Self pay and complications

jarabacoagirl
on 5/11/12 12:34 am

VSG on 12/17/12

I'm getting a loan and I decided to have surgey local after lots of thought of having it in Mexico. I think the Mexican doctors are great but I don't like the idea of having to travel after surgery.
So here's the big question. What if a person has surgery and than has complications? Is it possible to get medical assistance if complication arise? Or would you be in debt the rest of your life? Kind of scary.

HW 302 lbs. SW 279.8 lbs. CW 193.8 lbs MFP Jarabacoagirl Preop diets 22.2 lbs, 1st month 21.2 lbs, 2nd month 14.6 lbs, 3rd month 11.2 lbs, 4th month 7 lbs, 5th month 7 lbs, 6th month 6.8 lbs, 7th month 5.2 lbs, 8th month 4.4 lbs 9 and 10th months slowed down didn't record exactly

108.2 lbs lost from highest weight!

(86.2 lbs of that was lost since surgery date)

newme2011-2012
on 5/11/12 12:36 am

VSG on 11/10/11

I went to MExico and traveling was nothing after..
But to answer your question .My insurance does not cover WLS so whether I had surgery here or there and complications would be my exspense either way.. It is scary , but not likely ..
Good luck with surgery!
Julie

Highest weight 330 - GW 150

jarabacoagirl
on 5/11/12 12:39 am

VSG on 12/17/12

Will they take your home if you go that far in debt?

HW 302 lbs. SW 279.8 lbs. CW 193.8 lbs MFP Jarabacoagirl Preop diets 22.2 lbs, 1st month 21.2 lbs, 2nd month 14.6 lbs, 3rd month 11.2 lbs, 4th month 7 lbs, 5th month 7 lbs, 6th month 6.8 lbs, 7th month 5.2 lbs, 8th month 4.4 lbs 9 and 10th months slowed down didn't record exactly

108.2 lbs lost from highest weight!

(86.2 lbs of that was lost since surgery date)

Phatchick
on 5/11/12 12:45 am - Brookfield, IL

VSG on 04/16/12

Medical assistance is available if there are complications depending on your finances. If you own a home, then financial assistance isn't as likely. Hospitals do put leins on homes if you owe big bills. Best, Sharon

jarabacoagirl
on 5/11/12 1:04 am

VSG on 12/17/12

We only own a mobile home not a house. I have no idea if it makes a difference. But mobile homes value is so much less.

HW 302 lbs. SW 279.8 lbs. CW 193.8 lbs MFP Jarabacoagirl Preop diets 22.2 lbs, 1st month 21.2 lbs, 2nd month 14.6 lbs, 3rd month 11.2 lbs, 4th month 7 lbs, 5th month 7 lbs, 6th month 6.8 lbs, 7th month 5.2 lbs, 8th month 4.4 lbs 9 and 10th months slowed down didn't record exactly

108.2 lbs lost from highest weight!

(86.2 lbs of that was lost since surgery date)

newme2011-2012
on 5/11/12 12:47 am

VSG on 11/10/11

Doubtful. Most hosp. have payment plans .
Or like my husband and i had to do last year. We had 3 surgeries betweent the 2 of us. We opened a low interest credit card and the payments are all on there and we are paying that off . Also we had enough medical exspences we were able to write a percentage off our taxes.
Julie

Highest weight 330 - GW 150

IL_Pamela
on 5/11/12 12:50 am - Des Plaines, IL

Thanks for asking the question. I am in the same situation. My insurance policy excludes bariatric procedures and they told me they will not pay for any costs associated with complications. I will be self-pay and thus am looking to go to Mexico sometime this year (either late July/early Aug. or in December) after I choose a physician. I think in Mexico, I read somewhere, you cannot leave the country until you retire any debt obligation. Again, not sure. As for in America, you could go to any hospital for emergency care and I don't think they can turn you away even if you provide no insurance. However, if you cannot work out a payment plan with them, your only recourse would be to declare bankruptcy, if you cannotpay off your debt. As you say, it is scary - very! However, I am having to think positive thoughts and play the odds that no serious complications will raise - whether I have the surgery in Mexico or U.S. I am going to spend some extra days in Mexico or San Diego recovering so that I do not fly back immediately. I am going alone so that is even scarier! Whatever you choose to do...I wish you good luck and much success!!

jarabacoagirl
on 5/11/12 12:58 am

VSG on 12/17/12

I think I understand both Dr Aceves and Dr Alvarez include any complications that may arise while you are there. That was what I was told but don't quote me on that.
I'm a bit phobic about traveling after surgery. The reason being is IBS. I worry it would be much worse after surgery. And at my size I don't fit in a airplane bathroom at all. Okay TMI. lol I'm also worried about blood clots on the plane as I deal with swollen ankles. I know before and after surgery you can't take NSAIDs. These are my main reasons for deciding against Mexico. I think Dr Aceves and Dr Alvarez are one of the best surgeons around!

HW 302 lbs. SW 279.8 lbs. CW 193.8 lbs MFP Jarabacoagirl Preop diets 22.2 lbs, 1st month 21.2 lbs, 2nd month 14.6 lbs, 3rd month 11.2 lbs, 4th month 7 lbs, 5th month 7 lbs, 6th month 6.8 lbs, 7th month 5.2 lbs, 8th month 4.4 lbs 9 and 10th months slowed down didn't record exactly

108.2 lbs lost from highest weight!

(86.2 lbs of that was lost since surgery date)

IL_Pamela
on 5/11/12 1:30 am - Des Plaines, IL

I worry about DVT myself and that is one reason I don't want to fly home immediately. I understand about the plane so I was thinking of Amtrak to LA and then down to San Diego - I could walk around a bit on the train on the way home. I need to find a low interest credit card, too. I will need it for the plastic surgery I will need if the sleeve is successful . That would be wonderful to be able to claim some of this expense on my taxes next year, too. Excellent points brought up by others!

jarabacoagirl
on 5/11/12 1:35 am

VSG on 12/17/12

I'm in PA so it's even a farther travel. I'm assuming your going with Dr Aceves if you are flying into San Diego.

HW 302 lbs. SW 279.8 lbs. CW 193.8 lbs MFP Jarabacoagirl Preop diets 22.2 lbs, 1st month 21.2 lbs, 2nd month 14.6 lbs, 3rd month 11.2 lbs, 4th month 7 lbs, 5th month 7 lbs, 6th month 6.8 lbs, 7th month 5.2 lbs, 8th month 4.4 lbs 9 and 10th months slowed down didn't record exactly

108.2 lbs lost from highest weight!

(86.2 lbs of that was lost since surgery date)

Self pay and complications

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Self pay and complications