Susysleever 265 Posted November 17, 2013 I dont want to wait six months. Wouldn't six month worth of results be better. I'm bipolar. Stable but still. Not 40 bmi. Makes no sense to gain to lose. Psych eval..really? Two sleep studies as if I sleep differently? And after all that fight insurance and maybe approved? I want to Git er Done. 1 HeatherSchwartz reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChihuahuaMom 23 Posted November 17, 2013 I was told the same thing by a couple coordinators, I need to gain another 20 pounds and then they would take me. Why do that? I understand they have their rules, but in the end I got accepted by 3 surgeons in Mexico because of my other health conditions. Terrible back pain, arthritis, lipidemia, GERD. Dr. alejandro lopez accepted me, also Ramos Kelly and Dr. Rodriguez. The one downside to private pay though is if there is a complication then likely your insurance won't cover treatment of it. I got complication insurance. I think the sleep studies are to rule out sleep apnea, which overweight or obese people are more likely to have & can be quite dangerous. Anyway I bypassed all of that too and I am so happy I made this decision. I've lost 15 pounds in less than 3 weeks. I feel good and my physical therapist saw me last week - he said he hadn't seen me smiling & with my old spark in a year. I have hope. I don't have to be ashamed of my appearance and only keep getting fatter & uglier every year. It also helps to be in less pain from the extra weight. I already have a little less back & foot pain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Barnett 34 Posted November 18, 2013 I just returned from Mexico and if the costs were the same I would still go back to Mexico. Phenomenal care from Alighterme. 1 Susysleever reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susysleever 265 Posted November 18, 2013 I have started the process through A Lighter Me. Good to hear that things went well for you. What were your thoughts on Dr. Ortiz? It seems to me that the doctors transfer around a lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Barnett 34 Posted November 18, 2013 Ortiz is phenomenal. I got back last night and I'm already back at work feeling fine. Plus he sent me a Facebook message asking how I am doing and if I have questions. What Dr does that!?! I saw groups from several Drs and all of them commented on how Alighterme does so much. First class system. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
homersmomma 77 Posted November 20, 2013 I can understand your reasoning for going to Mexico for the surgery. I tried to go through a clinic here in Oklahoma that offered a decent self pay price. However, every time I saw them they wanted more tests done that would also be on a self pay basis and the cost kept racking up. I am so happy that I finally have my sleeve. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Yes, I went to Mexico and I got excellent care and I would do it all over again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susysleever 265 Posted November 20, 2013 I can understand your reasoning for going to Mexico for the surgery. I tried to go through a clinic here in Oklahoma that offered a decent self pay price. However, every time I saw them they wanted more tests done that would also be on a self pay basis and the cost kept racking up. I am so happy that I finally have my sleeve. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Yes, I went to Mexico and I got excellent care and I would do it all over again. So glad it went well for you. I dont understand why they wont treat obesity as aggresively as a stroke or heart disease. They can all kill you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
homersmomma 77 Posted November 20, 2013 I agree with you there. The insurance plan where I work considered WLS to be "experimental" and was not covered. The surgeries have been performed for decades now. It's all about money. Treating the co-morbidities of obesity must be more lucrative. 1 judi23 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susysleever 265 Posted November 21, 2013 Trying not to pay now. They would rather pay for a heart attack and stroke both silent killers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Denisemc 12 Posted November 21, 2013 Ortiz is phenomenal. I got back last night and I'm already back at work feeling fine. Plus he sent me a Facebook message asking how I am doing and if I have questions. What Dr does that!?!<br><br> I saw groups from several Drs and all of them commented on how Alighterme does so much. First class system. I'm going to A lighter Me on Dec 11th Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*susan* 1,709 Posted November 21, 2013 I originally had the band in 2006, back then insurance didn't cover it. I had it done here in the states, but even being self pay, I had to jump through so many hoops it was ridiculous. I remember being frustrated with the whole process and almost cancelled a couple of times for that reason. When I revised to the sleeve, I had my surgery done in Mexico. Oh my gosh, the process was so much easier. No hoops to jump through, they reviewed my medical history and said I was eligible, told me to have my band completely unfilled and do the pre-op diet. The part that really amazed me was that once I got there, I actually received better care than I ever did in a US hospital. I had definitely not expected that. Now, I have no qualms about travelling out of country for surgery. I think you will be very pleased with your decision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites