Question:
My insurance will not cover WLS.

I looking in to going to Mexico,has any one out there has gone to Mexico and if so please let me know where in Mexico and the doctor name and how was the surgery? please help!!    — moringdawn (posted on February 17, 2012)


February 17, 2012
I have a friend who went to Mexico and said it was great, great doctor, hospital and care. I can find out which one for you and let you know.
   — tfqh99

February 17, 2012
Some places will finance. I don't know how much I would trust going to Mexico though, but people do it because they cannot afford it and their insurance will not pay. Do you know why your insurance won't pay? Is these a clause in the 'fine print'? What kind of insurance do you have? this may help, because if someone else has that insurance, they may know of a way.
   — Ambria

February 17, 2012
I would worry about going to Mexico unless I knew someone else who could recommend a doctor and clinic there. The same is true in this country as well. Also, I would talk to an insurance rep and find out what the reason for denial is, sometimes they can find a way in an individual situation. Unfortunately many companies are dropping this coverage because so many people are having it. They forget that in the long run they probably save money on that patients future health needs.
   — rebecca110

February 18, 2012
I understand your desperation.... but will REALLY caution you. MOST US surgeons will NOT do follow-up care for patients who've had their surgeries done in Mexico. I'm not sure of the reason, but I know that MY surgeon (one of the most well-known bariatric surgeons in the US) will not treat or deal with patients who have had their surgeries done in other countries (not just Mexico). God forbid, but what if you have a complication? Who will you see for treatment or relief? A great many of those of us who've had the RnY also get one or more "strictures" that will need to be dilated. Will your insurance cover that if it's the result of bariatric surgery? You need to find out and consider how you would deal with possible complications if they ever became an issue. Sorry to be discouraging, but wouldn't want you to jump in and then not have the support you need and deserve.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

February 20, 2012
Did the patient rep at your bariatric clinic work with your insurance? Sometimes that will work if the surgeon is willing to work with them about your need for the surgery.
   — Muggs

March 9, 2012
I heard of a Dr. Lisa Maria Pompa in Tijuana. Hospital name is Limarp Surgical Unit. I was considering going to her before I found out that my insurance covered my WLS. I checked her website out and was pretty impressed. I also spoke to one of the staff members and was pretty helpful and knowledgeable in anwering my questions. I believe she is now part of the Bariatric National Center of Excellence. www.limarp.com
   — Andy234

March 13, 2012
I am not sure where you live, but I would not recommend going to Mexico. I looked into funding the prcedure myself IF my insurance would not cover, and I know in Virginia the cost ranges from $15K-$20K, depending on the procedure. Bon Secours has a great program that supports you before, during and long after a procedure - I hope you find the answers you are searching for. Please make sure your PCM includes any medical conditions that are a direct result of being overweight (sleep apnea, high blood pressure, joint pain, cholesterol, etc.)
   — PtownGal

April 10, 2012
MY ins didnt cover it two years ago but a week ago i applied for care credit and got approved.$10,000 for the sleeve in edmond oklahoma
   — BIGGY

April 10, 2012
thanks to all of you that have posted! I'm having my surgery on July 11th In SC....UAS:)
   — moringdawn




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