IMSKINNY

Wow SD45! That's really good to know! What's your weightloss been like? Did you have any problems post surgery? I've sent my deposit to hold my date, so I guess that means I'm in!!

Thanks, sexy! I sure hope not! But, a good woman always has a Plan B! I'm going to Mexico!

Yes, I was scoped by the local surgeon as a part of the insurance hurdles. And yes, I had a sore throat for several days and it aggravated the acid reflux that I had never really felt before.

Hey, gang, I had my last visit with the NP and the dietician before submitting to the insurance today. I'm trying to be hopeful. The NP said that she has to tell me that approval can take up to 90 days (geez) but she has never seen it take that long. She didn't seem to think that I would have a problem being approved. Famous last words, right? Once approved, I would finally meet with the surgeon and set a date for surgery. I have my heart set on doing this in August. Wish me luck!

Thanks, GS4M! I'll contact mt ins rep today. I have Colonial.

What disability insurance do you have?

Did anyone have a problem getting their disability insurance to cover their time off work after surgery in MX?

GirlFriday, I'm not from AL, but I'm from Louisiana and I know what you mean. I told my niece and she's a nurse about the MX option and she was not in favor of it at all, without even listening to me make my case. Then, I thought most medical folks probably get annoyed when we go to MX because they know it's cheaper.

Dr. Alvarez contacted me on FaceTime today and we had a great discussion. He's a very nice man. My last visit to my local surgeon is this Wed. Then I guess the paperwork will be submitted to the insurance company. At least, if I'm not approved, I know that have another great option. I wish I had known about MX before I started this long process.

I completely understand. My niece used Care Credit and she was pleased. Try them.

I'm sure someone will answer shortly. The only thing that I can say on the topic is that one of the physicians in MX that I am considering said that if I finance the amount with one of the medical finance groups, to ask for 10% over the cost? I didn't ask why because I am not using medical finance, but I found that odd. If I have to self pay, I am just going to set my date out far enough to save my money.

I think all of us that are trying to do the surgery with the help of insurance are worried that we won't be approved! Don't feel bad about thinking that! My last visit to my surgeon before submitting to the insurance is next week. Although I have several comorbidities, I still feel like my health may be 'too good' to be approved, but I'm praying that it works out. However, just in case, I decided to find a Plan B and for me that might mean crossing the border to MX for the surgery. It's definitely cheaper! And I can get in for surgery in August. At the beginning of this process, I would never have considered that, but the more I have read, the more it seems like a strong possibility. One of the finance options I have heard about is CareCredit.com. I hope this helps!

I received a call today from one of Dr. Alvarez's patients from my area. She was great! She, her husband, and her son had all had the sugery with Dr. Alvarez. She gave him glowing reviews! I just appreciate his coordinator for taking the time to find someone right down the road from me that's been there. I have to say that I'm thinking that I might just go with him, even if my insurance pays and that says a lot!

Funny you guys should mention it, but I can't lose either. Not because I'm not supposed to lose. I probably should lose a few pounds because my BMI is 46! But, I just can't seem to lose ANY weight!! I've drinking these stupid shakes, exercising, etc., but it seems impossible! I guess that's why I'm doing this, right? But, it seems like in the past, I could alter something in my diet and I could drop a few pounds, but the older I get, the harder this is becoming! I'm particularly frustrated today.

Thanks SS!! You've really been helpful! Please let me hear from you as your date approaches! I can't wait to hear how it goes and to hear how much you've lost!! Great success to you!

Wow! Ever since I started the process through my own insurance, I've gotten more and more anxious! My last visit to my current surgeon is June 12 and then they submit the paperwork. I have my heart set on an August date (my birthday month) because I'll be 46 and have just made up my mind that I'm doing it this year! I spoke with Susan and she was already setting August dates. It's good to know that if I am denied, I can still do this without the hassle of an appeal, etc. Did you have to provide any information prior to the date like medical records, etc.? All of the hoops that you have to jump through for the insurer to pay is mind boggling and downright annoying. The medical tests are cool, but this 3 mo diet is sooo annoying!

Thanks SweetSusie! I wish I had known about the seminar in Houston! I definitely would have been there, but I've just started exploring the self-pay/Mexico option. How much are you paying and do you pay all up front before you get a date? Did you meet past patients at the seminar? Do you have any worries about that whole crossing the border thing? That doesn't seem to bother me a whole lot. Any of your insights would be great! I'm all ears!!

My surgeon hasn't even submitted my paperwork to the insurer yet because I have one more visit to go. But, just in case, I'm already thinking of Plan B 'cause a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do! Can anyone who has used Dr. Alvarez in Mexico give me their experience with his office? Thanks for any information you can provide!!

@Rootman - Wow, that was steal! One of my friends is a business owner so her insurance isn't great. She's self-paying and will be skinny before me! Rattttssss! I have another appt before they submit to the insurer, but you can believe I'm thinking of self-pay and Mexico!

I know what you mean about impatient! I am the queen of that! One of my friends just confided in me that she's having the surgery and she's paying for it herself. Now, she's having it done before me because she didn't have this 3 month weight thing to do! My surgeon is Dr. Chu in Lafayette. My last visit is In June. They will submit the paperwork after that.

No, I don't mind at all, if you join in. Hey, you're lucky to have Aetna!! From what I've seen on this forum, Aetna is the best to have. I was told by my surgeon's office that my insurance follows the requirements of Aetna. I hope I get approved!! I, like you, have been heavy all my life. I've made up my mind too and wonder what took me so long. I have decided that if I am denied, I am going to find the money and self pay, if I have to. Whose your surgeon?

Wheetsin, that was super duper helpful info! My paperwork gets submitted after my last visit to my surgeon in June. I am startimg to get a little nervous....