Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Finding out you don't qualify



Recommended Posts

I found out I wouldn't "qualify" in the 10 minutes it took me to read my policy....it doesn't cover WLS for ANY reason. I was actually kind of relieved. No doctor visits, no support groups, no psych evaluation, no 3-6 month supervised diet, no piles of paperwork or whatever other hoops you have to jump through. Just focused on finding a great bariatric surgeon in Mexico, scheduled it and I was at home, recovering and losing weight before I would have even started the insurance scam ( I mean process)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I actually very happy to go through the appointments and groups In order to get he surgery. I'll take all the info I can get to learn how to change how I think and to be more healthy for my children and myself.

You make it sound " amazing" being self pay and going to Mexico for the surgery.

Self pay, number one is awesome, not a lot of people can do that. But, aren't you afraid of Mexican health care? I would be terrified

I read a really bad horror story about getting surgery from there. No thanks lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm really sorry to read such a racist statement. As a matter of fact, my surgeons both have over 15 years of experience, one is a professor of Laparoscopic surgery, has taught at Harvard, and has proctored many US surgeons in bariatric surgery methods. They are both members of the American College of Surgeons and the facility is certified as an International Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation. They have done hundreds of more VSG surgeries than any of the bariatric surgeons within 200 miles of my home. His complication rate for VSG is 1/100 of the published average.

The surgical center, medical care, and skills and hospitality of the staff was impeccable. The pre and post op support and instructions have been more than adequate for my success. I had no postop pain, was up and shopping the day after surgery, back to work in a week, and have had no surgical complications whatsoever. My PCP is thrilled with my results and my OB/Gyn has recommended my surgeon to several of her other patients.

So no, I have no problems with Mexican health care. (Thanks to Obamacare, I'm sure I'll be going back there again someday.) Good luck with getting your surgery and I hope you have as great of an experience as I have had.

Edited by Kindle

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Racist?? Wow,

Not at all. I simply said I read about someone's horrible expericnce.

Your way out of line slinging that word my direction.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Kindle had no right to make such an ugly accusation and is way out of line here.

In my opinion.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are all right. Prejudice would have been a much more appropriate term to use...

Her post insinuated that Mexican Health care is inferior to US, based on one story she heard. And prejudice is defined as "an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason."

I apologize for my misuse of words.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:blink:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ahh, sure then. I guess I was " prejudice "

If you read what I read you may think awful things as well.

Sorry if I base my OPINION on one story.

But, just as you are free to toss out names at me, I am also free to say what I want.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm really sorry to read such a racist statement. As a matter of fact, my surgeons both have over 15 years of experience, one is a professor of Laparoscopic surgery, has taught at Harvard, and has proctored many US surgeons in bariatric surgery methods. They are both members of the American College of Surgeons and the facility is certified as an International Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation. They have done hundreds of more VSG surgeries than any of the bariatric surgeons within 200 miles of my home. His complication rate for VSG is 1/100 of the published average.

The surgical center, medical care, and skills and hospitality of the staff was impeccable. The pre and post op support and instructions have been more than adequate for my success. I had no postop pain, was up and shopping the day after surgery, back to work in a week, and have had no surgical complications whatsoever. My PCP is thrilled with my results and my OB/Gyn has recommended my surgeon to several of her other patients.

So no, I have no problems with Mexican health care. (Thanks to Obamacare, I'm sure I'll be going back there again someday.) Good luck with getting your surgery and I hope you have as great of an experience as I have had.

Thank you for saying that the comment was racist because my husband and my children are Mexican n i couldn't b any more prouder of my Mexican family! So thank you so much! ♡♡♡♡♡♡

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the same situation as kindle- wls was excluded from my policy, no matter what conditions I have, surgery won't be covered. I also made the decision to go to Mexico in February. Best decision I ever made- I did my research and was confident in the dr I picked. There are risks with any surgery no matter where you go but I have to say, I had such a good hospital/dr experience. I went to Mexico alone for the surgery, only told ppl on here and 2 friends. I was treated SO well, it was almost like I was in a hotel. I'm already considering going back to Mexico for plastic surgery on my arms or thighs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I tried gaining weight to get above 40 bmi, only to find out that Aetna requires your weight to be at 40 bmi for two years. I wasn't willing to wait that long, so I went to Mexico. In the end, I only spent $2000 more than I would have here since I have a $3500 deductible.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Each person needs to make their own decision.

Cash pay here or Mexico or Brazil is each persons decision and needs to be respected

Everyone's opinion should also be respected.

I saw nothing racist or prejudicial in any statement.

Clearly post surgery we have a lot of emotions all over and take a step back and a deep breath.

Jeez

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Kindle I'm like you.. I didn't have the patience to deal with the Insurance company! Mine didn't cover any at all and I had a BMI of 38 so I wasn't quite what they were looking for. The $4,000 was worth it to me to just go to Mexico and do it. I am a Nurse and I can say I do not regret my choice at all. I had a great experience with the staff and my Doctor. It was very educational for me to see how they do it in Mexico versus the U.S. if anything it allowed me to see the difference in health care and bring my experience back with me. They were very sterile in Mexico and the hospital I stayed in was very clean and orderly. My Dr. is actually a US citizen - Blonde hair blue eyed but travels over the border to Mexico to do the surgery's for the same reason I did.. To avoid all the Insurance hassle. I am also signed up to take a class over the on Gastric Sleeve's and weight loss through our local college. So, you can get the same benefits without having to go through the insurance.

The horror stories you hear from Mexico are no different then here in the U.S. and after working in the health care industry I have come to realize the only reason we don't hear about more "horror stories" in the US is because of confidentiality, Liability, malpractice, Lawsuits - Insurance companies, waivers etc. etc. (None of which Mexico really has)

I didn't have the $4,000 to pay for mine either but I finally realized I couldn't put a price tag on my health and my understanding is that it costs just as much if not more for your insurance deductible and percentage that the insurance won't cover. My dad's secretary had a sleeve done and they billed her insurance $45,000 and out of pocket she ended up paying $12,000 of that. So, I got a credit card and charged mine.

In my opinion it doesn't matter how each of us got or is getting our Gastric Bypass nor does it matter to me the cost of who paid more or less... or whether you did it in the US or Mexico.. what matters is afterwards we are all in the same boat -- trying to lose weight. No two experiences are going to be the same. I am here for support and to give support

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, seriously??? Racist? The people who are commenting on me being racist are way off.

As I wrote , if you read what I read about this woman's experience you would question where she had it also. Sure there are lousy doctors and surgeons here in the US too. Maybe I should find this story ON HERE and send it to all of you.

Sorry if your all so dang sensitive. I did not utter one iota of racist statement about a Mexican Person, heritage or any of that. Relax

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×