Hello All,

Hope everyone is doing well. I have a quick question for those of us who have already had their VSG surgery. Is there a minimum B.M.I requirement? I ask because my surgery is self-pay with Dr. Illan on Nov 4th and I am currently dieting and losing weight (getting a head start). I have lost 15 lbs and have a BMI of 41.2 and I read somewhere you need a minimum of 40. Is this correct? What was your BMI pre-surgery? Please and thank you for all replies, God bless you.

Rosana

My bmi is just under 35. Insurance wouldn't cover, so i am self pay in the USA.

I'm 35 and going with Dr Ariel Ortiz in Mexico.

There is a different mindset in other countries.

The US seems to want to fix you after you have developed co-morbidities.

Other countries look at preventing them.

I doubt that prevention is their main motivation.

Just saying....

I doubt that prevention is their main motivation.

Just saying....

What do you think their motivation is? It isn't $$. Perhaps for the Drs on the border of Mexico, but what about the other 99%. You have to remember that in most foreign countries, health care is pretty much paid for by the Gov. From my experience talking with many foreign nationals, prevention is a large part of their motivation.

My BMI was 43.8 when I had my first consult. I was told if I lost more than 22 pounds before surgery, I wouldn't qualify. That would have put me at a BMI of 39.7 so my insurance requirement was a BMI OF 40. Day of surgery I was 41.4

My BMI was 43.8 when I had my first consult. I was told if I lost more than 22 pounds before surgery' date=' I wouldn't qualify. That would have put me at a BMI of 39.7 so my insurance requirement was a BMI OF 40. Day of surgery I was 41.4[/quote']

I forgot to add that it was 35 with comorbidities.

Do you have a self-pay option in the UK?

Yep. I'm a self-payer.

What do you think their motivation is? It isn't . Perhaps for the Drs on the border of Mexico' date=' but what about the other 99%. You have to remember that in most foreign countries, health care is pretty much paid for by the Gov. From my experience talking with many foreign nationals, prevention is a large part of their motivation.[/quote']

I was speaking about Medical Tourism, Mexico to be exact...

As far as the other countries I'm not up to speed on minimums as far as BMI, but I'm thinking it would still be in the mid 30's as the lowest..

Yep. I'm a self-payer.

How much was it, if you don't mind me asking, for self-pay options in the UK?

I paid £9950 all in. That's for everything - tests, nutritionist, psychologist (although I wasn't referred), surgery, residential stay and follow up care for one year afterwards. This includes as many counseling sessions with the psyche and nutritionist as is required, even in-extremis surgery, should it be required. On balance, I think its good value as I am near my home and feel well cared for. I went with the Spire hospital group.