Unsure and Dissapointed

MustangGirlRN · February 3, 2009

When I first started looking in the lapband procedure about 6 or 7 years ago, I found my insurance company didn't cover the procedure. I was devastated and angry because they would certainly pay if I had a heart attack or developed diabetes. I work at a hospital, and it just didn't seem right. Eventually, the hospital felt the same way, after many people complained and requested that WLS be added, and added WLS into the insurance several years ago. Now, I can't even count the number of people who have had some form of WLS at my organization. I'm just saying that even if insurance doesn't cover your WLS now, it could possibly in the future. Make your voice heard to your company, they get to choose what they want to include in the policies offered their employees.

As far as going to Mexico, if you aren't comfortable with that and have a physician who you want to do the procedure, don't settle for anything less that what you want. There were several less expensive program fees in my area, but I chose based on the surgeon and hospital I wanted to do the procedure. I looked at his record including the number of surgeries performed and complications. I met him before the procedure and was comfortable with him. I'm still comfortable with him post-op and enjoy getting my fills and follow-ups by the same person who did my surgery. I don't think I could get the same support if I had my surgery away from my home town. Although I know many people have had great success by going to Mexico, I wouldn't choose to go there either. It's a completely personal choice, but I understand your feelings about having chosen a surgeon you are comfortable with. Good luck to you!

Lisa:wink:

P.S. I've used Care Credit before for a different weight loss program and was very happy with it.

gabi311b · February 3, 2009

OMG that is terrible. My doctors office suggested that I used the surgical loan. Fortunately open enrollement came around and I switched insurances last November. I had been getting declined since last April. I am waiting on authorization right now. I have talked to several people on here that have used Dr. Kuri in Mexico. For $7500 you get the surgery and several nights stay in a fabulous hotel in Mexico. One woman whom I still talk to swears by it and she said you just make a phone call and go down there and do it. She said even if she had insurance she would not use it becuase of all the hoops we have to jump through and the waiting.
But to each her own. Good luck and I am so sorry that totally sucks.

WOO HOO!!!!!!! I know I've already told you that but I'm so happy for you twin!

gabi311b · February 3, 2009

thanks everyone. i really needed just a little support. ive been yo-yo'd all around by my ins and im not sure if its because of the ins or my company. either way id like to put them in a time out for being naughty. it seems so sad to me that they are so desperate to save a buck vs help make ppl healthier in the long run. not to mention change ppls lives forever i wonder sometimes if they think this is an easy way out for ppl with weight problems and that it snt work. it is tho and those of you who are banded and those of you looking into it i give you mad props for having the courage to make a lifetime commitment to a healthier you!!!! thanks guys! and gals!

I don't know if you have this or have thought about this but I borrowed from my 401k and with the help of my parents and some savings I am able to pay for it on my own. I do have to pay my 401k back on monthly installments at 4% but it was a lower interest rate than anything I saw. I know you are a student so I don't know if this would work but just another suggestion. Good luck, keep us posted!