After 4 months of seeing a nut once a month then the last month, August, having to take a test and make a 90 or above, seeing a pulmonary specialist, finding out I only have 77.4% oxygen intake, had an xray of my lungs, saw a phsycologist and watched a film on the VS I found out my insurance will not pay and my surgeon will only take cold hard CASH ,$14,000.00, for my VS surgery. What a let down. Now after working since May to get everything the surgeon wanted done before the VS I was shot down Friday. So..over the Labor day weekend I have searched for a new surgeon with financing that will honor all I've done to get this far. I hope I won't have to start over. I know lots of sleevers that didn't go through half of what I had to...especially take a written test. Any words of wisdom our comfort?

Did your insurance deny it for a specific reason, or do they not cover bariatric surgery at all?

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SO sorry to hear this . I will be sending positive thoughts your way. (((hugs)))

Well that sure is sucky, to say the least! I just started mid-july on my weight loss surgery journey and already I've been shot down by my insurance, thankfully I haven't gone through anything but an hour long bariatric seminar to find out though. I was sorely disappointed, I can imagine how upset and frustrated you must be feeling right now, probably even angry and I completely understand. I'm not giving up...too early in the game for me, and you shouldn't either. You've gone this far, don't turn back now!

So sorry to hear about your struggle. I know many people have done self-pay in Mexico with great results. Would that be an option for you?

I went to Mexico, because I knew that my craptastic insurance would make me jump through a million hoops before denying me. I paid around $7,000, they financed me, and it was a lovely experience in a clean hospital where they gave me better care than I have recieved in the US ever. I went through a medical tourism company. (Belightweight.com) I plan to use them again and return to Mexico in about 6 months to get plastics.

I went through the entire same thing, months of hard work (including the written test) and got denied. After wallowing in it for over a year, I started researching self-pay in Mexico. The approval process was painless and I'm heading out 9/14 for surgery on 9/15. I know not everyone can do it, but I'm so glad I kept researching and trying. Please don't give up! There are many avenues to success.

Did your insurance deny it for a specific reason' date=' or do they not cover bariatric surgery at all?

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I was recommended due to the many problems I have, arthritis, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, swelling, and back problems. The insurance company Cigna does cover Bariatrics , but they have different plans and my husband's plan does not cover it. No matter what. We have tried many ways to get them to do it. Good luck on tours, Tina

Yay after all the drama, Tuesday I called another bariatrics surgeon and it was so easy. They offer financing, he will honor all that I have done, nutritionist, pulmonary specialist, bariatrics psycologist and he will see me the Sept. 11th and my surgery date is Sept.24th. Do I hear a Whoop whoop? Finally after 4 months. Thank you for all the encouraging replys.

I just read your thread and was very sad for you. However, I got the bottom and was elated! Good Luck!

Ok, I am curious - what did the written test cover? Does anybody else find that kind of insulting? I mean, I totally get insurance companies need to ensure that procedures are medically necessary, but I wonder if people getting a heart bypass surgery need to pass a written test? sheesh

Ok' date=' I am curious - what did the written test cover? Does anybody else find that kind of insulting? I mean, I totally get insurance companies need to ensure that procedures are medically necessary, but I wonder if people getting a heart bypass surgery need to pass a written test? sheesh[/quote']

I had a written test for the psych eval - never even met the psychologist. Mostly the test was questions on why I wanted surgery, am I suicidal or have I ever been and how I adapt to change.

Yay after all the drama' date=' Tuesday I called another bariatrics surgeon and it was so easy. They offer financing, he will honor all that I have done, nutritionist, pulmonary specialist, bariatrics psycologist and he will see me the Sept. 11th and my surgery date is Sept.24th. Do I hear a Whoop whoop? Finally after 4 months. Thank you for all the encouraging replys.[/quote']

Congrats!!!!!

Yay after all the drama, Tuesday I called another bariatrics surgeon and it was so easy. They offer financing, he will honor all that I have done, nutritionist, pulmonary specialist, bariatrics psycologist and he will see me the Sept. 11th and my surgery date is Sept.24th. Do I hear a Whoop whoop? Finally after 4 months. Thank you for all the encouraging replys.

I am very happy for you, but also sad that you jumped through a bunch of hoops for your original surgeon. IMO, their office staff should have checked insurance coverage before scheduling any of the pre-op procedures.

Congratulations now that you overcame all that! Yay!

Cowgirljane, the test covered all aspects of the VS. Before, during, and after, what to drink, eat, how many grams protein per day and why, dump syndrome, how to eat, for instance, do not drink 30 min before, during or after eating, eat for 30 min., chew food 20~30 times, what are the good sugars, the golden rules etc. Yes, it was very belittling because if I did not pass with a 90 or above I would have to wait another month and take another test til I passed. But I wanted a VS so I did everything they wanted me to do. I waited one full week for everything to be turned in to doctor then Mon thru Thurs. Off the following week "lI started calling Fri. morning finally at 5:30 pm I reseived the phone call and was shot down. Honestly, I felt sometimes like they were making it as hard as they could so I would fail and then after 4 months of this....i couldn't do it because they wanted $14,000.00 CASH. I wish they had told me that sooner.

I am so glad to hear that you found another surgeon that you are working with now =) It sounds like this doctor's office is much more willing to work with you. Why is your insurance rejecting paying? Do they not cover bariatric surgery? I looked through the post, but couldn't find the reason. Is it something you could appeal? Since your new doctor's office seems more willing to work with you, maybe they'd be willing to help you appeal it.