Hello

We have united health care but weightless surgery is NOT covered. I have a hiatal hernia that will be fixed during my sleeve surgery. I was hoping that a bulk of the cost of surgery would be covered by my insurance now due to the hernia, ie-hostpial stay and anesthesiologist (2 huge expenses). I went today for another dr appt and they informed me that i have to pay $26,000 which is the cost of the sleeve and that includes the hospital stay and anesthesiologist. AND it has to be paid in full prior to surgery (set for april). I guess i just don't understand why the things my insurance WILL cover can't be deducted from the $26K, the office couldn't give me a answer which was really frustrating. My insurance company HAS paid for all my tests (minus my deductible). I hope this makes sense. SO, one of my questions is, how much was everyones surgery for self pay? This just seems like an awful lot.

I wouldn't rule out Mexico! I had my surgery there, paid $4600 all inclusive except travel. For those who have a hiatal hernia, doctor will repair it for an additional $350 or so. I'm am so happy I chose Mexico!

Wow--after reading this, I feel truly blessed. We've got United HealthCare through my husband;s employer--and my portion was $600 ... Six hundred dollars. Period.

It must have to do with your specific plan. He works for a huge company, (so the out-of-pocket cost to subscribers is less).. and we have the PPO option plan.--Not sure if the PPO part would make any difference, though.

In the end, though...when anyone reaches the point where weight-loss surgery is even on the table...the benefits SO outweigh any costs associated with it. If you need the procedure done, there is always a way to wiggle funds around and make it happen.

I am about 3.5 months post-op and don't regret my decision one bit. Never a drop of "buyer's remorse"...

I can't put a price tag on health and happiness. <3

Wow--after reading this, I feel truly blessed. We've got United HealthCare through my husband;s employer--and my portion was $600 ... Six hundred dollars. Period.

It must have to do with your specific plan. He works for a huge company, (so the out-of-pocket cost to subscribers is less).. and we have the PPO option plan.--Not sure if the PPO part would make any difference, though.

In the end, though...when anyone reaches the point where weight-loss surgery is even on the table...the benefits SO outweigh any costs associated with it. If you need the procedure done, there is always a way to wiggle funds around and make it happen.

I am about 3.5 months post-op and don't regret my decision one bit. Never a drop of "buyer's remorse"...

I can't put a price tag on health and happiness. <3

Yes, you are very lucky. My husband also works for a big Fortune 500 corporation, they just exclude wls out of the plan unfortunately. Congrats on your new journey.

Edited March 1, 201610 yr by mmorris4

Have you thought about checking with the doctors to see which insurance they talk for these weight loss , and pay for that insurance and use that instead and cancel your job insurance til you get you surgery then if you don't like your new insurance for want ever reason go back to your job insurance or find one you like

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Seriously look at Mexico. I paid $4500 and that included travel. The amount you are quoting is ridiculous. Treatment in Mexico (assuming you do your research) is wonderful and the surgeons are highly skilled.

Yes, 100% had to be paid in full. In fact, the surgeon wouldn't even schedule it until I paid her fee. Then I had to pay all hospital fees a few days before surgery at my pre-op appointment.

The surgeon's office offered financing but I personally thought the interest rates and fees were ridiculous. I decided to pay half up front and apply for an 36 month interest free credit card for the balance. So I have 3 years to pay off that Visa card without having to pay interest.

Which credit card did you find for 36 interest free?

It was a Citi Bank Card. Because I have a really good credit score I had several options. But I just started out by googling zero percent credit cards.

Yes, 100% had to be paid in full. In fact, the surgeon wouldn't even schedule it until I paid her fee. Then I had to pay all hospital fees a few days before surgery at my pre-op appointment.

The surgeon's office offered financing but I personally thought the interest rates and fees were ridiculous. I decided to pay half up front and apply for an 36 month interest free credit card for the balance. So I have 3 years to pay off that Visa card without having to pay interest.

Which credit card did you find for 36 interest free?

It was a Citi Bank Card. Because I have a really good credit score I had several options. But I just started out by googling zero percent credit cards.

Nashville - $18,000

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@@JapGirl : I am looking into the same at Nicholson. My friend had it done last July. I am worried in the event of complications, what do you do if no one in your town will touch you? Thanks

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Just another Mexico sleever here! I was sleeved in TJ for $4500 (minus airfare). Overall, I paid no more than 5K and was able to book when I wanted which really worked out well. Lots of people discredit surgeries done out of country but they were really great and they took great care of me.

There is also the option to bring someone with you but I chose to go alone, and met a great group of people there.

@@JapGirl : I am looking into the same at Nicholson. My friend had it done last July. I am worried in the event of complications, what do you do if no one in your town will touch you? Thanks

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I could get referred to a doc here. But honestly if there is a complication I plan to visit the ER. They can't deny you. But after 2-3 weeks the chances of complications are very small. you can message me if you'd like some more info I'd be happy to share

Thanks and the clinic has been very helpful answering all my questions timely and with satisfaction. Can't

Wait. I'm ready for surgery !

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Yes, 100% had to be paid in full. In fact, the surgeon wouldn't even schedule it until I paid her fee. Then I had to pay all hospital fees a few days before surgery at my pre-op appointment.

The surgeon's office offered financing but I personally thought the interest rates and fees were ridiculous. I decided to pay half up front and apply for an 36 month interest free credit card for the balance. So I have 3 years to pay off that Visa card without having to pay interest.

which card did you get that was 36 month interest free?

My insurance didn't cover WLS at all. I paid $6500 at Obesity Control Center in TJ. Dr. Ariel Ortiz is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Bariatric Surgeon of Excellence. His facility is an International Center of Excellence. He's proctored dozens of US and Canadian surgeons in laparoscopic technique, performed over 16,000 bariatric surgeries and has a complication rate 1/10 that of the US average. I had an easy, pain free recovery and was back to work in 7 days. Excellent postop communication and even at 2 years out they continue to monitor my progress. My PCP is so impressed he is recommending OCC to his patients that dont have WLS insurance.

If you can't get things straightened out with your local doctor and insurance, you should look at the great surgical options offered elsewhere.

Where is this located

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My insurance didn't cover WLS at all. I paid $6500 at Obesity Control Center in TJ. Dr. Ariel Ortiz is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Bariatric Surgeon of Excellence. His facility is an International Center of Excellence. He's proctored dozens of US and Canadian surgeons in laparoscopic technique, performed over 16,000 bariatric surgeries and has a complication rate 1/10 that of the US average. I had an easy, pain free recovery and was back to work in 7 days. Excellent postop communication and even at 2 years out they continue to monitor my progress. My PCP is so impressed he is recommending OCC to his patients that dont have WLS insurance.

If you can't get things straightened out with your local doctor and insurance, you should look at the great surgical options offered elsewhere.

Where is this located

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Tijuana.

I'd be jumping on the TJ one... Really cheap, clearly works, and you don't have to pay for a hotel since you will be staying in the hospital.

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