Whose gone from MD to Mexico for their WLS?

Hi Y'all,

As I was just mentioning to OMA1950, even though I have my insurance through Johns Hopkins, they will only cover "bypass" or the Band. Since VSG doesn't bypass anything, they won't cover it. I'd love to have Dr. Schweitzer, but just don't want a procedure that I don't believe is right for me.

Bayview wants $17,500 for the VSG, Dr. Alvarez is $10,000. So, I'm waiting to see how much my bonus check from work will be (which is overdue);with that and my savings I'll probably still be short @ $2K. Darn, my credit card balance will really jump from this!

I've never been a "grazer", only eat when I'm hungry, don't binge eat, don't go back for seconds; but always clean my plate (usually with too much on it). That's how I've eaten and dieted my way to morbid obesity over the years. Since going on a beta blocker, and reaching menopause, I've put on more weight that ever and have a really difficult time just trying to maintain. I'm getting close to being diabetic, so really can't wait another 1+ years till my insurance may cover it.

So, to get to my question - anyone here been to Mexico for WLS? Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated. I don't post much because every time I have a question it seems someone else beat me to it on the VSG board. Whether you know it or not, you folks are my support system! And very good at it.

Thanks,

Penny 

OMGOSH!!!!! To me that seems like it would be really hard because I know most surgeons who do these procedures want you to follow up with them frequently for up to 3 years after WLS. And what would happen if you had an emergency after surgery? I just think its a bad idea to go so far out but that is just my opinion.
I dont know much about that procedure but I do know when I went and met with my surgeon he said he would absolutley NOT PERFORM that one for people. So I would go and speak with some people who have had this done and get as much input as you can. Im sorry your in this situation. Best of luck to ya honey. ~Jilly~

Penny

First of all I agree with Jill the follow up and bloodwork is alot after any WLS I live on Kent Island work in Greenbelt and go to the surgeon in Baltimore and even that is trek let alone Mexico.  Second, may I ask why you are choosing VSG as opposed to RNY, I think you might get more of a benefit  from RNY . Most people I know get the VSG because they are unable to get a RNY or band.  K9Krazzi (Deb) on this board is a certified OH support group leader and VSG post op, and has done alot of research on all types you could PM her and she can fill you in on more specifics. Best of luck to you.

Terri

A lot of people on the DS board have gone to Mexico for surgery. Several of the people on the DS board have had the VSG because it is considered the first part of the DS-the stomach part. If you post on the DS board you will get a lot of information regarding what it is like to go to Mexico for surgery. Some have even gone to Brazil or Spain. You would be surprised at how easy they said it is. But as others have said you need to have a supportive pcp who can order follow up blood work, etc. And you want to make really sure you have looked into taking an insurance plan to cover for any kind of complications because in some cases, if you insurance did not pay for the surgery, they won't pay for any complications either. But there are plans you can purchase to cover. You just need to do your homework. Good luck.

I applaud you in staying true to your decision to have the VSG and not get the RNY just cause it's covered. I also first chose the VSG and it was not covered but then researched some more and found out luckily the DS was covered. I had never heard of the DS but through research found it was actually the best surgery for me.

If I had not found out about the DS I might have went to Dr. A to get the sleeve...after saving lol. I have a very good friend that went to Dr. A for her sleeve six months ago and is doing great! She went by herself and had no complications. I would check to see if your insurance would cover any problems that were sleeve related, if not I would prepare for emergencies. I wouldn't let other people's fears stand in your way of getting what you want. IMO

Penny,
I see you have already gotten great advice but I just wanted to suggest that you may want to meet with Dr. Shweitzer for a consult, to ask him questions about all the different surgeries, since her performs them all. I would think he would be a knowledgeble resource for you.   He and his nurse practitioner Pat may be able to help you consider all the surgeries and determine if the VSG is what would work best for you, depending upon your BMI and whether you will require some malabsorption to keep off the weight you lose. 
Also, there are many folkson the DS and RNY boards who are self-pay and go out of the US for surgery.  They tend to be very educated about their WLS procedure and what their aftercare entails.They have to follow up consistently with their primary care doc, sometimes having to educate their own doc about what exactly they had done and what labs should be taken regularly.  They also stay in touch with their surgeon via email and have a phone number in case there are any reasons in life down the road that they have to be hospitalized, so the surgeon can consult with the hospital about the changed anatomy and nutritional needs, etc.  Best of luck in making the decision that is best for you.