Hi everyone! I'm brand new to everything and have lots of questions.

My PCP recommended that I get VSG but my insurance doesn't cover anything. The cost here in Montana is $20100 plus anesthesiologist fees. I'm looking into other options before committing and I'm curious about a few things.

For those who got surgery in the US - did you travel to another state for the operation? How does preop and postop work if so? Would you have rathered do it locally? Cost if you don't mind?

For those who got surgery in Mexico - how does preop and postop work?

Your PCP can order all the labs and tests and send those results to another physician in prep for surgery. All the bloodwork, stress test, upper endoscopy, sleep study, etc.

The reason codes for insurance can be to check for sleep apnea, heart disease, GERD, general bloodwork etc - not as presurgery clearance.

Research the surgeon you pick carefully. Good luck.

Edited March 7, 20188 yr by Sosewsue61

@WlsSam Please fell free to ask any questions about the surgical procedures.

I had my surgery in Mexico... My insurance specifically doesn't cover bariatric surgery. My PCP was on board with me having the surgery and when I came home, I went to him for my follow up labs... I am happy with my results.

I used bariatrix Florida. I paid $9000 last August. I drove down there the night before, had surgery, stayed 1 night in the hospital, 2 nights in a hotel, had a followup and drove home. Consult was done via phone. Preop education was done via fave book live. Preop testing and post op testing was done by my PCP (insurance covered it all luckily). I had to do a psych consult, but I did it online. There are numerous Dr's with good self pay packages. Check out Dr Wizman, Dr Taggar, Dr shillingford, all in FL. Dr Borland in Louisiana. Dr pleatman in MI and Dr Umbach in Vegas.

Some people also are able to go the 'hernia route'. If you have a hiatial hernia, insurance might cover that surgery, then your surgeon charges you a small fee to also do the sleeve.

Mexico is also a great option. I would have used Dr Illan or Dr Ariel Ortiz.

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