time2getskinny

I'm October 23rd with Dr. Pleatman in MI.

Hi, I'm Carolyn and I'm a medical assistant/patient service rep at my PCP's office here in Ohio. I'm 55, single and I'm getting sleeved in Michigan on October 23rd by Dr. Mark Pleatman. God be with all of us!!!

Since I've last posted, I've been on information overload. Since I figured I'd be self-pay (bariatric surgery excluded), I've looked at going to Mexico (lots of info and surgeons to sift through there) and trying to find surgeons here in the States who aren't as expensive, but still with a good reputation. I got the go-ahead from my PCP (I work in his office!) today and have decided to go with Dr. Mark Pleatman in Michigan. At this point, I just have to find the best time to be away from work, and get the paperwork started. I almost cried at work when I realized that this is really going to become a reality for me!!!

Since I'm probably going to be self-pay (exclusion in my health plan), the prices for Mexico sound wonderful. My questions are though - who do you have to follow up with you once you get home, and did you have problems with your insurance/PCP once you got home? Thanks for your input!

What does anyone have to say about Dr. Pleatman in Michigan? What I've seen online is that his price is $11200. Anything good or bad to know?

Thanks, Izuri!

Thanks, Xavtay2!!

Problem - my surgery advocate finds that there is an exclusion for the surgery I want (VSG) in my health insurance policy. They say I should - 1) get a copy of the stated exclusion for bariatric surgery from the insurance company (which I should get in the mail this week), 2) contact my employer's HR department to find out if they'd be willing to make a one-time exception for me to have this medically necessary surgery, 3) ask my HR department if they have alternative health plans with coverage for bariatric surgery that I can switch to at my next benefit enrollment, and 4) use the self-pay option (NOT an option!). My PCP said he'd write a letter and/or contact the HR department and/or my insurance company to see what he can do for me. Does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks in advance!

Went to the info meeting tonight. Was real impressed by Dr. Ben-Meir who did the whole presentation. He was very personable and answered everyone's questions. We turned in an info sheet along with our insurance info so his staff could start that process. Next comes talking with our advocate and setting up a consultation with one of the surgeons.

I'm at the start of my journey, also. I'm attending an informational meeting this coming Monday 7/16 by the group from St. Vincent's Charity Hospital in Cleveland. Looking forward to receiving more info than I've already found just from the Internet and sites like this.