Surgeon Questions

maxcat · February 10, 2010

Ok I'm having some trouble making decisions where to have the sleeve done.

I am trying to have it done here in Philly thru my insurance. My insurance will cover it if my BMI is over 50 and if it is part 1 of a 2 part operation, the second part with in 2 years.My BMI is 43 so I do not qualify. It has not been approved as a stand alone procedure. I'm jumping through all the hoops for insurance to see if the will substitute it for RNY. i hoping my surgeon will write a letter deeming it medically necessary. I'm pretty sure I am not eligable for RNY. I sometimes take steroids for my back and NSAIDS for my back and osteoporosis runs in the family. I want to get a dexascan to see if I have it too. So I'm hoping that that is enough to sub the sleeve. If not I am ready to self pay. Also insurance will have paid for all my tests and I can take the results with me where ever I go. Now the next question is where to go USA or Mexico.

I am not afraid of Mexico I have already picked a surgeon there. My problem is when I get back if there is a problem no one will help me because I am a liability problem. I hear that Texas has alot of great sleeve surgeons too, now when I get back here and have problems will I also be considered a liability because some other surgeon did the surgery? What if I moved would that also be a problem since I would not see the original surgeon? So I guess my question is would I be better off Dr wise if I had it done in US (Texas) rather than Mexico.

Also does any one have recommendations for self pay surgeon with lots of experience and reasonable prices in Texas?

Thanks to all, sorry its so long

determined1 · February 10, 2010

Not sure if this helps but my PCP said he would only do aftercare IF I didnt have any complications (bariatric surgeon is 4 hrs away in US), infact his words were "noone would touch you (me) if you had complications" and that I would have to go back to my bariatric surgeon. So if I had complications I would have to drive 4 hrs (probably in pain) to get help!!

lucygoose · February 10, 2010

I can only speak from experience. I had my surgery in Mexico and did have complications. Severe ones. No bariatric doctor in all of Atlanta or surronding areas would see me. Period. And that was even with my hospital doctor calling and asking - REPEATEDLY. My care was provided by a doctor who is a Hospitalist who happens to be on call when you are admitted. When I went back for a 2 week checkup, he said that I did not need to come back for anymore followup. He obviously wanted to wash his hands of me too. That was scary and still is. I can certainly have my blood work done by my PCP but that is as far as that goes.

I think most of us bank (literally) on the fact that complications are rare and happen to other people. And most of the time that is true. I had a wonderful experience in mexico and would recommend the surgery or doctor that I went to: but I would have a hard time recommending the location. However, I am still so thankful that I had the surgery and I feel GREAT now. But that peace of mind knowing I had the right aftercare would be priceless.