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

Ok... so I'm putting my business in the streets



Recommended Posts

Hello all!

I am desperate to have this surgery, and lose the weight that has held me back from living a normal life for the past 10+ years. Unfortunately I have an extremely high deductible of 10k, and my insurance won't pay out a dime until this is met. I managed to save up half of the amount, but I don't know where I'm going to get the rest from. I was thinking that maybe I could find a finance company to pay the remaining amount. My husband said he would co-sign for me because my credit isn't so good. My question is this: what is the probability that we would get approved if his score is 660, and mines is 600?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

all you can do is try!! Have you met any deductible already this year? Can you change to a lower deductible plan starting January? Just a couple thoughts!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can look into having the surgery in mexico. I know it is a lot cheaper. I have read a lot of good thing about some of the doctors there. Alot of people on this site went there for their sleeve. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really am considering it, but honestly I'm scared to actually go through with it. It just seems so drastic, and I've never even gone anywhere west of NC, let alone to another country. On the other hand it would be nice to skip the whole insurance process, and save a lot of money. Tjharmon how was your experience, from start to finish?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If your deductible is 10k, then you are basically paying for the surgery out of pocket because most VSG's are not much more than that in the USA. I would recommend doing your research and going to the one of the reputable surgeons in Mexico. They do HUNDREDS of these surgeries and can probably do it in their sleep. It's not as drastic as you might think and you will save quite a bit of money.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What exactly does 5500.00 cover? Air fare? surgery? Complication insurance? A massage boy? :-) I was just denied by my insurance, just curious, I am still planning to fight the battle.

i decided to go to Mexico because of insurance problems--$5500 is all you need for Dr Kelly

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What exactly does 5500.00 cover? Air fare? surgery? Complication insurance? A massage boy? :-) I was just denied by my insurance, just curious, I am still planning to fight the battle.

The typical Medical Tourism cost covers the surgery, the stay in the country where the surgery takes place, meds while you are there and typically transportation to and from the airport, for instance San Diego airport from Tijuana. They may also have phone follow up care or a further discount on cosmetic procedures for 1 year, say a Tummy Tuck if needed. There is a supplemental insurance to cover complications available at extra cost. Transportation and any hotel before or after is your cost.

It's not for everyone. I was desperate and had a bit of money left over from my Mom's estate. I was also having a hell of a time medically and wanted something done immediately. I had backed myself in a corner with all kinds of health issues. Now at 9 months out I have lost 160+ pounds, BP and blood sugar are great, neurological problems are gone, resting heart rate is on the 50s (down from the 90s), heck even my DENTIST noticed a difference, my decades long issue with gum problems have all but cleared up.

I have insurance and decided not to fart around with their waiting game. I moments ago spoke to a gal here at my work, she saw my phenomenal success after 3 months post-op and decided to do it herself. She is at 6+ months of waiting on insurance approval and just learned today that our carrier just canceled her pre-approval out of the blue and NO ONE knows why.

It's a bleeding shame but insurance is such a racket and your health is NOT their highest priority, making money is.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Try Mexico. I went to Dr Ramos Kelly. Loved every minute of it! There are numerous reports from people on here that went to Mexico.

How did you get in contact with Dr. Kelly?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went thru Sandy Johnston at "ALighterMe.com" Sandy did a great job answering all my questions and getting my paperwork thru. I loved Dr Kelly and his staff. The only thing you have to pay for is your airfare and tips. Everything else is covered in the $5500.00. You can pm me with any other questions. I loved my 5 days in Mexico.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks to all who replied. To janese58: I'm going to pm you later. I have a lot of questions ;) . To tjharmon: I know you are excited! I can't wait till the day I can get up here and make the same post.

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 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

    ×