Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hi everyone - I am new to this site and would appreciate your help. After going through all the prerequisites for the lapband, my insurance company denied me last week. Just met with my surgeon Friday who told me that my best bet would be to be banded in Mexico and he would do the consequent fills. Does anyone have any recommendations with surgeons in Mexico? Some websites look really cheesy.... the only one that looks somewhat credible is Dr. Kuri. I really would appreciate your input!!

PS. Never been on a discussion forum before, so I hope I am doing this right!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi everyone - I am new to this site and would appreciate your help. After going through all the prerequisites for the lapband, my insurance company denied me last week. Just met with my surgeon Friday who told me that my best bet would be to be banded in Mexico and he would do the consequent fills. Does anyone have any recommendations with surgeons in Mexico? Some websites look really cheesy.... the only one that looks somewhat credible is Dr. Kuri. I really would appreciate your input!!

PS. Never been on a discussion forum before, so I hope I am doing this right!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got banded in mexico in 2008. I went to beliteweight.com At the time it was $7,000 for everything except airfare. The surgery was done in Tijuanna mexico. I didnt fly into TJ because it cost more money for the plane ticket .I went to San Diego. The people had a special van pick us up and take us to the hospital to have the sergery.I LOVED the treatment I recieved there. The hospital was very clean even better than the hospitals here in the states. Give them a call and they have a web site as well for you to see the hospital and see the surgen's certific's and everything.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info, Cristy! I narrowed my search down to Dr. Ortiz ($6000) and Dr. Kuri ($6500). Both sound very professional and capable. I think both would do a good job.

Does anyone have any input?

I got banded in Mexico in 2008. I went to BeLiteWeight.com At the time it was $7,000 for everything except airfare. The surgery was done in Tijuanna mexico. I didnt fly into TJ because it cost more money for the plane ticket .I went to San Diego. The people had a special van pick us up and take us to the hospital to have the sergery.I LOVED the treatment I recieved there. The hospital was very clean even better than the hospitals here in the states. Give them a call and they have a web site as well for you to see the hospital and see the surgen's certific's and everything.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi everyone - I am new to this site and would appreciate your help. After going through all the prerequisites for the lapband, my insurance company denied me last week. Just met with my surgeon Friday who told me that my best bet would be to be banded in Mexico and he would do the consequent fills. Does anyone have any recommendations with surgeons in Mexico? Some websites look really cheesy.... the only one that looks somewhat credible is Dr. Kuri. I really would appreciate your input!!

PS. Never been on a discussion forum before, so I hope I am doing this right!

Have you tried doing an appeal with insurance company?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My local surgeon has filed an appeal last week. He said it can take up to 30 days to hear back from the insurance company regarding the appeal. I thought this might be a good time to research self pay options in Mexico. By the way, my doctor here said he would do the fills and after care, so that helps out a LOT. I am leaning towards Dr. Ortiz as he is a little cheaper (by $500), but if anyone feels strongly about Dr. Kuri I would appreciate to hear their story. My first choice, of course, would be to get it done locally and not have to worry about travelling to Mexico (I am in Minnesota), but I am ready to go if the insurance company says no again. I am not very hopeful with the appeal, because nothing really has changed other than the fact that my surgeon will make a strong argument in his letter about me needing this surgery. Has anyone had their insurance denial reversed in the appeal process? Would love to hear from you!

Have you tried doing an appeal with insurance company?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My local surgeon has filed an appeal last week. He said it can take up to 30 days to hear back from the insurance company regarding the appeal. I thought this might be a good time to research self pay options in Mexico. By the way, my doctor here said he would do the fills and after care, so that helps out a LOT. I am leaning towards Dr. Ortiz as he is a little cheaper (by $500), but if anyone feels strongly about Dr. Kuri I would appreciate to hear their story. My first choice, of course, would be to get it done locally and not have to worry about travelling to Mexico (I am in Minnesota), but I am ready to go if the insurance company says no again. I am not very hopeful with the appeal, because nothing really has changed other than the fact that my surgeon will make a strong argument in his letter about me needing this surgery. Has anyone had their insurance denial reversed in the appeal process? Would love to hear from you!

