Would you pay for surgery if insurance didn't?

 To be fair, the surgeon she picked had a sketchy reputation. There are a handful of Mexican surgeons who are right up there with the best of the best in the US (and elsewhere)... so going to one of them is pretty safe. In fact, there are a few US surgeons I wouldn't go to so it's not like staying here is any guarantee.

Thank you so much to all of you for providing your feedback and information - this board truly is a blessing!  I found out that the doctor I chose (who has performed 100's of sleeve surgeries already) has an all inclusive fee of $12,500.00 whi*****lude all of the hospital expenses as well as his cost.  The EKG, blood work, office visits would be covered by my insurance.  They recommend that I can the insurance company to confirm complications but they believe it would be covered because bariatric is not excluded from our plan, the surgery just requires pre-approval.

They also have two different companies that provide financing including a 6 months same as cash option. 

I would be way too nervous to go to Mexico but I believe that is a great option or people to take advantage of... especially if they are close.

Thank you again everyone!!! 

I have not had my surgery yet, so I'm speaking theoretically...

My decision would be based on how much weight I have to lose.  For my current 60 or so pounds, my answer is NO.  Especially with no co-morbidities, I would not dish out $12,500.  If I had over 100 pounds and co-morbidities, then I probably would for health reasons.  I would probably look into Mexico and get referrals from people on here that had success stories in Mexico if I were in a situation like this.  If MUCH cheaper, and a US trained doc, I might consider to go there.  I have been able to lose in the past- like so many people here - just could never keep it off.

I would still try and get insurance to approve it.  If not, then you have a tough decision to make.  I wish you the best of luck.

I did pay for my surgery. Best $17000 I ever spent.

My medical insurance paid for all pre-op testing and my one ER visit post-op and has paid for all my labs. So it was just my surgeon's fee and the hospitalization that I had to pay for.

As for dieting... Studies show the chance of losing all your excess weight and keeping it off for even 2 years are pretty slim if you have even just 50 pound to lose.

That's one of the reasons that, in the rest of the world, the standard for WLS is a BMI of 35 if no comorbidities, not 40 (and 30 if you have comorbidities). The insurance companies here in the US are just trying to get out of paying for it because they figure when you develop big problems, you'll already have changed to some other insurance (most people change every 2.5 years because their employers keep changing plans trying to save money) and it won't be their problem.

Do check into insurance for complications or what your surgeon offers. My surgeon offers BLIS insurance to cover complications that might arise that your insurance company won't pay for if they didn't cover your surgery. Here is the link http://www.bliscompany.com/. I would hate for you to pay the amount for the surgery and then have to pay for any complications.

Thank you all!  For the record, I have decided to continue on with the insurance program and try to have the insurance company approve.  My insurance only requires a 3 month waiting period and it has already been almost a month.  I figure I will go through the three months, submit my package and take my chances.  If I am declined I will most likely pay for this surgery myself (making sure that one way or another the complications are covered).

I had one more option pointed out to me yesterday that I had not considered but don't think I can bring myself to do it but I am sure it is common... I am only about 12-15 pounds short of hitting the BMI of 40. 

 EXACTLY .  I gained the  weight  I  needed to qualify!  ( it was only a very few lbs and it was SO EASY because ive lived on a diet ALL my life .  I just stopped dieting and my body gained literally a lb a day ... 

Another trick is to slump down a bit when they  take your height and stick your head way forward - you'll measure as  2/3 inches smaller which might put you over the threshold already .   Lots of people  have gained a few lbs pre op  .. its the occasion for " last meals " after all .

You'll qualify !!  good luck ! 

If that's all you have to gain then I would definitely go that route. 15 pounds compared to $12,000....that would buy a lot of "skinny" clothes. Some people put almost that much on during their periods. I also know a few people who put weights in their bras and wore heavy clothes. Also you can make yourself as short as possible by not standing up straight.

If you decide to go this route you might have to start your 3 months over. I wasn't allowed to gain during my 6 month waiting period. They told me not to gain even a 1/2 pound or I would be turned down because I failed trying to loose weight....dah....that's why I had surgery.

I absolutely would and did!  I highly recommend looking into the Mexican surgeons, Aceves, Alvarez and Joya.  Their prices are great and they are top notch.  I have a friend who just returned from Dr. Aceves (she had VSG) and she paid $8500 plus her airfare.

Honey, gain the 15 pounds.  People can gain that in water weight alone.  You can lose it all in your pre-op liquid diet alone!  DON'T pay that money!  You pay for insurance.  Insurance companies make a killing off of us working folks.   Get your due!

Tell your doctor you changed your mind.  Take a month off, gain the weight, and then go back or find another doctor and start over.  Don't let your doc submit anything with this weight right now.  Let them submit after you gain it.

Like someone else mentioned you might have to start the 3 month wait over again.  Don't worry, it's worth it.  I have a 4 month wait.  I'm already half done with it.  I would have waited even longer to save the $15-16000 my doc was charging.  Make em pay!  LOL

Best of luck to you!