I don't want to make anyone who has to pay for the band out of pocket feel bad. But I also feel the need to share how completely relieved I feel right now.

I thought for a while there that I'd have to self-pay. I agonized over it because I don't have the cash and I fear debt like little kids fear the boogeyman.

Today I put my $250 insurance co-pay on my Visa. Then I logged onto my bank account and paid the $250 off. I don't think I've ever felt so relieved. It's hard to believe that it only takes $250 to change the entire course of my future.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Blue Cross of California.

So far my surgery, all pre-ops, post-ops and fill has cost me 2 copays at $20 each. :grouphug:

Congratulations on getting your approval. I also have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance but had to fight 2 refusals to pay before I was approved. In the end, I won. Like you, I would not have been able to pay for the surgery out of pocket. Mexico was never an option for me due to a rare heart condition.

Sleepyjean, I know exactly how you feel. I fought my insurer for almost a year because self-pay was just not an option for me. Overall I'm sure I've spent $1500 or so (just had a $550 cost-share for my endoscopy!) but without the insurance I never would have gotten here at all. It was worth the fight.

I received my letter of approval 2 days before I flew to Mexico to have my band placed by Dr. Ortiz! What a hoot! I had decided after applying that I just was not comfortable with my local surgeon's experience level, even though he is a real cutie pie! It may sound crazy to some, but it was the right choice for me.