My Journey began in March for surgery in SC, surgery is now in Mexico on June 27th

StephieLynn · June 18, 2011

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading posts and doing lots and lots of research. My journey started in March when my lung specialist suggested I have bariatric surgery done. I am a state employee and just this year, the legislature voted to allow 100 bariatric surgeries to be paid for by insurance. When I booked the appt and saw the doctor, there were still openings in my area. I didn't have to go through all of the other required procedures because I had already had them. So getting to the actual appt day was very fast. Once all paperwork was submitted to insurance co. I get a call from the BCBS nurse telling me I was qualified to have the surgery, but I wasn't qualified for the state program because of a small glitch. (15 year state employee, switched for 2 years to Blue Choice and I just switched back to state standard 18 months ago. The requirement is two years as state standard policy holder.) She also said had I been qualified, I was number 18 on the waiting list for my area and that is would probably be at least another year. The one good thing that came out of my visit with the Dr. was the fact that I was leaning toward the lap band and he mentioned the sleeve and I didn't really know much about it, so hadn't considered it. He told me, that if they had to choose just one surgery to perform for bariatric patients, it would be the gastric sleeve. He said it is the one that has the least amount of complications and if most successful. THAT 10 minute conversation cost me $485! We are still fighting to get back part of that money because they should have prequalified me before scheduling me for an appt.

Finding this information out, set me on the path for other options. Unfortunately, when I checked into cash pay with that doctor, I was told the cash pay price was 20,000. I also have to have a hiatal hernia repaired, which insurance does cover. The BCBS nurse, suggested I talked to him to see about doing the hiatal hernia surgery with the sleeve surgery on the side to reduce the cash pay amount since insurance would be paying for everything else. So, I called to find that out and was told it would still be 20,000 for the sleeve surgery and they would bill my insurance company for the additional hernia surgery and I would still be responsibly any additional costs with that like my 20% that insurance does not pay. Lets talk greedy!

My research led me to Mexico. I have done a lot of research and I decided to go with Dr. Ortiz with Obesity Control Center. I must say, I am having my doubts after seeing so much being said about Dr. Aceves. (not that there is anything bad about Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Aceves just has a big following.) I even called them after I booked with Dr. Ortiz, but something keeps telling me to stay with Dr. Ortiz. There doesn't seem to be too many patients on here that have had Dr. Ortiz ao I think that is where my doubts are coming in to play with my mind.

I have been on the pre-op diet of liquid Protein Shakes and a lean cuisine meal a day. I have lost 9 pounds in spite of having to attend a family reunion and 2 birthday parties without cheating, so that is pretty exciting but I must say it isn't how I want to eat the rest of my life. My surgery is the 27th, and we will be flying out of SC on the 25th so we will have a couple of days to do other things before the surgery. I think I am starting to get a little anxious, but I am hoping that is normal no matter where you have it done.

Raine · June 18, 2011

It is normal. I am happy you decided on the sleeve, the band has so many complications and not enough results but thats just my opinion. You did your research and your homework, you should be fine. Keep us updated on how things go and good luck! Sounds like you are determined so I have no doubt you will make it.

*waves from the sister state of NC*

Angela Sims · June 19, 2011

Hi, I am from SC and will be having sleeve surgery in Mexico with Dr. Kelly on 7/13.. Do you mind me asking what area you live in and what dr?

I had lapband done in 2006 in Mexico and had an emergency removal in 2008 because it had slipped and I had let it go long enough I was already have kidneys and other organs to shut down.. Dr. Givens in Columbia removed it and has already told me he would take care of me after this trip to Mexico.. He says he understands that I just can't front the money to have him to do it..

Good luck and I would like to hear from you,

Angela

StephieLynn · June 19, 2011

Hi Angela!

Wow! How interesting. I live in Gilbert near Lexington. Since you mentioned Dr. Givens, I know you are close by. That is the group I was originally going to (Dr. Antonetti). That is good to know he will take care of you afterwards.. I am going to Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center in TJ . My best friend had lap band done with Dr. Tribble in Columbia and has done great but I Dr. Antonetti is the one that convinced me to go with the sleeve. I just couldn't afford them, like you said. Plus the sleeve has no maintenance like the band does.

Hi, I am from SC and will be having sleeve surgery in Mexico with Dr. Kelly on 7/13.. Do you mind me asking what area you live in and what dr?

I had lapband done in 2006 in Mexico and had an emergency removal in 2008 because it had slipped and I had let it go long enough I was already have kidneys and other organs to shut down.. Dr. Givens in Columbia removed it and has already told me he would take care of me after this trip to Mexico.. He says he understands that I just can't front the money to have him to do it..

Good luck and I would like to hear from you,

Angela

StephieLynn · June 19, 2011

Thanks Raine! I really appreciate the support.

It is normal. I am happy you decided on the sleeve, the band has so many complications and not enough results but thats just my opinion. You did your research and your homework, you should be fine. Keep us updated on how things go and good luck! Sounds like you are determined so I have no doubt you will make it.

*waves from the sister state of NC*

Angela Sims · June 19, 2011

Hello, I live in the Three Fountains or West Columbia near the airport... It is good to hear from someone close by.. I really do not recommend the band.. I vomited every day from the time I had my first fill until the day it was removed 2 yrs and 1 month later.. I did lose 150+lbs but have gained all of it back plus some... I know that I would be dead if it was still in...Good luck and I would like to stay in touch.. my email is twinsand1@windstream.net...

Angela

Hi Angela!

Wow! How interesting. I live in Gilbert near Lexington. Since you mentioned Dr. Givens, I know you are close by. That is the group I was originally going to (Dr. Antonetti). That is good to know he will take care of you afterwards.. I am going to Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center in TJ . My best friend had lap band done with Dr. Tribble in Columbia and has done great but I Dr. Antonetti is the one that convinced me to go with the sleeve. I just couldn't afford them, like you said. Plus the sleeve has no maintenance like the band does.