I understand your need for a backup plan. Unfortunately, my insurance had a WLS exclusion, so there was not even a process for me to go through. I was self-pay, but got a good deal since I got my hiatal hernia fixed at the same time. Maybe you could find out if you have one and work out a deal with a surgeon. There are mixed reviews on surgery in Mexico. I have heard they use an inferior band, the surgeon isn't qualified, or the quality of care isn't up to par. I don't know because I didn't have surgery in Mexico. Some say it's good and some say it's bad, but either way you have to do what's best for you! It is good that you have a doctor that will work with you because I've heard that alot of doctors don't want to touch you if you've had surgery in Mexico. Personally, I think it's a viable option and if I need cosmetic surgery after extreme weight loss that would probably be my only option. I wish you luck in your journey and don't get discouraged or give up. I looked into this in 2008 and gave up because my insurance at that time also had a WLS exclusion. Don't be like me, I could be at goal by now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm having surgery in Mexico on June 28th and I'm getting it done by Dr. Lopez Corvala in Tijuana. He is one of the top ten bariatric surgerions in the World and has taught classes at a Univerisity in Baha CA. He has an excellent resume. I'm only paying 5,000 for my surgery coming up and I'll fly into San Diego and be picked up and taken over the border. All transportation is paid for. I don't have to worry about taxi's. I spend 2 nights in the hospital and one night in a hotel right by the hospital. The hospital is NICE it's called Angeles Hospital and is in a tourist american part of TJ with a starbucks, sams club, movie theatre in english...etc.

I've known 3 people who have gone to Mexico and all were very HAPPY over it! Good luck on your journey. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery last March by Dr. Kuri and I loved him. Everything went perfect and it is just like people have commented above. They come and pick you up at the border and take you back to the states. The hospital is the cleanest I have ever seen and everyone you meet is the kindest people you will meet. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to Dr. Kuri. Good luck with your decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi everyone - I am new to this site and would appreciate your help. After going through all the prerequisites for the lapband, my insurance company denied me last week. Just met with my surgeon Friday who told me that my best bet would be to be banded in Mexico and he would do the consequent fills. Does anyone have any recommendations with surgeons in Mexico? Some websites look really cheesy.... the only one that looks somewhat credible is Dr. Kuri. I really would appreciate your input!!

PS. Never been on a discussion forum before, so I hope I am doing this right!

I had Lap Band surgery in Cancun. Mexico on March 4th

It was essentially a mini-vacation!

The total cost of the surgery was $5,400.

My hotel stay for three days came to $230 at the Westin Hotel.

I scheduled through BeLiteWeight and everything was perfect!!

Jessica, my facilitator was GREAT.

She pretty much held my hand through the

Dr. Ceron and Dr. Corzo were top notch. The facilities and cleanliness were what i would expect in any US hospital...maybe even more!

If you are gonna go to Mexico, check them out!

Feel free to direct message me if you have any more questions!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How long are you having to wait until your surgery? Im looking into this hospital as well and am wondering what the wait times are for the lapband.

I'm having surgery in Mexico on June 28th and I'm getting it done by Dr. Lopez Corvala in Tijuana. He is one of the top ten bariatric surgerions in the World and has taught classes at a Univerisity in Baha CA. He has an excellent resume. I'm only paying 5,000 for my surgery coming up and I'll fly into San Diego and be picked up and taken over the border. All transportation is paid for. I don't have to worry about taxi's. I spend 2 nights in the hospital and one night in a hotel right by the hospital. The hospital is NICE it's called Angeles Hospital and is in a tourist american part of TJ with a starbucks, sams club, movie theatre in english...etc.

I've known 3 people who have gone to Mexico and all were very HAPPY over it! Good luck on your journey. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Before my insurance was approved, I looked into Mexico also. It seemed like a great option with state of the art facilities. I do know that here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area there are several weight loss clinics that charge 9,000 for cash pay patients. I think they are TrueResults but I can not think of the others! :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not sure what the wait time is because I set mine up a few months ago and picked my surgery date since I was doing it so far in advance. I don't think the wait time is long and from what I know everything about this place is great so far!

How long are you having to wait until your surgery? Im looking into this hospital as well and am wondering what the wait times are for the lapband.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im being banded on june 30 with dr ortiz. there is a lot of information onhim on the web (all positive) i havent found anything negative.. he also has you tube videos talking about concerns people have with surgery and real patients telling their stories in their hospital beds.. Good luck hope this helps

Thanks for the info, Cristy! I narrowed my search down to Dr. Ortiz ($6000) and Dr. Kuri ($6500). Both sound very professional and capable. I think both would do a good job.

Does anyone have any input?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×