Low BMIers (30-35) insurance question.

[JapGirl 229]

How did you pay for your surgery? Did you use insurance? Did you go the hiatal hernia route?

I ask this because I am trying to find a doctor that does low bmi sleeves by going the hiatal hernia route. I am willing to pay the fully price for the sleeve, but if I there is a way to have my insurance cover the hernia and I'm just billed for the sleeve.... that's a substantial difference.

At this point Mexico is not an option, my SO is not comfortable with me being out of the country without him. And Google isn't helping much. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

[tdhaddox 118]

I went the hiatal hernia route. Piece of cake.

[Scottyd1264 73]

I have a low BMI (27) and was approved by insurance, But I had the lap-band which failed, so i had what they call revision sugary.

I can tell you I did have trouble finding a doctor to do the sleeve with a low BMI..... It was not as easy as I thought it would be

[JapGirl 229]

I went the hiatal hernia route. Piece of cake.

How did you go about finding a doctor willing to bill it as hiatal hernia and also do it as a low BMI patient? I'm having a hard time finding one.

[tdhaddox 118]

Actually I stumbled on it. I'm in the DFW area and there are a few options for surgeons willing to do the surgery.

My BMI was just over 33 and I don't have comorbidities...yet, but my surgeon agreed with my family history, surgery was appropriate. He also said the CDC actually supports surgery at a lower BMI dependent on family history. Not sure what area you live but you might be surprised.

[JapGirl 229]

I actually looked into traveling there. But the surgeon I had originally heard about has horrid reviews. I live in TN. I look at true results and have found that they also have a participating surgeon in St.Louis, which is where my family lives. But I can't find much info on him being willing to operate on a low bmi patient. My bmi is about 32.

[tdhaddox 118]

Not sure who you saw reviews for but I went to Nicholson and have been very pleased.

[JapGirl 229]

The Nicholson Clinic was the reviews I'd read about, mostly people saying after they were paid they didn't receive any support and we're pushed to the wayside.

[tdhaddox 118]

That's unfortunate. I've not had any issues but I haven't had any issues. I live across the metroplex from the office and where the support group meetings are so I don't go. I don't feel like it's been an issue. I'm just so happy to have been able to do this and it only cost $2100.00. My first appt to start the process was late May and I was sleeved August 31. Could have had it done much sooner but we had 2 vacations planned and a daughter to get back to college so that was the earliest time that worked for me.

[JapGirl 229]

That's unfortunate. I've not had any issues but I haven't had any issues. I live across the metroplex from the office and where the support group meetings are so I don't go. I don't feel like it's been an issue. I'm just so happy to have been able to do this and it only cost $2100.00. My first appt to start the process was late May and I was sleeved August 31. Could have had it done much sooner but we had 2 vacations planned and a daughter to get back to college so that was the earliest time that worked for me.

Do you happen to know the breakdown on cost? I know my max out of pocket is $2500. I'm curious as to what the additional cost is. Hopefully I'll be like you and not have any issue to contend with!

[tdhaddox 118]

I'm sorry, I looked back yesterday and turns out it was $2500. Not sure where I got $2100. I hope you do give them consideration, I am so pleased I did this and truly have had zero issues with any of the staff in the office.

[JapGirl 229]

I'm sorry, I looked back yesterday and turns out it was $2500. Not sure where I got $2100. I hope you do give them consideration, I am so pleased I did this and truly have had zero issues with any of the staff in the office.

I've decided to go ahead and plan it with them! Thank you! Everything I had read was negative and I was starting to question my decision. Hopefully with my insurance the price isn't outrageous. But can you really put a price tag on good health? Once my new insurance kicks in on the 1st I'll be able to get the ball rolling

[tdhaddox 118]

Yay for you!! I hope your experience is as good as mine. I'd hate to recommend someone and then it not go as well. It really has been smooth and I've not had to call for anything and my post op appointments have been fine. I go in with my list of questions and get the info I need. I've never felt rushed or like an inconvenience, but again, I'm pretty low maintenance. In addition to being a nurse I have a few friends who've done this and been a great resource. Best of luck and stay in touch. I'd love to know how it's goes!

[JapGirl 229]

Yay for you!! I hope your experience is as good as mine. I'd hate to recommend someone and then it not go as well. It really has been smooth and I've not had to call for anything and my post op appointments have been fine. I go in with my list of questions and get the info I need. I've never felt rushed or like an inconvenience, but again, I'm pretty low maintenance. In addition to being a nurse I have a few friends who've done this and been a great resource. Best of luck and stay in touch. I'd love to know how it's goes!

I'm not sure about doing the post op appointments because I live in a different state, but I will definitely keep in touch! Thank you!