Is The Sleeve For Me?

[Jesser 295]

Hello everyone! I have been researching for a few weeks now, and I'm very interested in getting the sleeve. I don't have insurance so I'm planning on saving up and getting it done in Mexico more than likely. My worries are the after care. If I get it what all follow up care would be required? With me not having insurance I won't be able to afford a lot of maintenance. Not only that, but what if complications occur and I get a leak or something? Would most doctors here in the US turn me away because I'm not their patient? Also, I have acid reflux already and I'm worried that if I go through with the surgery it may make it even worse... I know that I'm probably being a worry wart, but I would like other opinions.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Who is your doctor now? Or where do you get your medical care at? Even if it is a local clinic...Perhaps a call to find out about your questions. You will need blood work done a few times, someone to look at your stitches....and a place to go in case you have an emergency. Does your Doc in Mexico take advice calls after surgery? Make sure they have a really good plan written down for you, and don't leave you hanging without enough info to follow successful practices.

[kczar 166]

Do you not have insurance because you can't get coverage? If so, I would encourage you to look into PCIP. It's the pre-existing health insurance that was put in place in 2010. I was without insurance for ten years since I work for a small company that didn't offer a plan. After a gallbladder attack, I tried to secure individual insurance but was denied because of my weight.

You can get this insurance if you live in a participating state, have a pre-existing health condition or have been turned down for insurance and have been without coverage for at least six months. It's age rated. I'm 51 and pay $306 a month. You seem much younger so your premium will reflect that. The plan I chose has a $2,000 deductible and a $4,000 out of pocket maximum and yes, it covers the sleeve. I had my gallbladder removed in February so that and a couple of other procedures met my deductible. I have been able to get my septum corrected and am scheduled to be sleeved in three weeks, all at no additional cost.

They do require a six month monitored diet and either a BMI of 40+ or 35 with two co-morbidities.

Good luck!

[Need-a-Sleeve 211]

Hello everyone! I have been researching for a few weeks now' date=' and I'm very interested in getting the sleeve. I don't have insurance so I'm planning on saving up and getting it done in Mexico more than likely. My worries are the after care. If I get it what all follow up care would be required? With me not having insurance I won't be able to afford a lot of maintenance. Not only that, but what if complications occur and I get a leak or something? Would most doctors here in the US turn me away because I'm not their patient? Also, I have acid reflux already and I'm worried that if I go through with the surgery it may make it even worse... I know that I'm probably being a worry wart, but I would like other opinions. [/quote']

I work for an insurance carrier & they don't cover surgeries or complications done electively in other countries. I highly recommend you call your current insurance carrier to confirm. And this does NOT fall under a 'pre-existing condition' which applies to new insurance coverage.

IMHO, I would rather pay a few thousand more & have it done here where at least you know what government laws apply.