really just searching for answers....

[hyperola 0]

Hi, I'm new to this all and was just wanting to search it out before I took a "surgical" plunge. We have little money for me to be able to do this, so I would have to need insurance assistance. Any pointers?:thumbup:

[maxi2010 0]

Hi Hyperola.

Before you do anything, go to an information session and go online to find out all you can about the different options. Figure out if bariatric surgery is right for you and which option makes the most sense for you. Banding made the most sense to me, since it is the least invasive procedure, which is why I am here.

Once you make the decision to have surgery, you should try to see if you can get it covered through insurance. If you have insurance, read their medical policy on bariatric surgery. Make sure you follow their requirements very carefully. Because the process to have surgery usually takes several months, your medical policy may change during your waiting period. Mine did. If you are denied, see if you can get it over turned. I was able to get my initial denial overturned. If you cannot get the insurance approved, you will have to decide if the surgery is important enough to pay for it out of pocket. You will have to make the decision if you want to try to find lower cost surgeons. If you save your money over a period of time (usually around 1 year), you can probably come up with sufficient funds to cover the procedure. The procedure is much lower cost in Mexico than in the US. Many of the bandsters here have used Mexican doctors and seem to be happy with their results. Many US doctors accept band patients from other practices [mine does] so many of these patients find US doctors after their procedure for their fills.

From my first info session to my surgery date was close to 2 years. Some of that time was spent soul searching in deciding if this procedure was what I really wanted and I had other complications that got in my way and pushed my date further out.

Good luck. I hope you have an easier process in getting banded than me. If you choose not to get banded, I hope you find what you are looking for.

Maxi

Edited September 14, 2010 by maxi2010