I have my first appointment June 1st, honestly, I'd love to get the surgery over the summer (as this is when I have the most help/time off), But.... I doubt this is possible? I have a couple friends who had surgery with the same guy I have a consult with. (A preferred surgeon through my insurance, thus being covered at a higher rate) And she said it took 6 months. She also said if I was to be more flexible with scheduling appointments. (With nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) It could go faster. But how much faster?

I just started the process in May. I am trying to jump through the hoops as quickly as possible. I would love an August or September date, but realize it could be much longer.

This is what I'm hoping to do... we'll see!

@@Qwalla Well poop! Lindora should count I would think, but that was only for 10 weeks. Maybe it would knock off some time though? Who knows.

My Nutritionist and Psychiatrist both thought 6 months was too long (I have a good understanding of the surgery and after surgery eating requirements) and my Nutritionist said she would work with me to get that cut down some if necessary. I had consecutive Drs visits in 2015 that showed we discussed weight loss (and often weight loss surgery or diets) that we were going to use to chop off a few months. Bring everything you have as backup/proof with you to your Consult.

I started the process in July of last year and surgery took place in March of this year. My insurance company required monthly visits with a nutritionist for 6 months and document weight loss. I also needed to have several consultations to get cleared for surgery. Cardio, pulmonary - which lead to a sleep study, a visit with the surgery centers behavioral psychologist, and also the sign off of the nutritionist and the surgeon.

I have my first appointment June 1st, honestly, I'd love to get the surgery over the summer (as this is when I have the most help/time off), But.... I doubt this is possible? I have a couple friends who had surgery with the same guy I have a consult with. (A preferred surgeon through my insurance, thus being covered at a higher rate) And she said it took 6 months. She also said if I was to be more flexible with scheduling appointments. (With nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) It could go faster. But how much faster?

Tina, I'm having my surgery on June 24th @ mayo in jacksonville. Because I had a lot of things wrong with me, like sleep apnea, etc.. It's taken me over a year. They want to make sure that you know everything & are ready for your new re-birth.

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@@KristenLe What constituent as "proof" does a credit card bill count? Or do I have to go in and get my records?

@@KristenLe What constituent as "proof" does a credit card bill count? Or do I have to go in and get my records?

@@Tina4heath4ever You will have to show records of tracked weight.

It seems to require a lot more time and hoop jumping to get a date if you're going through insurance. I had really positive experience having surgery in Mexico, and was able to schedule it precisely during the time when I wanted it to be. If my insurance was going to cover it (they wouldn't because my BMI was too low), It would have taken over a year to complete all their requirements and then for an in-network surgeon to schedule the date.

I just wanted to throw it out there that if you really want flexibility with your date, having the surgery with a reputable surgeon in Mexico is worth considering. It was virtually stress-free for me.

@@SilentBotts So a little over 6 months?

@@marylu Thanks for sharing your story and good luck with your surgery! <3

I guess I'm just impatient. I've thought about this surgery for 13 years, and now that I've decided to do it, I just want to hurry up and be on the other side of it. I must learn patience.

@@Clementine Sky I've heard of this, and it's honesty tempting, but I doubt my husband would go for this option. I'm also sure there's more out of pocket costs? that's another factor for me.

@@Tina4heath4ever You will have to show records of tracked weight.

Okay, so the only thing that would count would be Lindora. And I only have 10 weeks recorded of that.

Nutrisystem and WW may have your records if it wasn't too long ago but wait until your consult to see if you even need them.

@@KristenLe Thank you Kristen! So helpful!

@@Tina4heath4ever

Yeah, and I just remembered that I missed my second nutritionists appointment and that needed to be rescheduled which also slowed me down a bit.

@@SilentBotts So that's not too bad then. It can be my Christmas present to myself! Probably a hard time to go through everything, but maybe the best too... We'll see!

I went from first visit to surgery in 8 weeks. Could have been sooner but holidays and vacations delayed some of the pre-op testing.

@@Clementine Sky I've heard of this, and it's honesty tempting, but I doubt my husband would go for this option. I'm also sure there's more out of pocket costs? that's another factor for me.

My husband is a physician, and I had anticipated him balking at the idea of me having surgery in Tijuana. He did at first, but then he mulled it over, did some research, and willingly got on board. It's actually quite common for SoCal residents to go to Mexico for medical care because there are qualified surgeons and doctors, and reputable facilities there for a fraction of the cost. My parents are the only other ones who know about it, and they had the same reaction. They became fully supportive once I laid everything out. We live in LA, and the surgeons I consulted with here charge between $29,000 and $35,000 for the VSG. We're relatively young and still paying off his massive med school loans, and it was just too hefty to be feasible. Insurance wasn't going to pay for a cent of it because I didn't meet the criteria with my BMI. If they had covered it, my out of pocket expenses would have been around $5000, and it would have required a minimum of a year to get approved and land a surgery date. My surgery in Mexico was $4200, and that included my hotel stay at the Marriott before and after the surgery, and all medicine. We are just a couple hours away, so we drove down there and back easily. If you're not within a reasonable driving distance, you'll have to factor in the cost of flights. My parents came with me, and we also paid for their hotel room. It was reasonable, and they enjoyed the hotel. They could have stayed in my room at the clinic for free, but they were more comfortable at the Marriott.

My follow up has simply been through my endocrinologist, who was the one who'd suggested the surgery to me because of its ability to help women my size (14 before surgery) and age (early 30s) with fertility. She arranged for me to see a nutritionist who has consulted with bariatric patients who have PCOS. Those costs are covered by my insurance, so my only expenses are my $35 per visit copay.

Edited May 17, 201610 yr by Clementine Sky