Erosion! Need Help With Insurance

Lacysmom · September 19, 2008

Thank you for all your help in advance. I had my lapband placed as a self pay in Mexico 21/2 years ago. I found out this week by endoscopy that it had eroded. Now I am in pain and need to have it removed soon. My problem is my insurance company. They do not pay for obesity surgery or any complications it may cause. What do I do? I can't afford the huge bill this will create. I have contacted my Doctor in Mexico. They could remove it. They would charge $800-$5000. Plus any cost for travel and hotel. I know that is still less than the US, but I am a little uneasy with how it may be removed. Mind you, this was only the scheduler, but they would remove it endoscopically. Just cut it and pull it out my mouth in office. But what if there is a hole in my stomach that must be repaired? A little scary.

So any help with this situation is very needed. I know I got myself into this mess because I wanted to loose weight and look good for once in my life. I still have a good 40 more pounds to loose. I am sad, I don't want to gain it all back and have a huge finacial burden on top of it. Help!!

By the way, I have Lifewise of Oregon for insurance.

:thumbup:

RayeP · September 19, 2008

I heard that insurance companies will cover complications even if they didnt do the surgery. What if you just went to the emergency room? I didnt have insurance of any kind so my doctor would only do the surgery where I wouldn't have to pay extra if there was a problem.

Nanook · September 19, 2008

I would look into this a little more, I've never heard of them removing it that way and I'm going to be having mine removed soon. If it is an emergency maybe your insurance company can work with you a bit and if not some type of reputable surgeon in your area can work out something cheaper since you're uninsured basically and a payment plan. Wish you well, Nancy:smile:.

losing it in ne · September 19, 2008

absolutely you have to have the hole in your stomach repaired. That seems like a strange way to remove it but I have not researched this much. You have to take care of you. Did you insurance absolutelly refuse to pay? You must have it fixed though or you will get deathly ill and I do not say that lightly.

Lacysmom · September 26, 2008

Just an update for all those who are thinking of self paying for a lapband. My insurance said no, they would not pay for obesity surgery or any complication of. I am on my own to pay to get this thing out. I am also on my own to deal with my weight issue for the rest of my life. I believed the band was the best choice for me because it was reversable. Who wants to reverse weight loss? Anyway, I will once again have to go out of the county to receive the care I need.