My insurance cord. just called me and said my insurance would only pay for a lapband or bypass. They said if I wanted the sleeve I would have to be self pay.

I am so sad and disappointed I could cry.

She wants me to talk to the surgeon about it when I go for a visit before I decide what to do.

I will have to pay alot of money at the visit.

$250 consult

$500 program fee

$295 for Phych Eval.

:tongue_smilie: Judy

I second that!

Judy and Norma, I just wanted to offer my support to both of you. I truly hope you are both able to find a way to get sleeved.

I was looking into the band through Humana and when I realized they would not pay for it for me, I looked into the sleeve. I am so thankful that door was closed. You might want to look at what all your out of pocket costs will be using your insurance. If something is not covered, that does not become part of your maximum out of pocket. For me, for example, visits to the dietician (required by the surgeon) would not be covered and I would have had to pay. I think my out of pocket costs would have been pretty high. It just doesn't seem like that much more to go to Mexico. The only problem is that if there are any complications once I'm home, I'm sure Humana won't pay for anything. I sure don't plan to tell them when I have surgery done in Mexico! Has anyone tried to use flex plan money for surgery in Mexico?

Edie

Edie, I am so put out with both the insurance company and the surgeon's office that I have decided to go to Mexico. I wish I would have know sooner about all this. I could have already had the sleeve and been back home recovering.

I have to go back to work as soon as school starts and there is no telling how much longer I would have to wait for surgery if I get it here.

I don't have a flex account so I don't know about that. Maybe someone else will know.

I don't plan to tell anyone about the sleeve. Maybe my daughters after it's done. If I have a medical problem I will go to my family doc. but, I don't plan to have a problem. LOL

This trip will be like a major big vacation for me.

I have never been anywhere. I think I will get the best deal all around by going to Mexico. Surgery by the best surgeon and a vacation to go with it. And most of all, peace of mind. Hugs, Judy

Good luck to you too.

Did you start the process for your passport or passport card? You'll need it to get out of Mexicali after your surgery.

I plan to go to the post office early Monday morning. I think I read on another post that I can use a paper showing that I applied for the passport. I hope that is correct. I am suppose to be getting an e-mail telling me what dates are available. Thanks, Judy

I plan to go to the post office early Monday morning. I think I read on another post that I can use a paper showing that I applied for the passport. I hope that is correct. I am suppose to be getting an e-mail telling me what dates are available. Thanks, Judy

Oh you are correct -- WASa said that if you had paperwork to show you had applied that that would be sufficient. Good for you.

And, if the receipt is not enough to get out of Mexico, rent a car and take a longer vacation!:biggrin0:

And, if the receipt is not enough to get out of Mexico, rent a car and take a longer vacation!:biggrin0:

And tell Dr. Aceves he'll have a house guest for a few months. ;o)

He is so sweet that he probably wouldn't even mind!

And tell Dr. Aceves he'll have a house guest for a few months. ;o)

He is so sweet that he probably wouldn't even mind!

That was exactly my thought as well. Great minds :001_tt2:

I agree, that man is just amazing.

Dear Ky.Hen and Norma,

whatever happened to the two of you re: your VSG? Did you ever do the lap band, or are you, too, waiting as I am for VS? I can empathize with both of you, and would like to know. I care.

Polly K.P.

We both got the Vertical Sleeve, Mine was Oct 30, 009 and I have lost 80+ pounds since then. I only weigh on the 30th of the month so will weigh again the last day of Feb. I have gone from size 28 and 30 to size 18/20. My diabetes has improved dramatically--only taking 5 units of Novolog 2x a day now. I had unexpected total knee replacement surgery on right knee on Dec 15th as my knee finally blew backwards and had no stability. However, I am thrilled that the weight loss from the sleeve has helped so much with my knee recovery. I am now able to do cardio exercise and hope to be released from physical therapy soon. I bleieve that Dr. Aceves saved my life with his excellent surgery skills by finally allowing me to get a grip on how I use food in my life. I am never hungry and have lost my raging sweet tooth. I was able to fund the $9000 through flex spend and cutting expenses by moving in with friends. Since surgery, I can eat from the appetizer menus when out to eat or will get a side item and share an entree with my friends. I utilized the clothing exchange here on VST so have not had to buy more than underwear, shoes and a new winter coat. My food costs are less than 1/5 of what I used to spend. My pharmacy costs have also been reduced by 70%. Best decision I ever made in my life was going to Mexico and getting the sleeve.

Dear Norma, I am so happy for both of you. Unfortunately for me, I need to wait for Medicare as I have no funds available for getting the surgery on my own. But I am very glad to hear you are doing so well, and feel so happy. Right now I'm the sad, mad, disappointed one, but hopefully things will turn out for the best. Best of luck and success---I know you're working hard at this to make it the success it is. Thanks for the update.

Polly K.P.