Hi Folks,

I was contacting all the local hospitals in my home town inquiring about gastric sleeve pricing. I also voiced a concern that the segment of the population needing bariatric services was outstripping cost-effective solutions for people who wanted to remain within the United States. i.e.: it is just too darn expensive for those who are cash customers. So I mentioned how medical vacations were filling the vacuum.

An interesting comment was made from a corporate officer of WellStar, who answered one of my emails. Her comment was that WellStar would not perform post-op services with any patient who received a surgery outside of the country. (USA).

Wow! WellStar is a major presence here in the Atlanta, GA area. Not sure about your home town, but they own everything around here.

My question is... How difficult has it been to receive follow-up observation/services back here in the USA, since your out-of-country surgery?

Wellstar has to see you if you are their patient .. They aren't treating your surgery. I must be missing something. But if they are an insurance company/group ...they can say no to paying for anything, but I don't think they can refuse you treatment. Are they saying that patients who are immigrants and had surgery outside of the states are not treatable in their facility also?

If its a facility, and tells you they won't treat you they should have their ethics check. (You don't need a bariatric surgeon for follow up). My PCP is great with my follow up. At the many times I had complications with my band and had to be recommended to a bariatric specialist they everyone for me, rehardless of where my surgery was done. I believe it's a law.