Lacysmom

My insurance will not cover surgery or complications. I am a self pay and now have to have my band removed due to erosion. I am headed back to Mexico to have it removed by my origianal doctor. I am very lucky to not have had to have an emergency removal as that would be $20,000+ by my local surgion and hospital. Find out now from your insurance, before you need it.

Thank you for all your help in advance. I had my lapband placed as a self pay in Mexico 21/2 years ago. I found out this week by endoscopy that it had eroded. Now I am in pain and need to have it removed soon. My problem is my insurance company. They do not pay for obesity surgery or any complications it may cause. What do I do? I can't afford the huge bill this will create. I have contacted my Doctor in Mexico. They could remove it. They would charge $800-$5000. Plus any cost for travel and hotel. I know that is still less than the US, but I am a little uneasy with how it may be removed. Mind you, this was only the scheduler, but they would remove it endoscopically. Just cut it and pull it out my mouth in office. But what if there is a hole in my stomach that must be repaired? A little scary. So any help with this situation is very needed. I know I got myself into this mess because I wanted to loose weight and look good for once in my life. I still have a good 40 more pounds to loose. I am sad, I don't want to gain it all back and have a huge finacial burden on top of it. Help!! By the way, I have Lifewise of Oregon for insurance. :thumbup:

Just an update for all those who are thinking of self paying for a lapband. My insurance said no, they would not pay for obesity surgery or any complication of. I am on my own to pay to get this thing out. I am also on my own to deal with my weight issue for the rest of my life. I believed the band was the best choice for me because it was reversable. Who wants to reverse weight loss? Anyway, I will once again have to go out of the county to receive the care I need.