I'm headed to Mexico in August for my surgery but want to set up aftercare in southern California before I go. The forum has been an amazing help but I still want the option to go to support groups or meet with a nutritionist.

How do I go about setting up aftercare? Do I just start calling all the doctors in my area and ask if they'll help me after I get back? I've met with a doctor in my area to see about the surgery but despite my high BMI, I'm too healthy (no co-morbidities) for my insurance to cover it.

Any suggestions would be great I'm in the Long Beach area.

Thank you!

Hi!

I went to Mexico also. Another great thing about the sleeve is that there is not a lot of care needed when you get back. I just went to my Primary Care doc for bloodwork. He also perscribed my Nexium for me. So when it comes time to get my Upper GI done, he is writing it up that he wants it conducted because of my acid reflux! Hopefully, you can talk to your Primary care doc and work something out with him/her. I was in the same boat as you. My insurance would not cover any part of my surgery. I do have AFLAC though. I was so excited that they paid me even though my surgery was out of the country. I received $2,000!

I hope this helps,

Denise B

Have you talked to your insurance provider? I am with Kaiser So Cal and they are offering me their regular post-bariatric program even though I had surgery in Mexico. YOu do need to speak with your regular doctor to let them know what you are having done. Also, it needs to be added to your record so they know not to prescribe you NSAIDs after your surgery. Have a talk with the provider. You don't have to tell them you are having surgery in MX, just let them know you are going to an outside bariatric clinic and you want to know what kinid of follow up care you can expect. ALso, verify that the ER will know what to do with you if you show up with problems after your surgery. You will most likely not need it, but you need to make sure the physicins there understand the unique issues with a post-bariatric patient.

You may also ask who your insurance provider usually uses as a bariatric surgeon and forge a relationship with th surgeons office. He/She can be an advocate for you in the future if there are any questions about your treatment in the fututre.

Good luck--

I had a wonderful Dr in Northridge, Ca. It's kinda far from Long Beach, but if you're willing to travel for an appt, I would HIGHLY recommend him. Here is his info:

Dr. Uthaiah Kokkalera

Center for Weight Loss Surgery

Northridge Hospital Medical Center

Tel: (877) 448-4448

Fax: (818) 775-9354