Discouraged & Confused

[shelleyrn22 78]

I went to info session this evening. Super discouraged and wish I hadn't even gone. Found out today my employer has an "obesity exclusion" on our BCBS of AL policy. The surgeon's office where I attended the seminar advised me they have no financing options and they don't accept Care Credit. A clinic in neighboring state does. I'm still considering the Mexico option, even though my bf & bestie both have a fit when I mention it. I am terrified of the debt w/Care Credit but just as terrified of diabetes, heart trouble, joint replacement, etc (all of which would be covered by my policy). I have some savings, but definitely not anywhere near $15K. Ughhh.... Any suggestions? Thoughts? Encouragement? BMI is 39, I'm 40 & ready to live healthy! Help

[mommykristie 59]

Is the exclusion just for your particular employer? I also have BCBS of AL but with PEEHIP. Have you checked around with other surgeon's offices to see if they offer financing options?

[highland 168]

I can definately relate, only I went through all of the pre-op tests BEFORE I was Informed that my BCBS also had an obesity clause!!! That was 6 years ago. Last year I decided to bite the bullet and just pay for it. UGH!!!! I'm also getting ready for a TT and breast Reduction that I'll also be paying! My only advise to you is figure it out, whatever it takes. I gained another 30 pounds and aged Nother six years into my fifties by waiting. So wish I had figured out a way to pay six years ago. Best wishes to you. Hope you can figure something out.

[shelleyrn22 78]

Is the exclusion just for your particular employer? I also have BCBS of AL but with PEEHIP. Have you checked around with other surgeon's offices to see if they offer financing options?

There's a clinic in Mobile that I'm going to call tomorrow and register for yet another seminar. If all else fails, I could possibly look into refi on my home. :/ My employer set the exclusion - And I'm a nurse. Lol!

[123crod 170]

Cheaper in Houston. Worth the drive. I was self pay in Houston. Put it on a zero interest credit card so worth it!

Cheri

[Miss Meow 12]

On this forum in the self pay section someone mentioned a doctor in Dearborn Michigan names Dr Ali Elhorr or something to that effect that does surgery for less than 10k.

[danielle b 32]

I went to info session this evening. Super discouraged and wish I hadn't even gone. Found out today my employer has an "obesity exclusion" on our BCBS of AL policy. The surgeon's office where I attended the seminar advised me they have no financing options and they don't accept Care Credit. A clinic in neighboring state does. I'm still considering the Mexico option, even though my bf & bestie both have a fit when I mention it. I am terrified of the debt w/Care Credit but just as terrified of diabetes, heart trouble, joint replacement, etc (all of which would be covered by my policy). I have some savings, but definitely not anywhere near $15K. Ughhh.... Any suggestions? Thoughts? Encouragement? BMI is 39, I'm 40 & ready to live healthy! Help

I am all for Mexico....there are alot of wonderful doctors there. Just do your research. I have a group of girls on Facebook that go to Clinica Jerusalem in Tijuana. I am going to Mexico for plastic surgery in June. I believe the clinic I am attending also does lapband. It is called cosmed clinic. Google them and do research...I was going to originally go to Mexico for my band...then finances happened and it was put off. Then I got insurance that covered it...but my surgeon from Oregon was trained in Tijuana. Also, Mexico has been doing the band alot longer than the U.S. good luck to you...

[Miss Meow 12]

I did it in Mexico with Dr. Pedro Kuri. The price was $5000 and the experience was way better than expected. Beautiful clinic and he has been doing lap band surgery longer than most US doctors. His website is lapbandsurgery.com.

I have no regrets. His staff picks you up at the San Diego airport and drives you into Tijuana. You stay the night in his clinic that actually looks lie a very nice hotel.

[NWgirl 574]

I would look around the US a little- seems there's a guy in Colorado who does it for fairly cheap and it seems like true Results is usually around 10k. I have no idea about business practices, etc of these places but have read about other self-payers going to them.

If you go to Mexico, make sure to set up a fill doc before. I have heard that it can be hard to find someone.

[shelleyrn22 78]

Well... Went to a different seminar today. I've decided to refinance my home (I'm only 2yrs into my mortgage) and self pay locally. I'm super excited! Start the refi process tomorrow and first dr appt is next week

[yelorz 9]

Well... Went to a different seminar today. I've decided to refinance my home (I'm only 2yrs into my mortgage) and self pay locally. I'm super excited! Start the refi process tomorrow and first dr appt is next week

Good for you! I find out tomorrow if my insurance will pay. If not, I'll take the money out of my 401k. I'm so determined to do this. I'm 61 and have been dieting since I was 12. This is my last-ditch effort. I've done a lot of research about lap band and talked to several people so I'm psyched. Good luck to you!

[dhales 98]

True Results in Houston was $9000 with a year of follow care and fills. My insurance also had an exclusion...however True Results was able to go in and find a loop hole that allowed me to have a hernia repair (which insurance covered part of) and the lap band at the same time. It ended up being only $5500 out of pocket.

[yelorz 9]

$5500 would be bettern than $9888, for sure.