What ins. pays for VSG?

[AJW 18]

And for those of you who have gone to Mexico recently, what was the price and what did it include?

My band surgeon also does VSG, but he's here in California. I've asked for a quote; still waiting to get it. I have Healthnet PPO, so am also wondering if they'll pay for VSG. I was looking into the band but because of the long-term issues with the band, it's not looking very appealing. I've been pre-opted so far and am waiting for an ulcer to heal before proceding to one or other WLS, not RNY though. Would love to know the financing issues/answers and ins. who will pay. Thanks!:frown1:

[Ruthi 60]

OMG, I am from Santa Clarita too

[Ruthi 60]

For answers to your original question, it costs about 18 to 20 K for banding in this part of the state. I am sure it is at least that for the VSG if not more. Less than 1/2 that in Mexico and there are good surgeons there and the care is actually better. If the insurance covers it, what would be your deductable?

[AJW 18]

Thanks, I'm excited that you are in SCV too! I consulted with BH Physicians for the band, which my insurance will pay for, but they also do the VGS as well. I sort of doubt my insurance will pay for it, but I'm investigating the possibilities. I'm willing to go to Dr. Aceves since I've heard so many great things.

Edited June 23, 2009 by AJW

[Ruthi 60]

You wont regret it, I couldnt be more satisfied and if you get it done in July it costs 8750.00 That includes all tests, surgery and 3 hospital nights. Also one night in a very nice hotel the night before. The hospital is small but spotless. The staff is English speaking. Very nice also. Dr Aceves is the best and from what I can tell from others on this board, he is the most experienced with the best post op record. Insurance usually requires alot to get approved but then I dont know what your insurance requirements are. My lap band surgeon was Dr Liu, the one that is on the lap band commercials during the Biggest Loser show. All he does is lap bands. I only had mine 6 months. Give me a call if you want to chat, you have my number

[Malaika 50]

OMG, I am from Santa Clarita too

Wow Ruthi --- how cool is that... you're in one another's back yard!!

[AJW 18]

Thanks, Ruthie, and everyone. I can't get it done that soon; does the price go up after that date?

[Malaika 50]

Thanks, Ruthie, and everyone. I can't get it done that soon; does the price go up after that date?

His normal price on a "virgin" sleeve is $9500. And it includes all - all pre-op and post-op tests, surgery, anethesia, 3 nights in hospital and one night a the Lucerne Resort. Was worth every single solitary penny to me.

[MacMadame 81]

What insurance will cover a sleeve seems to change a lot. Your best bet is to just ask them.

Bariatric surgery seems more expensive in SoCal than NorCal too. I find that interesting as isn't the CoL higher here (in NorCal) than there (in SoCal)?

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

And for those of you who have gone to Mexico recently, what was the price and what did it include?

My band surgeon also does VSG, but he's here in California. I've asked for a quote; still waiting to get it. I have Healthnet PPO, so am also wondering if they'll pay for VSG. I was looking into the band but because of the long-term issues with the band, it's not looking very appealing. I've been pre-opted so far and am waiting for an ulcer to heal before proceding to one or other WLS, not RNY though. Would love to know the financing issues/answers and ins. who will pay. Thanks!:lol0:

Dr. Aceves has a promotional thing going right now. It's $8750 and that includes everything. Not your transportation but everything else. I think it ends in August but I'm not sure.

[AJW 18]

I'm trying to find out if my insurance will pay for this, but as I say, I doubt it as it's considered investigational. I'm waiting to hear back from my surgical consultant - she's been in touch with the insurance company. So far I haven't heard anything about anything.:thumbup:

[MacMadame 81]

Some insurances say they don't cover it, but then you appeal and they cover it. It might be worth going ahead no matter they say.

[AJW 18]

Today I was watching TV and noticed that for some unk. reason I had gas pain in my upper mid-seciton. I NEVER have gas pain nor stomach problems, per se. I kept thinking that IF I had the band, this might be a common occurence. I'm not good with pain in the stomach or with on-going pain issues. I'm wondering if that would make me a poor candidate for the band? My surgery has not been scheduled because they found an ulcer upon upper GI endoscopy so GI doc wants me to let that heal before taking any further action. I'm thinking this might be a good thing so I can figure out which procedure I really want. I'm 60 so I don't want ongoing problems and I do have 100 pounds to lose. Which way to go here?:thumbup:

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Today I was watching TV and noticed that for some unk. reason I had gas pain in my upper mid-seciton. I NEVER have gas pain nor stomach problems, per se. I kept thinking that IF I had the band, this might be a common occurence. I'm not good with pain in the stomach or with on-going pain issues. I'm wondering if that would make me a poor candidate for the band? My surgery has not been scheduled because they found an ulcer upon upper GI endoscopy so GI doc wants me to let that heal before taking any further action. I'm thinking this might be a good thing so I can figure out which procedure I really want. I'm 60 so I don't want ongoing problems and I do have 100 pounds to lose. Which way to go here?:thumbup:

I'm not a fan of the band. If someone has a 30-32 BMI it's okay if it is an only choice but I've had both and the band is not easy.

Question... I'm not trying to be insulting here but you say you are 60. Do you have all your original teeth? The reason I ask is that if you happen to be one with dentures I certainly would not get a band. You have to chew your food to a paste with a band. With a sleeve you have to chew better than most do pre-op but nothing like you have to with a band.

With a band you are a slave to aftercare and aftercare can potentially be quite expensive unless insurance covers everything. Fixing slipped bands, flipped ports, disconnected tubing, upper GIs to diagnose various band problems, it's quite expensive. People get bands because they are cheaper than sleeves/bypass but when you factor in the aftercare they are quite expensive, more than sleeves.

Social situations are not fun with a band. You eat something, it gets stuck, and you hork it up. ;o) I am just not a fan of bands. Too many complications. Too many long term complications with a band.

[AJW 18]

60 isn't that old! Of course I have all my teeth. LOL!!