I'm new to the forum and to WLS in general. I've attended a few free seminars and I have my first consult with a surgeon on Thursday. While I'm 98% positive I'm going to go forward with the sleeve surgery (pending approval) I'm still researching and trying to learn as much as I can about it in general. I'm noticing that quite a few people are getting the surgery done in Mexico. I'm wondering why? Is there an advantage with going out of the country (USA) for the surgery?

Wow, you guys are babies. I started college in 1980:)

My forum name is actually outdated now, it should be "FacedFifty". Much better off at 50 than 49, thanks to the sleeve. I am actually meeting my two best friends from college in about 3 wks in Ireland, I am so glad that I will be able to lose some weight before seeing them, I was kind of hating the idea of facing them before.

wow im blown away at how many responses i got so quickly being as this was my first ever post (im hoping the first of many). Thank you! Im excited to be part of this community and i thank you all for your responses and support.

Im sorry that so many people have such a hard time with their insurance companies. Just to give you a little background on me, im 31 female, BMI of 38 with high blood pressure (on medication), and high cholesterol. I approached my general physician and he was really supportive about the surgery (i asked him about Lapland and he actually suggested the sleeve) and referred me to a surgical group. I called to have it pre approved with my insurance, i have Horizon BCBS NJ and they said as long as i have all the medical supporting documents from my doctor, that it is fully covered. All that i will have to pay is my surgery deductible which is $2500 and any copays etc.

I dont want to jump the gun or anything, like i said my first consult appoint is this Thursday, but i guess im "one of the lucky ones" that my insurance will cover it. (that is if i dont get denied, im assuming they will require me to do the standard 6 month supervised diet).

I didnt even begin to think that would be the reason that so many people would look at Mexico as an option but now it all makes sense. But with the cost being so high and uncompromising insurance companies, i can understand why people would look at Mexico as a solution.

I wish everyone the best of luck and i apologize in advance for asking the 45837 questions that im sure are to follow as i continue on this journey with all of you.

I'm glad you have had a good experience with an understanding doctor. I have to say, despite the fact that I could not get insurance coverage, it was a really good/easy experience. I have pretty much sailed through the first month with no real problems, I have not had a minute of regret.

And ask away, for the most part this is a really informative, helpful board.

I have insurance like you but I am going to Mexico anyways. My main reason is that after I pay my deductible and copays I will come out cheaper going to Mexico. Another reason is that I want the surgery now, not in 6-12 months. Also it doesn't hurt that my husband and I will get a mini vacation while our kids are at my moms for the week.

I have my first visit with my surgeon and NUT today... I went to a few seminars before I picked a place and I guess I am a "lucky one" too with the ins. BCBS FEP and from what I understand I've gotta do a 3 month supervised diet and the other prerequisites have already been met or will be by this docs program... I am nervous about what they will say. So far the only thing I know isn't going my way is that my doc uses a certain NUT and she doesn't accept my ins. Even though I get 6 visits free a year to someone in-network. The pre-op NUT visits are going to cost over half of what the surgery will cost but I won't let that hold me back one single day! The more I read and learn about this the more I wonder why I haven't already done it!

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Wow! Lookin great!

131 gone science june

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By choosing Mexico because of money you are not sacrificing care or professionalism with the surgeon. Choosing the right dr makes a world of difference.

I totally agree, Janarae, I would have just paid full freight in the US if I'd thought that I could not find a Mexican surgeon who could give me as good care as I would have received in the US. There were a handful of people that I felt were as good or better than US doctors just because they had done so many of these procedures (it's been legal for longer there) and with so few apparent statistical problems and so many good reviews.

The only drawback I could see was that follow up for complications might not be covered by my insurance since the surgery wasn't. I weighed out the possibility of that, plus the fact that since I am in LA (close to the surgeon in Tijuana) and thought it was worth it.

The only drawback I could see was that follow up for complications might not be covered by my insurance since the surgery wasn't. I weighed out the possibility of that, plus the fact that since I am in LA (close to the surgeon in Tijuana) and thought it was worth it.

Regardless of where I got my surgery my lame a$$ insurance won't pay for any follow up or complication. Even if I was dying they say, "nope, sorry ... die or self pay"

Price wasn't my only reason to go to MX. I've had experience with MX surgeons and they seem to have a pride in their care mannerism that I haven't found in the states.

I agree, I had my band in Mexico 4/11 and when I decided to have a revision I had no problem deciding to come back to Mexico, my experience was far better for these 2 surgeries then any of my others in the us. The concern and care the nurses and dr have in Mexico by far out shine those who cared for me in the US.

Yay for us!!! Isn't it great not to have to worry about testing sugar all the time (not to mention going blind and all the other stuff?)

I think a lot of PCPs think that people like us are trying to "take the easy way out". I could tell that my PCP was dead set against it. I think that in a few years surgery like/related to this will be routinely available to people who are seriously diabetic' date=' at least Type 2's, regardless of weight. So much better than the alternative.[/quote']

My pcp is super supportive. He tried to help me around my insurances exclusion contract with my employer. No dice. He is supportive of Mx too and will take good care of me postop.

Amanda Rae

Wow' date=' you guys are babies. I started college in 1980:)

My forum name is actually outdated now, it should be "FacedFifty". Much better off at 50 than 49, thanks to the sleeve. I am actually meeting my two best friends from college in about 3 wks in Ireland, I am so glad that I will be able to lose some weight before seeing them, I was kind of hating the idea of facing them before.[/quote']

I was BORN in 1980! :-)

Ireland with a healthier you and college friends! Sounds fabulous!

Amanda Rae

By choosing Mexico because of money you are not sacrificing care or professionalism with the surgeon. Choosing the right dr makes a world of difference.

Completely agree! I had great care by Dr. Alvarez. I'd go as far as saying I got better care and more attention. It's been since May9th last year and I still tell people Dr A saved my life. 66lbs later.