Taking my future in my own hand :)

I have been fighting the insurance nightmares for about 5 years. I am sick of the run around so I have decided that I am worth it and am taking my life back. I went through a financing company and am self paying for a lap band procedure with a doctor in Mexico. I know it sounds risky but two family members had it done with this doctor and they are doing awesome, so I got my approval on Wednesday at 1200 and I am leaving for Mexico on Easter. My surgery date is April 19, 2006 hopefully I will become a loser now. -Amy A

Amy I don't blame you I was almost to that point after trying for two years. I hope you much luck, but be sure someone is with you cause I have read where others have went and didn't take anyone with them and they should of. Some that speaks spanish might be a big help, cause I rember someone else had a hard time with that when she tried to discribe the pain she was in they didn't understand. The other thing you have to think about it what if something happens, are you going to have to go to Mexco to get help or treatment, I don't want to change your mind but I do want you to think about things, Also if you have problems , if your insurance won't wouldn't pay for the surgery they may not pay for you to be hospitalized for Any complacations either. So there will be more out of the pocket, I had some problems and am still having a few and look at Ed for exsample he to has been in and out of the hospital... Don't get me wrong not trying to talk you out, just want you to make sure. Lab band isn't as dangerous but with everything there is complacations. Just don't want anything to happen to you. This is my opion I am sure others have there own. Please don't be upset at what I wrote just want you to think about it. Lisa B

Thanks Lisa for your advice. I am not upset, I appreciate your honesty. I have thought of some of the issues ahead of time. My mother will be coming with me. I know a little bit of spanish but the doctor speaks english. I will only be in Mexico for one day. I am getting the FDA approved band in which there is a doctor in Chicago who can make adjustments and such. I pretty much am praying for the best, if there is complications, I will just have to take them one at a time. I know that financially it may ruin me if there are, but I am ok. My life is based on love and not money so as long as I am alive and kickin, I will be happy. I have weighed the risk in my head of the possibility of being broke and able to walk, or having financial stability and being confined to a bed. And you can tell which I have decided to be. LOL If all goes well, I will definately be posting on here. Thanks again, Amy A

Amy Congrats on your approval to get your surgery done . I must say it really gets my anger up when an American Citizen has to go to another country to get surgery because insurance companies do not want us to get better . I agree with Lisa, just make sure you have a plan for any follow up actions that might become necessary. Do you have to go back to Mexico to get your fills done?? I highly recommend that you join in with us at the Kokomo Support Group that meets on the 3rd Wednesday night of the month at the St Joseph Hospital Education Center on St Joseph Drive. The is the street that turns right just past Lord John Taccos on West Jefferson Street. If you need more information just let me know. Dan

Thanks Dan, I will have to do that. I am having my actual surgery on the 19th of this month so I wouldnt be able to attend until May. I am familiar with that area, I think I could find it ok. Just for everyones info who voted for me in the fitness challenge, The newspaper printed an article stating that I dropped out. This is incorrect. I was informed by the gym owner that I was no longer allowed to compete due to rescheduling 3 sessions. He had too many paying clients that I couldnt take their place. I also did use the gym for cardio and had lost 9 pounds total. Since they wouldnt let me compete I think I emotionally ate the pounds right back on. I can have fills in the United States but it would be just as easy to go back to this surgeon in Mexico. From some of his past clients I have heard great things. I will definately keep you posted. -AMy A

Amy, Good Luck with everything. I had the same thoughts if my insurance wouldn't have approved. Be safe and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers!!!!!