necessary they will not cover. I asked, what exactly does it mean to be medically necessary? They lady said, life threatening. In my opinion, high blood pressure, asthma, and PCOS can all be life threatening....but who knows. I figured I would talk to my doctor on Tuesday and see what he suggests and then call the hospital back. My insurance also said they wouldn't do a precertification. I would HATE to be stuck with a $16,000 medical bill. I definitely don't have the money to cover that.

Hope you're doing well! I'd love to hear about your experience!!