I do not qualify for GS because I don't have a major co-morbidity but do have a BMI of 36. I am desperate for help so am looking at Mexico as an option. How long does it take to have surgery scheduled? Do they have as many hoops to jump through as in the states? Is it a faster process in Mexico? Thank you for any insight you can provide.

35 minutes ago, VSG4Mag said:

I had read and watched many videos on Mexico and was totally ready to go. Before persuing that, I figured why not give it a go with insurance? That way at least I can say I tried, and obviously it will be no money out of pocket

I really thought Mexico was where I'd end up. I've heard a lot of good things.

23 minutes ago, Candigal said:

I have tricare south prime and was one month from consultation to surgery. I did not have to do a psych consult or a nutritionist (the docs office had one and so did the hospital). My BMI was 40 and it fluctuated.

Hi, can I ask where you are located? I am in the Panhandle of Florida so I have tricare south as well. I'm wondering if I should seek out another location for approval. There are only 2 tricare approved surgeons and they are in the same group. I am just perplexed as to why their office wouldn't even see me. The insurance rep/receptionist told me tricare wouldn't approve the surgery so there was no reason to be seen. She also stated that once seen (if I put on 20 lbs!) tricare still requires 4 months of nutrition classes. Wonder why you had a different experience. She told me, again, if I was seen, it would take a minimum of 6 months to complete process before submitting for surgery approval; so looking at year from now.

Thank you endlessly for your help and navigation.

1 minute ago, VSG4Mag said:

Ok! I hope that works out.

Keep in mind too, that some insurance requires 6 months of weigh ins. Maybe keep up with that through your primary doctor so that doesn't hold you up.

If your insurance covers a nutritionist, see if you can get an appointment with one that will go over the pre and post bariatric diet requirements. That will knock on thing out that the bariatric group will likely need you to do. Plus it is very informative and educating. And maybe find a psych doctor/therapist ahead of time too so you can set it up more easily.

My practice DID have everything in house, but many of them were not covered by insurance and I'd have to pay out of pocket a couple of hundred for each. Also, they were very backed up and appointments were tough to schedule for me.

I'm excited for you. I was you just last week. ?

I'm so thankful for the hope you've given me. I also appreciate the advice. I am going to take it and be as proactive as possible. Thank you!

I used Cahaba Valley Surgical, Dr Christopher in Birmingham, AL. It may be worth the drive. He was very direct and my process was straight forward. I didn't have to jump through hoops.

52 minutes ago, VSG4Mag said:

I had read and watched many videos on Mexico and was totally ready to go. Before persuing that, I figured why not give it a go with insurance? That way at least I can say I tried, and obviously it will be no money out of pocket

I really thought Mexico was where I'd end up. I've heard a lot of good things.

40 minutes ago, Candigal said:

I have tricare south prime and was one month from consultation to surgery. I did not have to do a psych consult or a nutritionist (the docs office had one and so did the hospital). My BMI was 40 and it fluctuated.

Hi, can I ask where you are located? I am in the Panhandle of Florida so I have tricare south as well.

Thank you so, so much for the info. I'm going to call his office tomorrow. Ahhhh! I'm so hopeful; thank you!

I had sleep apnea too, the blood pressure no diabetes, after loosing 60 lbs, I still snore like a bear , and still have to take blood pressure meds. (hereditary per dr. ) still no diabetes.

With insurance, normal wait time is 6 months. Cash, come right on in.

Good Luck !

I have Tricare Prime North. Would have been a minimum of 6 months, and more likely a year. Went to Mexico with Dr. Illan, and couldn't be happier.

I am a military man's wife... not military myself. Those actually in the Army can NOT get the surgery, as they will be fired. I don't know about the other branches of service.

On 3/28/2017 at 0:45 AM, Mrsa said:

I do not qualify for GS because I don't have a major co-morbidity but do have a BMI of 36. I am desperate for help so am looking at Mexico as an option. How long does it take to have surgery scheduled? Do they have as many hoops to jump through as in the states? Is it a faster process in Mexico? Thank you for any insight you can provide.

I soooo recommend Mexico... NO HOOPS!

Once I decided that Dr. Illan at Bariatric Pal was who I wanted to do my surgery (I researched surgery in Mexico for 6-9 months, maybe more).

I spoke with Bill@Bariatricpal.com and he sent me the Medical application (I filled out my paperwork, which took me a few days) I was approved for surgery in less then 1 week!

I had the option of 3 to 4 different dates that were around 8-12 weeks out!

The next step was finding a flight that coordinated with my dates and Bariatric Pal's pick up schedule. I found one and contacted Bill to confirm it. (Bill stayed on the phone with me while I booked it). 2-3 days!

My surgery was 3/28/17 and that's my awesome experience... hope this helps!