Looking to have surgery, hoping to find some answers.

[ali91890 15]

Hi, I have considered having a gastric sleeve multiple times and have recently decided to go forward with it.

I do have insurance but I don't have time to wait to find out if I will even be approved for surgery and I would like to pay out of pocket, therefore I am looking to have the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. However, I would need help with financing the surgery. I know there are a few options to do so but I am curious if there are options from the various Doctors who perform the surgery or if they are all through third parties such United Medical Credit and E-Financing Solution?

If you use one of these two financial services does it cover medical only or does it cover flights as well?

For those who have used this site would you recommend Dr. J. Lopez or Dr. Zavalza?

Is it only certain doctors who will hold a Skype session with potential patients?

How quickly does it take to get approved for financial assistance and to schedule a surgery date?

For those who have had gastric sleeve surgery how long after surgery until you went back to work?

Do you need to bring your medical records with you?

I know many people have been in this situation or one similar, what was your experience?

All replies would be greatly appreciated.

[*Lexie* 1,486]

Why wouldn't you at least check to see if your insurance covers it? You could literally make a call and generally find out if it's covered and the requirements for approval. I went to a consultation and found out that day that my insurance covered the surgery.

[2beless15 2]

Hi, I've been researching vsg almost 5 years and am saving up to go to Mexico. I truly appreciate all the information on the forum. Now just to narrow down the surgeon.

[CJFW 23]

Personally, If I had to do it again, I would not change a thing. I had the American Doctor who I could get to within a matter of minutes and his team of experts close by.

Why do you not want to try your insurance??? If you could get it done for little to no cash out of pocket from your medical insurance suppler then why are you looking to go to Mexico??

Is there a concern that you may loose coverage or the job??

IMHO, I would rather use a local doctor. I have heard about people going over to Mexico for the surgery. Which is everyone choice. But what happens 3- 5 months down the road is there is an issue and you have to go back to the doctor? Will you still have a follow up?

Also do they offer you support. I don't know where you reside but the Doctor I went to had a team of surgeons, along with nutritionists and physiologists and exercise therapists who are all available 24-7. Plus once a month they hold a support group, which came in really handy for me. I got all kinds of info and recipe's. Plus a few times a year they do a clothing swap. You can swap your too big for smaller, while your still loosing.. helps with the finances.

But I would really contact your insurance company first and find out all you can.. This is a life changing event and you will need support from all areas including the medical professional who does your sleeve. IM 5 years out and still have annual checkups with him.

[maggie409 765]

I am considering Dr Lopez with bariatric pal. I like everything I have read.

[2beless15 2]

I don't have insurance. Here in Charlotte N C prices rang 10k-34k. I read positive info on Dr. Lopez and seems 2 year follow up too.

[ali91890 15]

Why wouldn't you at least check to see if your insurance covers it? You could literally make a call and generally find out if it's covered and the requirements for approval. I went to a consultation and found out that day that my insurance covered the surgery.

I have checked with my insurance on multiple occasions. I have to do doctors visits for 6 consecutive months before I can be approved or denied. I do not have any "health problems" other than obesity and apparently my insurance says that's not enough to qualify for then to pay.

[ali91890 15]

Personally, If I had to do it again, I would not change a thing. I had the American Doctor who I could get to within a matter of minutes and his team of experts close by.

Why do you not want to try your insurance??? If you could get it done for little to no cash out of pocket from your medical insurance suppler then why are you looking to go to Mexico??

Is there a concern that you may loose coverage or the job??

IMHO, I would rather use a local doctor. I have heard about people going over to Mexico for the surgery. Which is everyone choice. But what happens 3- 5 months down the road is there is an issue and you have to go back to the doctor? Will you still have a follow up?

Also do they offer you support. I don't know where you reside but the Doctor I went to had a team of surgeons, along with nutritionists and physiologists and exercise therapists who are all available 24-7. Plus once a month they hold a support group, which came in really handy for me. I got all kinds of info and recipe's. Plus a few times a year they do a clothing swap. You can swap your too big for smaller, while your still loosing.. helps with the finances.

But I would really contact your insurance company first and find out all you can.. This is a life changing event and you will need support from all areas including the medical professional who does your sleeve. IM 5 years out and still have annual checkups with him.

I have checked with my insurance on multiple occasions. I have to do doctors visits for 6 consecutive months before I can be approved or denied. I do not have any "health problems" other than obesity and apparently my insurance says that's not enough to qualify for them to pay.

I am looking in Mexico because the surgery is significantly less expensive then anywhere I am. near...even with travel cost. The doctors wwhoI have mentioned have had very positive responses pre operation, during stay and pay operationWhich is very important to me.

There is no concern of losing coverage or my job. My concern with insurance is simply it will not be covered and I don't want to waste my money on multiple doctors visits with a hefty copay each month + multiple other evaluations to satisfy health care then be turned away. I'm not quiet sure how they can say obesity isn't a good enough reason to have surgery after multiple attempts to lose weight by diet and exercise, mostly medically supervised previously but because I don't have heart disease or diabetes I am highly likely to be turned away.

[bj5843 9]

I'm considering Dr. Jaime Ponce De Leon or Dr. Lopez through Bariatricpal. I won't be able to schedule mine until August or September so I'm researching them now. I'm also talking to someone from Beliteweight. If anyone has used them, I would appreciate any feedback.

[Kacherry 2]

I'm almost 4 weeks out! Too early to give advice yet! But having had the band for 9 yrs and then having the sleeve I would say about 90% of this is emotional and you really have to keep yourself in check! I love sweets and I haven't tried but I'm sure I could eat myself sick even with a smaller stomach!! So just keep this in mind when having any weight loss surgery I guess!! Good luck!