HoosierGirl

Haha! This thread is a riot! Selected my surgeon at an International Center of Excellence, travel to an area that is not under a travel warning from the State Department, ability to get my questions answered, and price. The fact that the doctors are attractive was just an added bonus!!! :-)

CONGRATULATIONS! You are a wise woman getting in front of a weight problem! Even better that your insurance was so quick to approve you! Please share your story! My insurance has denied me and that is OK....I'm planning a trip to Tijuana in February! All the best to you!

Woohoo! Super excited for you! Please share your experience!

In doing pre-op research, I read about everyone's "goal weight" and am wondering how it's determined? Is it simply the likely end weight based on VSG statistical weight loss averages? Is it your own goal weight? Does the doctor help to determine? The bottom line is that I would like a goal weight that is really achievable. THANKS!

Fantastic information! Thank you all so much!

Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy was helpful/knowledgable. It might be worth calling them to see what they think? http://wlsappeals.com/

Heyher - hate to hear all that! My story is much the same. Are you going to keep working with the insurance or self-pay? I'm heading to Mexico in Feburary. I almost feel my insurance denial was a blessing as I became a much more educated patient in the process of waiting. Hope you have a good outcome...defintately understand your frustration.

Very excited for you! Can't wait to hear about it!

Tami - at this time, I am planning on Wednesday, February 27. I'll be traveling from Indianapolis to San Diego the day before. Let me know your dates as you finalize your plans. All the best to you!

Great to know! All the best to your sister and to you! When I finalize my date, I will let you know to see if we will be there at the same time.

WELCOME!

Tami - I am a pre-surgery too. I have been denied by my insurance company and then started researching what options were available in Mexico. A bariatric surgeon who has done many procedures at a center of excellence were important to me. So, I verified Dr. Ortiz's credentials and did a lot of online research. He has a lot of information available on YouTube I have found beneficial. His Patient Coordinator Lori has answered all my questions and I feel comfortable and excited about going to Dr. Ortiz. Plus, I thought his rates were really competitive. So, I am headed to Tijuana in February! I also read a lot of good things about Dr. Guillermo Alverez and Dr. Aceves. Good luck and let me know who you select and when you go for surgery! All the best - Shelley

BCBS of Pennsylvania have denied me twice, said they don't have to offer external review because my plan is "grandfathered" and not subject to the healthcare reform laws. My BMI is high 35/low36 and I have hypertension and am on 2 meds ...although I completed EVERY step of the insurance requirements and met all requirements, I was denied becasuse my "hypertension is controlled with medication". My surgeon's office was stunned because they are on top of all the documentation requirements and have NEVER had a denial when all the requirements were met. I'm currently working with Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy to see what my options are www.wlsappeals.com. They are VERY knowledgable. But I have been working on the denials and appeals for months. So, I am deciding to take control and have been saving like a fiend. If I don't have a definative answer yes or no, I am on my way to MEXCIO! Then I will be in control of what I am getting for my money and when I get it.

You are very wise to take care of yourself vs. relying on your insurance company to tell you what is right for you! I share your concern about potential complications. To try to "hedge" the liklihood of complications I am planning to address them by: 1 - having funds available to travel BACK to Mexico should a complication occur - enough money for an airline ticket and a couple of nights in a hotel. 2 - from what I understand, complications are more likely to occur if you are not following the post-op diet, so plan to follow the plan to the letter. 3 - planning to pay for a couple of extra nights in the hotel just to ensure I'm in the best shape possible before heading home. Hope that helps and you have a complication free experience!

Now I am REALLY looking forward to my surgery! Will be able to set my inner 'ho free....ha ha! Super post!

Super excited for you! Impressive pre-surgery weight loss...you are going to do fantastic! Will be sure to say a little prayer for you. Hugs!