Hey guys!

Quick question! This is my first time every paying for anything medical out of pocket (since I do have insurance) however, I paid cash for my VSG and I was told that we could get some of the money back at the end of the year? Does anyone know any specific information regarding this?

Thanks.....

Great to know. I sure can use the deduction! I, too, will have to e-mail Dr Aceves's office for a copy of my payment receipt! Thanks all for the info.

I'll be emailing Nina too - for my and Bearded's receipts -- although I know they gave us one the day we paid -- they might be in the folder - guess I'd better check before Nina gets bombarded with email requests for receipts! :thumbup1:

I'll be emailing Nina too - for my and Bearded's receipts -- although I know they gave us one the day we paid -- they might be in the folder - guess I'd better check before Nina gets bombarded with email requests for receipts! :thumbup:

Nope, didnt get one in the folder. I checked before I e-mailed her. It's probably something they should start giving us!

Thanks to all... so no issue claiming the procedure even though it was done in Mexico?

Drive1long - welcome to VST and I don't believe it matters where the surgery was performed - it's the fact that you spent money on medical care which means you can claim whatever you are eligible to claim.

Where did you have your surgery?

Thanks for the info Vegas Angel.

Congrats on your awesome success! I am envious of your progress.

I have not had my surgery yet. I began my WLS investigation in July when I went to my first seminar. At that point I decided I wanted to pursue the lap band procedure. After much investigation and deliberation, I decided to switch to the VSG. I began the insurance requirements and found out that my company will be switching insurance carriers next year to United Healthcare. I have heard that UHC covers VSG but I don't want to wait another 3-4 months to have the procedure. As a result, I have a date of 12/30 to have VSG done in Mexico. I am going with Dr. Alvarez.

I have UHC; however, mine had an exemption for any type of WLS - so I went to Mexicali and Dr. Aceves - I think it was a good thing that my ins. didn't cover it because I can't imagine I would have gotten the service anywhere in the US that I got from Dr. Aceves and his group. Good luck with your surgery and you'll soon be on the losing side along with so many of us!!

Just curious how the deduction of the surgery worked out for those who had surgery last year. Since it is getting close to the end of the year here I wanted to start getting my ducks in a row.

Your surgery will most likely push you to an amount that's large enough to deduct. Now that you've hit that number, gather up all the receipts for every medical expense you had for the year. Co-pays, deductibles, and I believe you may even be able to include over the counter medication. Talk to your tax person before year end. If you can deduct over the counter, it may make sense to stock up before year end. You also may want to do all of your annual check-ups before year end so you can deduct those co-pays as well.