Standing My Ground

[aldmb2 24]

Since I was denied by my insurance & my Surgeons peer to peer talk has yet to take place (hopefully tomorrow), I told the surgeons office today that I will not be having the band or bypass. I have gone through 7 months of hell and Im not choosing another alternative. So, looks like I may be working overtime soon. Self-Pay may be in my future. Are there many out there who have self-paid?

[Lissa 2,631]

I self paid. It was worth every penny!

[IowaAndy 95]

I was self pay also and would do it again in a heartbeat.

[aldmb2 24]

Did you both have the procedure done locally or do you travel to where it was cheapest (in the USA)?

[IowaAndy 95]

I had previously had a lapband but I lost around 90 pounds and then everything stopped. I still had 100 pounds to lose and my insurance would not pay for the removal of the lapband or to have the sleeve done. They too were into lapband and bypass. I hated my band as all I ever did was vomit. I am so glad that it is gone. I went to Tijuana and had the sleeve removed and the sleeve done in a single procedure which was a little more expensive than just having the sleeve. I paid out of pocket around $6000. If I would have had it done here in Iowa it would have cost me around $40,000 and I would have had to have 2 seperate surgeries. The doctor that did my band dropped me after I went to Mexico to have the sleeve but that tells you a lot about US docs.....money,,,,,money

[Mr_Worm 129]

Self Paid...in the US

[AdvocateMom 4]

Self-pay, also. Our insurance covers no WLS at all. None. So it was self-pay or nothing. We set up an 18 month payment plan with Care Credit.

I'd do it again, but if you go the Care Credit route please be aware of the interest (around 35%) for late payments. I haven't had any, but that interest rate scares the bejeesus out of me!

[teambrown4 19]

Yep!!!! It was just a nightmare dealing with Cigna! Being approved then not then being told what to do to get approved by them only to have them dent 3 weeks before (again)!

I have many personal reasons for not going to Mexico that I just couldn't see doing but many have had success there.

Care credit is a good loan option the dr office can tell u about.

I ended up paying 20k!!! Yikes... But for the surgeon I wanted and hospital too and 5 years after care it was worth it for my peace of mind for my health.

Now with that said.. Am I glad? Well I'm only 3 weeks out an not losing but I think it'll pay off if I stay patient and disciplined!

Good luck to you!!