Jordy423

Hey all, I need your assistance! I'm new to this site. My aunt had her VSG last August and looks amazing. I attended a seminar 3 weeks ago that my aunts surgeon asked her to speak and share her experience. She and my doctor recommended this surgery and I was so hyped to learn of this procedure, turned in my insurance information at the seminar and enrolled into "the program" Thispast Monday was my appointment to go over insurance, and she immediately told me my UHC Premium PPO has a lifetime max of $15,000 and I must have a 5 year history in order to qualify. My out of pocket would be $3200 which is do-able... however the surgery will cost well over $15,0000 and I do not have a 5 year history My weight has gone up and down, up and down over the last 10 years, and I've moved so much within the last 5 years I didn't have health insurance for awhile and no record of 5 year history. My BMI is 39.5 now after losing 10 lbs due to new migraine medication, (before it was 40.3) with multiple comorbidities (hypertension, high cholesterol, PCOS, foot pain/arthritis, GERD and urinary incontinence which is all new to me that started 2 years ago.) I'm at a loss. The insurance nurse told me I need to find other insurance. Do I really need to find another job to get this procedure done? I had an interview with JPMorgan Chase last week who I believe goes through UHC as well, but the nurse believed they worked better. I don't want to risk getting a new job making less money, just to find out I'm denied. I called the number on the back of my insurance card to confirm if this was in fact true, and they said yes and would have a bariatric case nurse from UHC call me within 5-7 business days... but they will probably just confirm this awful news that my employer is requiring all this and has this cap. I need help. Anyone's thoughts, experience, knowledge? I'm in tears. I don't wan't to lose all this weight again, just to have it gained all back and more like I have my whole life. My body can't take it anymore, especially now that I have all these new comorbidties. Any work for Chase and has UHC that could inform me of the requirements? Or any help. I'm desperate. Your responses would be so much appreciated. Thanks Comorbidities

Thanks guys! I'm going to call Dr. Umbach's office in the morning for more info.

PdxMan who is your surgeon in Vegas??

Thanks for all the responses everyone. I will look into the doctor in Vegas and Mexico. Just hearing "Mexico" somehow scares me because I know this is a very serious surgery and can have complications if not done right in the hands of a great doctor. But I will definitely research all my options before I push any away. Thanks all. I never thought about finding a cheaper surgeon out of state.