Last Minute Total Panic Re: Post Op Care/Insurance

[VV2010 1]

Hi everyone -

Before you read this, please take into account that I have been on a liquid pre-op diet for 2 1/2 weeks, I cracked a tooth this week and had to have a temp crown put on, and Aunt Flo is on her way into town.....I am a bit emotional............

I have been so excited up until tonight when I received a call from my brother in law. My sister had told him about the surgery, but hadn't told him it was going to be in Mexico until this evening.

My surgery is on Saturday. I feel like I did my research and have picked the best surgeon for me. I have also asked my PCP for her support. She said that she would follow the US protocol as far as follow up. She was thrilled for me.

That being said.....his biggest concern was what if something happens after I return to the US- an infection or blood clot or something else? What if your insurance company finds out you had surgery out of the country? They may not pay for your follow up. I told him that they won't approve the surgery no matter what. I am a teacher, a state employee and weight loss surgery is not ever covered by our insurance.

I know other people have had complications on this board and haven't had a problem receiving follow up care. Can anybody comment on this? I would like to know your experience or any advice you have. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of GA.

Wiping up the tears,

VV2010

[ajwatson11 0]

Even though I have not had direct experience with this, I do know that your insurance should cover any complications you may be having even if you had the surgery outside the country. They have to cover it if it is serious and is affecting your health.

My mother just returned home last week from Mexico with some slight complications and her PCP checked them out and she was fine with her insurance (she has kaiser though)

I wouldn't worry about it, but you could always call your insurance company and ask if you are covered for complications due to surgeries you pay out of pocket for.

I hope this helps.

Good Luck with the surgery!

Ainsley Watson

Sleeved August 15, 2009

Dr. Aceves (Mexicali)

Start: 250lbs

Current: 177lbs

Goal: 145lbs

[NtvTxn 1,262]

Even though I have not had direct experience with this, I do know that your insurance should cover any complications you may be having even if you had the surgery outside the country. They have to cover it if it is serious and is affecting your health.

My mother just returned home last week from Mexico with some slight complications and her PCP checked them out and she was fine with her insurance (she has kaiser though)

I wouldn't worry about it, but you could always call your insurance company and ask if you are covered for complications due to surgeries you pay out of pocket for.

I hope this helps.

Good Luck with the surgery!

Ainsley Watson

Sleeved August 15, 2009

Dr. Aceves (Mexicali)

Start: 250lbs

Current: 177lbs

Goal: 145lbs

I was wondering this same thing. I am not leaving the country, but I am self pay. Our insurance does cover WLS, but I don't qualify due to lower BMI and not health issues...but I have wondered, if there were to be commplications afterward, would my insurace cover the cost?? What if there were complications during??!! Is that included in the cash price, does anybody know?

[pnw218 14]

VV2010 ~ it is hard when family or friends probably think they are being supportive and giving you good advice, but unless they have done the research and are heavy themselves, they aren't going to understand.

My opinions below - I don't have any stats : )

It seems alot of people have this surgery every day. If there were tons of complications, we would know about it.

The clinics in Mexico depend on US citizens for their income. They want you to be healthy and happy as much as you do. Americans have been going to Mexico for less expensive medical and dental treatment for years and years.

I have not researched the insurance issues - however it would seem odd if they can turn down complications from any elective surgery whether you had it in the states or not. Also, if you walk into an emergency room, don't they have to treat you?? I guess I should read our policy and find out tho. I travel alot internationally and came very close to having my gall bladder removed in either Belize or Honduras. Now that would have been scary! LOL

My primary dr will run any tests/blood work I need as a followup. She also removed my stitches when I got back. She is not educated about the sleeve tho so can't give me specific advice. So far tho, all is good and I really don't anticipate any issues at this point.

Good Luck! You will be happy you had the surgery! :001_smile:

ntvtxn ~ you should ask your surgeon what happens with complications during surgery. It seems the clinics in Mexico don't charge anything extra. Several people have commented that their surgeon found and fixed a hernia and didn't charge them more.

[NtvTxn 1,262]

VV2010 ~ it is hard when family or friends probably think they are being supportive and giving you good advice, but unless they have done the research and are heavy themselves, they aren't going to understand.

My opinions below - I don't have any stats : )

It seems alot of people have this surgery every day. If there were tons of complications, we would know about it.

The clinics in Mexico depend on US citizens for their income. They want you to be healthy and happy as much as you do. Americans have been going to Mexico for less expensive medical and dental treatment for years and years.

I have not researched the insurance issues - however it would seem odd if they can turn down complications from any elective surgery whether you had it in the states or not. Also, if you walk into an emergency room, don't they have to treat you?? I guess I should read our policy and find out tho. I travel alot internationally and came very close to having my gall bladder removed in either Belize or Honduras. Now that would have been scary! LOL

My primary dr will run any tests/blood work I need as a followup. She also removed my stitches when I got back. She is not educated about the sleeve tho so can't give me specific advice. So far tho, all is good and I really don't anticipate any issues at this point.

Good Luck! You will be happy you had the surgery! :001_smile:

ntvtxn ~ you should ask your surgeon what happens with complications during surgery. It seems the clinics in Mexico don't charge anything extra. Several people have commented that their surgeon found and fixed a hernia and didn't charge them more.

Thanks - I'm headed to Dallas today....seminar and first doctor's appointment is Tuesday! I WILL ASK!!!! I have a notebook I am taking....with questions, questions and for NOTE taking!! Have a

nice Easter!