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I have a FSA & I don't know where I can use it.



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I set up a FSA for surgery. When I first signed up, I asked if it could be used towards bariatric surgery and I was told it was. In subsequent conversations, I learned that I could not use my FSA for surgery in Mexico. At least, that's what one customer service representative said. Another said that I could use it anywhere as long as they were set up for medical billing.

So, I have money in my FSA available but I can't find a bariatric surgeon (in Mexico) who has either a US billing address or a credit card processing agent with medical billing. I was looking into Dr. Montoyera and Dr. Illan, but I have started researching BeLiteWeight.

My FSA is set up that I can either use my Master Card to pay for my invoice or my FSA will pay after the procedure has been completed (which most Mexican surgeons require payment at or before surgery).

Anyone successful using a FSA credit card in Mexico?

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As for surgeons that your FSA may work with, try checking out Obesity Control Center. I paid my deposit with PayPal And it showed up as "paypalDrOrtiz" on my cc statement. I paid the balance of the surgery with a cashiers check made out to Dr. Ortiz's California based corporation that has a San Diego address.

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I second checking with OCC. They filled out my FLMA paperwork, so I would think they'd be able to do what is needed for FSA as well.

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Thanks. I sent a message through the contact form to Lori (??). I hope they can make arrangements for my FSA. Does anyone know what his price range is for sleeve? Prices have gone up since I first began researching in 2014.

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Hi,

Last week I was quoted $4400, hoping to book for may, when would you be looking at going if you don't mind me asking?

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Hi,

Last week I was quoted $4400, hoping to book for may, when would you be looking at going if you don't mind me asking?

I am hoping for April or May. I have an upcoming trial that has already been continued months and months, so I am trying to plan around it.

@@Kooky1

Please give me a call 619-900-7808. I might be able to help you.

Today or tomorrow?

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Hi,

If you end up going in May, maybe we could be sleeve sisters? I am most likely going to go alone :(

I set up a FSA for surgery. When I first signed up, I asked if it could be used towards bariatric surgery and I was told it was. In subsequent conversations, I learned that I could not use my FSA for surgery in Mexico. At least, that's what one customer service representative said. Another said that I could use it anywhere as long as they were set up for medical billing.

So, I have money in my FSA available but I can't find a bariatric surgeon (in Mexico) who has either a US billing address or a credit card processing agent with medical billing. I was looking into Dr. Montoyera and Dr. Illan, but I have started researching BeLiteWeight.

My FSA is set up that I can either use my Master Card to pay for my invoice or my FSA will pay after the procedure has been completed (which most Mexican surgeons require payment at or before surgery).

Anyone successful using a FSA credit card in Mexico?

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Hi,

If you end up going in May, maybe we could be sleeve sisters? I am most likely going to go alone :(

I set up a FSA for surgery. When I first signed up, I asked if it could be used towards bariatric surgery and I was told it was. In subsequent conversations, I learned that I could not use my FSA for surgery in Mexico. At least, that's what one customer service representative said. Another said that I could use it anywhere as long as they were set up for medical billing.

So, I have money in my FSA available but I can't find a bariatric surgeon (in Mexico) who has either a US billing address or a credit card processing agent with medical billing. I was looking into Dr. Montoyera and Dr. Illan, but I have started researching BeLiteWeight.

My FSA is set up that I can either use my Master Card to pay for my invoice or my FSA will pay after the procedure has been completed (which most Mexican surgeons require payment at or before surgery).

Anyone successful using a FSA credit card in Mexico?

With Dr Ortiz?

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I am using Bariatric Pal (Dr Zavalza) next week. I contacted my FSA and was assured that it didn't matter what country I received the surgery in, as long as it is a medically necessary procedure, and I submit a receipt stating such. I will pay for the surgery in full, and then submit the receipt to my FSA for reimbursement.

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I am pretty sure Bariatric Pal can take a FSA. I used Dr. Illan and recommend him highly. I had a friend use Dr. Ortiz. Comparing the two experiences I choose Dr. Illan every time!

Which Dr. Ortiz? Ariel or Elias?

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She used Dr. Ortiz. That was who I was going to use at first. Then I talked to Stacy and Bill at Bariatric Pal. I seen the issues that my friend was having. I discussed them with Bill and decided that Dr. Ortiz just wasn't the fit for me. I did a lot of research. You have to find the doctor that is right for you. Dr. Illan's preop and post op was better suited for me. I also liked the fact that I had nutritional support for life. Stacy has had the sleeve and she is very helpful when it comes to stalls and knowing how I felt preop and post op. I am from Arkansas and so was Stacy. When talking to them I knew they lived in TJ Mexico. They work there and they knew the hospitals and doctors.

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@@moejoe27 which Dr. Ortiz? Ariel or Elias? Because Ariel Ortiz does provide lifetime support. He has a dietician on staff available via email and phone. In fact his entire staff has always been available for postop support. Even two years out they send emails, keeping tabs on me.

What kind of issues did you friend experience? I hope everything is OK with her. I'm glad you found the perfect fit for you and that things are going well.

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She used Dr. Ortiz. That was who I was going to use at first. Then I talked to Stacy and Bill at Bariatric Pal. I seen the issues that my friend was having. I discussed them with Bill and decided that Dr. Ortiz just wasn't the fit for me. I did a lot of research. You have to find the doctor that is right for you. Dr. Illan's preop and post op was better suited for me. I also liked the fact that I had nutritional support for life. Stacy has had the sleeve and she is very helpful when it comes to stalls and knowing how I felt preop and post op. I am from Arkansas and so was Stacy. When talking to them I knew they lived in TJ Mexico. They work there and they knew the hospitals and doctors.

I am pretty sure Bariatric Pal can take a FSA. I used Dr. Illan and recommend him highly. I had a friend use Dr. Ortiz. Comparing the two experiences I choose Dr. Illan every time!

Which Dr. Ortiz? Ariel or Elias?

Still didn't say which one. There are two Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana doing bariatric surgery.

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Listen to Jamielogical she know alot and call BILL he is good. i will be going to Dr. Illan if my insurance doesnt approve me TODAY. when are you planning to go if they take your FSA? call Bill im sure he knows what to do? Impositive he can answer your questions


Still Waiting Bill ARRGGGGg

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    • 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.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
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    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
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