Just checking to see if anyone else out there went to Mexico for their surgery.  Please let me know who your Dr was.  What procedure you had and who you go to for your follow up care here in MN.

I am going Jan 6th for VSG to Dr Ramos-Kelly.  Insurance denied - was working with Dr Daniel Leslie here at Abbott NW.   

did you appeal the denial of insurance?  why did they deny you?

 Low BMI 37 at the time and not enough history of BMI over 35 wi/comorbidities.  I am only pre-diabetic not full blown.  High BP but managed with diet not meds;  I actually have a high deductible and would have to pay out of pocket almost as much as the surgery in Mx is costing me.  I want to get it done sooner than later and just don't have the time to bicker and fight.  I can afford to pay my way in Mx, but certainly not here in US.  My insurance deductible is $3000 and then I have to pay 20%  - my out of pocket  maximum is only $200 less than my total surgery cost + airfare to Mexico.

I am totally confident with the surgeon I have selected in Mexico.  I have talked to several people (about 10) who have used him.  Not worried about the surgery at all.  Just inquiring about follow up care.

Obviously, I did not have my surgery in Mexico, but I have known a couple of people who did.

And you hit the nail on the head, the biggest issue is follow up support and care.  Be sure you have a supportive PCP who has some knowlege of bariatrics, who will order and follow your labs to assure you are getting all the proper vitamins and supplements in.  And you would be wise to get involved in a local support group - those facilitated by one of the local bariatric programs (I don't believe any of them require you to have gone through their particular program... I know PNC welcomes everyone), and coffee groups are a great help, too!

CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK!

 Thanks for the advise Darla!  I will look into a support group.  I know that PNC does allow people in who did not go through their program.  Are you a member of a support group?  I am in the Twin Ciites and work in Edina so I am sure there area several close to home or work.

Kim

I've been going to PNC pretty religiously since Feb '07.  We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Methodist - well, at the back, by the Cancer center.  5:30-6:30.  Hope to see you there sometime! 

Same support group as me... I think you'd like it Kim. The attendees are really easy to talk to... I've only been to one meeting and I can't wait to go back!

I went to Dr. Alvarez in Mexico in October.  He's been great (and so is his coordinator Susan) at responding, texting and emailing me with support and questions.  My PCP was on board with being my follow up after the surgery. 

My insurance covered only RNY or Lap Band, and due to my history of abdominal surgeries and intestinal issues, I didn't want to go that route, so VSG was my decision.  Very happy.  Dr. Alvarez was great. 

I haven't gone to support group yet, but met an old acquaintance from a previous church today at my church, and I think we're going to hit the new group in Elk River tomorrow.