ok.. opinions plese... wait for insurance or pay for surgery in Mexico

Ok guys, here is my dilemma. i am in the pre-op stage of weight loss surgery. i have decided that I want to get the gastric sleeve done. now my insurance does cover it but here is the problem:

1. you have to be employed with my company for 5 years.. (i wont be celebrating this until August 2015 and my surgeon wants me to get my BMI to at least 50... this isnt a problem for me.)

2. The patient must pay a$5,000Bariatric Deductible (specific to Bariatric Surgery) and then the plan will pay80%of eligible expenses. (ok, i am cool with this... it is not one of my problems)

3. you have documented active participation in a comprehensive, non-surgical weight Additional deductible program for at least12consecutive months during the24-month period before the date of your request for Prior Authorization for bariatric surgery. (with this requirement i will not be eligible for surgery until august of 2016!!!)

Number 3 is my biggest problem. when i asked if the 12 months that i have to wait until i hit my 5 year mark counted towards this the told me NO!!! I have been seeing alot of people post about how they went to Mexico for surgery and i am starting to think that maybe this is something that i may want to look into. i mean come on 2 years?? maybe i am just being impatient.. i mean i don't mind waiting a year because i have to be employed for 5 years but what is unfair is that the year of dieting that i am doing now to lose weight (i have lost 20 lbs since Aug 1) doesn't count.

Now there are a few places to choose from in Mexico and i was wondering which one should i choose if this is the route I decide to take?

Thanks for any input!!!!!

Well if you don't want to wait the surgery in Mexico isn'tthat much more than your copay 

With your BMI at 69 I would say you have no time to waste.  I'm not sure of your age but no matter what age you are your risks for problems are very high.  

And as it's been pointed out, your co pay isn't that much less then what surgery would cost in Mexico.  I have seen some ads here for surgeons who have very reasonable costs.

There is a Mexico Forum here that you can get a lot more information from.

Also, with a BMI that high you may want to consider a DS.  It includes the sleeve and malabsorption as well.  It requires more follow up and a lot of supplementation but will probably serve you better in the long run.  The only surgeon in Mexico who would be recommended for the DS is Dr. Ungson.

A DS will cost more but in the long run will be worth it.

Good luck.

I know people do successfully go to Mexico. it does sound like after waiting 2 years you will have to pay probably $10,000 for surgery and the Weight loss program. You could be well on your way to healthy and thinner in 2 years. I would look into Mexico. Good Luck!

Wait,,wait,,wait.... theres always aftercare, if you do this in Mexico, you will regret it. Unless you don't mind traveling back and forth to Mexico for aftercare..

I went to Mexico and I don't regret it.

My doctor provides long distance aftercare and my PCP agreed to supervise me afterwards as well.  It might be an issue if you develop complications (for example, if I had, my insurance - which did not cover any kind of WLS - would not cover complications either. But yours might).

I had the sleeve, but if I had an RNY or DS I might not have wanted to go to Mexico since there are malabsorption with both of those that need closer monitoring. 

this is so totally wrong. You simply. Don't know what you are talking about.

Thanks for your replies everyone!! But after talking with my husband i have decided to wait until my insurance covers me. He was very uncomfortable with me going out of the country for surgery and he too brought up the issues with follow ups and what not. He told me to be patient and stop trying to be so impulsive (i have a bad habit of this) and that good things will come to those who wait.

I guess he is right... so for right now, i am just focusing on dropping this weight and getting my exercising and water in  :)

Since you're going to wait try adopting to the lifestyle you will have after surgery., like eating protein,drinking more water, cutting back on carbs, tracking your food etc. It'll give you an idea of what to look forward to & maybe make for an easier transition. Good luck!