After Care Anyone?

[Paigers 67]

I know I touched on this on a previous post but don't feel like I got many responses regarding after care. I am still TRYING to go thru insurance but chances are kind of slim so still researching my Mexico option. My husband and I are really concerned with what happens after you get home? Are you just on your own? What about additional check ups or leak tests or nutritional guidance? What are the post mexico sleevers doing about after care?

[Tia Noel 56]

Many peoples' pcps will do after care.

[Tia Noel 56]

And their insurance paid for it. My insurance excludes all bariatric surgery, but covers things like blood work.

[5DogMa 62]

You need to let your PCP know what you are doing if you go to Mexico for surgery and set them up for any follow up as you may feel necessary. Mind you they might not be supportive of your decision to go to MX. If they aren't, find one who is. My daughter had surgery in MX in January and hasn't felt the need to see a doctor since then. She's doing great, feels great and looks incredible. My American bariatric surgeon wants to see you every 3 months for follow-up and does blood work to make sure you're doing okay with Vitamin levels, liver and kidney function etc. I've only done it once and everything check out so I haven't gone back since. I know he's not happy about that but well that's just me. I won't see a doctor unless I feel I need to. My share of cost on the blood work is $120 plus his office visit another $80. So I don't see a need to spend $200 just so he can review the blood work, see me for 2 minutes and can say I'm doing okay. I'll do follow up with my PCP if I feel I need to. She supported me having the surgery.

[Paigers 67]

PCP is my regular doctor not a bariatric doc, right? (embarrassed because I know this is a stupid question, but I just want to be sure).

[5DogMa 62]

Yes, that correct. No such thing as a stupid question.

[Paigers 67]

thank you!

Would my PCP be able to perform a leak test?

[5DogMa 62]

A leak test is basically an upper GI and knowing what to look for. You'll get a couple leak tests in MX before you go home and a video of the test to give your follow-up doctor.

[CCCross 31]

I'm scheduled for October 6th with Dr. Kelly. I emailed Omar because I have these same concerns. The reply I got back stated that with Dr. Kelly, any complications while I was down there would be covered and I would not incur any more charges from his medical team but if the total amount of hospital care received exceeds $2500 (including the main surgery), I would work out hospital costs with the hospital. If any complications arise while back at home, such as a leak, stricture etc, Dr. Kelly would work with me on payment and fixing the complication. I'm not trying to sell you on Dr. Kelly, but just wanted to give you my experiance. Also I don't have any insurance back home as I am a full time student and have work study. Insurance for me with my current BMI averages $500 a month with a $2000 deductible. I could either have the surgery or pay for a year of insurance.