Question:
I'm considering surgery in Mexico.Will insurance pay for follow-up treatment .

I don't want the agony of jumping through hoops with the insurance co. ,but if I do go to mexico (for lap band) I am hoping insurance would cover follow-ups and adjustments. I will be covered with state ins. in n.c.    — ncjackrussell2 (posted on December 26, 2007)

December 26, 2007
I have seen one or two "horror stories" of the result of surgeries from that company. I would fully check to make sure your insurace carrier will cover any care required from this elective surgery done outside the US. OR, if you want to pay for the surgery, find a local surgeon who can provide you with any post surgery visits.
   — Dave Chambers

December 26, 2007

   — nursenut

December 26, 2007
Personally, I wouldn't recommend going out of the country for this type of surgery because there is no governing board if you were to face some type of problem(s). You may pay a little more here but if you choose to have your surgery in the US, at least the doctors are overseen by a Board of Medical Examiners and you have the opportunity to research them whereas I wouldn't think you'd have the same benefit from doctors in Mexico. Again, that's only my own personal opinion. Whatever you decide, good luck and God bless.
   — Michelle661

December 26, 2007
I had surgery 6 1/2 years ago, and I really want to get the lap band done, because I am still not at my goal weight. I don't have the money to pay for it, and the insurance doesn't cover it. Living in a body in this state is hell. I will pray that you get your surgery. No one understands what we go through inside when we are suffering from obesity on a day to day basis. I honestly hope you get the surgery and have a healthier and happier life. Pam
   — Pam Fottrell

December 26, 2007
I would like to share some info my MD told me. My insurance did not cover anything on my weight loss surgery. The doc told me that nothing related to the weight loss surgery would be covered, even if I had a complication which required hospitalization. If you are "skipping" the insurance because of the hassle, it might be different for you, but you might want to check first before you count on it. Good luck!!!
   — JStangel

December 26, 2007
you might want to read the stories about Charlie Weis who was with the Patriots organization -- he also didn't want to jump through hoops with the doctors and because he had the money and prestige he skipped alot of medical things -- he ended up with alot of complications -- tried to sue the doctors of Mass General Hospital in Boston -- and LOST -- all because he didn't have the 'time' to do what the doctors wanted him to do -- there are no shot cuts with this surgery or the education and time that you have to put into it -- this is LIFE ALTERING surgery -- know what you are getting into -- or you may end up with serious complications -- think twice before jumping -- good luck to you with whatever decision you make
   — RCassety

December 27, 2007
Here's the issue with Mexico as far as I can tell. Be sure you have a surgeon stateside that is willing to work with you when you come back. That has been the most common complaint that Ihav heard, is that they have to go back to mexico for treatment for complications. I don't know about fills, but with what I have heard on line here, I would certify that I have a surgeon that will do fills and deal with any complications before I decide to go to Mexico and let them do surgery on me. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

December 31, 2007
If an insurance doe not approve the surgery, they generally do not approve payment for any follow-up care.
   — Donna O.