Suspicions....

[Snufflegus 80]

I was sleeved (self pay) in the states, my husband in Mexico (3 weeks apart).

My fee was $14k almost equally split amongst the surgeon and hospital. I went to one of the leading surgeons in my area.

He chose a surgeon in Mexico with loads of experience in the bariatric field and did pay more for that knowledge. He was also accredited by medical associations in both countries, which gave us piece of mind in case something did happen. He said his surgery was very similar to mine in experiences of patient care and stay.

It honestly comes down to budget and comfort. Originally we were going to wait a year apart and he was going to use my surgeon but after seeing the process and the recovery he felt more than comfortable saving almost half and traveling for surgery. Some can not afford the US prices and Mexico is viable, some do not want the hassle of traveling post op and that is understandable.

Either way we are both losing and bettering our lives. I will be considering Medical Tourism for plastics when that time comes.

[skikyd 165]

I had my sleeve done ne in the Boston area. At a center of excellence. My insurance company insisted on it.

The surgeon's fee was $5000. Anistezioligist wasanother$5000.

The entire experience was $23000. ( list). Including POST OP COMPLICATIONS, which added 4 days of hospital to my initial stay.

I am sure my insurance co will pay way less than $23k.

My wife gets MRI's, list price $6000. The "rate netgioated " by insurance is $2400.

If I had to be self pay I would have asked for the insurance rate.

Out of. Country scares me. I was considering Belgium. After the cardiac complications...... I am glad I was here in the US.

[TBodmer71 245]

I had my sleeve done ne in the Boston area. At a center of excellence. My insurance company insisted on it.

The surgeon's fee was $5000. Anistezioligist wasanother$5000.

The entire experience was $23000. ( list). Including POST OP COMPLICATIONS, which added 4 days of hospital to my initial stay.

I am sure my insurance co will pay way less than $23k.

My wife gets MRI's, list price $6000. The "rate netgioated " by insurance is $2400.

If I had to be self pay I would have asked for the insurance rate.

Out of. Country scares me. I was considering Belgium. After the cardiac complications...... I am glad I was here in the US.

I am about an hour north of Boston, in Southern New Hampshire. I also went to a center of excellence. My insurance covered all but $1300. The actual total billed to the insurance was also $23,000. My insurance and bariatric surgeon made me jump through hoops for 8 months prior to surgery. During that time I did a lot of research, learning, and testing. I feel I was probably a lot more prepared for surgery than those that choose self-pay here in the US or MX and are able to schedule surgery within weeks.

[skikyd 165]

My insurance company required a 6 month supervised program. It took me 2 months to get in. I was irked at first. But, looking back on it ... It was for the best.

I was down 40 pounds before surgery, which is safer, and I was able to " practice" being sleeved.

My mind was right, by the time I got to it.

A friend started with me in Jan 2013. He had no such requirement. He didn't lose Ny weight or, get his mind right. He was re scheduled twice and later droppedby the surgeon.