baribetty

I had a VSG through Kaiser, and my partner had theirs through MBC tldr: MBC falls short in care and cleanliness, Kaiser is cheaper but takes 4-5 months. With Kaiser, I took 16 weeks worth of classes, did pre-op tests, EKG etc, waited a couple weeks and then had surgery for about $700. Kaiser is certainly the longer but cheaper pathway. I also think there is a lot of value in getting your head in the right place before surgery, and committing to 4+ months of pre-op does the job. It is annoying and hard to wrap your head around at the beginning but it went by quickly for me, even having to drive 1.5 hours each way to classes. I’m glad I used Kaiser so we have the resources given to me for him to use as well. MBC: Surgery is scheduled 2 weeks out from pre-approval (website form) and deposit, as thats the timeline required for the pre op diet. This is VERY fast and convenient. We paid about $5000. We are all familiar enough with US standards for hospitals, so here is where MBC falls short on that front: - his incisions bled through his gown after surgery, they would not give him a clean gown and told him he should just put on his street clothes. So, he wore a bloody gown for 2 days as the waist band on his sweat pants would’ve been super uncomfortable. - bandages/tape on floor of recovery room from previous patient. - Less than ideal bathroom cleanliness in room - Broken toilet for the entirety of his stay (he requested it to be looked at, at least 6 times before just pleading for it to be turned off at the water so it would stop running so he could sleep. There was urine and vomit in his toilet for his whole stay. Care comparison: Kaiser: I was on a morphine drip and could push the button every 10 minutes if I was experiencing pain. I was given injections for nausea. Lots of room to walk the halls. Attentive nursing staff. It was overall great. MBC: any time he asked for pain or nausea medication the nurse would say “I will check” and leave the room. Then, he’d wait an hour and have to ask again, only to hear the same response. You’re pretty on your own during recovery. He found that this was also the case for the other patients he drove back to San Diego with after surgery. It was not simply a bad experience, but the standard. Technically MBC contracts with the hospital to use their facility, and the nurses do not work for them directly. They have no skin in the MBC game when it comes to patient satisfaction and it shows. We hoped that tipping would help, but it didn’t seem to make a difference. My incisions with Kaiser were glued shut. His were open and we changed the gauze every day. It’s a little scary looking and you’re left wondering, “is this normal? Are these infected?” Kaiser: no drain, no leak test MBC: drain and leak test. Kaiser: you get a full binder of pre and post op instructions with diet guides for life. MBC: all of their instructions are on their website. What you see online before surgery is generally what you get in that regard. It is convenient to google quick answers to things like how many fluid ounces I should be having, etc and accessing the info easily on their website however it is no where near as comprehensive as Kaiser. Feel free to ask me anything, I’m sure there’s more for me to add and I will in comments. If you go with MBC, you should have low expectations and be willing and comfortable advocating for yourself. Ultimately, both work but the cleanliness and lack of care from MBC made me uneasy.

Has anyone gone to Heartland Weight Loss clinic? They advertise $9,999 self pay VSG but I don’t see a lot of information about them online.

I lost 120 pounds and have the same cup size, just lost some density on top.

This was our alternative choice and could have been the better one, now with hindsight. But to be fair, I’ve heard the same thing about MBC however it wasn’t our experience. 

Hello! My partner is considering doing self pay in Mexico (I went though Kaiser, it was great but slow). I’m wondering if others can share their experience with post op care. I’ve seen people say they’ve been refused care because they got the surgery done in Mexico. Some have said don’t tell your doctor where you got it done… how would someone skirt around that? Say “I got a VSG, but I refuse to tell you where?” (Awkward?!) What about post op labs? What if there are complications once you’re home? He is on MediCal through the end of the year and will probably switch to BCBS or Kaiser next year. Thanks for any insight or experiences you are willing to share

Yes. It helps a ton with incision pain. Highly recommend it!

How was your experience with MedicalMex? I can’t find a lot of info about them online. I hope it’s going great for you so far!!

Darn! I’m sorry. I assume it would be the same for me. Do you know why you didn’t qualify for their lower price? Insurance reasons? What are you thinking next? I found Heartland Weightloss in MO yesterday for $9999 but I can’t find much info about them online. Would you consider Mexico?

How did it go?

Wow, that sounds awful, Im so sorry! How was your experience with your doctor in Mexico? Would you choose the same surgeon? Anything to watch for? Thanks!

Can anyone share their timeline with Blossom Bariatrics?

Yea, so it seems! Which is different than Kaiser. Though, I must say that I lost Kaiser coverage soon after my surgery and didn’t carry on with the post op plan they had and I’ve been perfectly fine… I’ve seen others have complications and I wonder what happens then?! Thanks for responding. Maybe others will have insight for us too.

How has your post op experience been? I’m curious about how that goes once you’re back in the US. Do you have a post op schedule for labs or anything like that? Have you had negative reactions from doctors becuase you had your surgery done in Mexico? Thanks!

Hello! I went through Kaiser for my VSG a few years ago and now my husband is interested in having the surgery as well. He is changing insurance and I’m wondering if anyone has had a really smooth and easy approval and surgery process. Might as well shoot for the best! If you have suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!

Just a tidbit here... I didn’t consume any marijuana around my surgery, then a couple months in I started using it a bit. A few months after that I stopped and dropped 20 lingering pounds. I can eat SO much more (and want to) when I’m high.

Hello! I got my referral in IE, too :). I simply let my primary physician know I was interested (I weighed 289 at 5’4”). He didn’t blink an eye. Then I started Options in November (quickly after my referral) and had surgery 5/2. Getting the referral was no problem, and there was no need to list reasons, other than the obvious. Let me know if you have any more questions since we are in the same region!

I walked out of the last options class and immediately called to make an appt with the Surgeon. I believe there was about a 3 week wait? Then at the appt I said I was ready when he was, and had the surgery 11 days later! I went through Options at Kaiser in Fontana. Let me know if you have more questions! Good luck :)

I have told only a few family members and one friend. I’m two years out, lost 123 pounds and no one has raised an eyebrow bc it is such a gradual process. You don’t need to tell anyone you don’t want to know. I’m glad I didn’t tell anyone else. It adds pressure and judgement. 

I suggest having a stomach binder. It will help add pressure to the incisions and relieve pain. Best of luck! I’m two years out, I was scared as hell, but it was 100% worth it.

Hi friends! I know this thread is old, but since we are at our two year surgiversary, I thought I’d check in. I’ve lost about 123 pounds (HW 289), and I’m feeling pretty normal at this new size, meaning I’ve gotten used to it. I feel good, but still have insecurities like loose tummy and inner thigh skin. Overall, really happy to have had the surgery and would do it all over again. How’s everyone else doing??

How did your TT go?

I told a very select few, and I’m glad I didn’t tell more people. I don’t need the world of Facebook watching (and judging) my journey. I think it could be a good level of accountability for some, but for me, no way.

Summers eve body wash is very scent neutralizing

Was it difficult to have the surgeries covered by your insurance? I am under the impression that insurance might cover it if the extra skin is causing issues. I wish I had insurance that would cover plastics!

How was the drain removal? I am so freaked out by the thought of drains! Do they pull them out slowly? Fast? Do they have to stitch up where they are pulled out from?