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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

Finally Getting Sleeved at 33! Part 2 of Three Life Changes. Houston, TX

ORIGINAL POST

After decades of dieting, I finally decided to get...

omoredSeptember 7, 2015
$16,500
After decades of dieting, I finally decided to get wls. I made the decision last year, and have been planning away ever since. Unfortunately for me, my insurance plan has a bariatric exclusion, so I am paying for my procedure out of pocket. The $16,500 is what this procedure is going to cost me in total, including consultation fees, pre-surgery endoscopy and labs, and my sister's flight so she can help me out as I recuperate.

Anyway, I call this part 2 of three life changes because I promised myself 3 things when I turned 30 three years ago: to switch careers successfully and eventually earn a doctorate; lose my excess weight for good; open myself up to love and be loved! I am well on my way to the first accomplishment (I'll receive my bachelors of science in nursing this December, and am applying to grad schools) and working diligently on the 2nd and 3rd.

This wasn't an easy decision, but I am so happy this is happening. My surgery is scheduled for the Monday after I am done with school. As the song says, "the wait is the hardest part!" I would do this tomorrow if I weren't worried that the post-op recovery would interfere with school!

Also, I won't lie, I've been considering surgery in Mexico. At the moment, I have about 75% of what I need stashed away, and I worry about how I am going to come up with the rest.....

omored's provider

Sherman C. Yu, MD

Sherman C. Yu, MD

Bariatric Surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery

Replies (26)

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kimmlu
September 8, 2015
My niece went to Mexico to get hers and loved every minute of it. I've read get reviews on this site about Mexico and the surgeons there. Best of luck with all you are accomplishing. You are a go getter and I have no doubt you will be successful in your wls endeavor.
omored
September 16, 2015
Thanks, Kimmlu!
jasilanemom
September 8, 2015
Good luck to you! You sound like you have your goals lined up and have put a lot of thought into them, so no doubt you will be successful!
omored
September 16, 2015
Thanks jasilane!
jasilanemom
September 21, 2015
You're welcome and good luck to you!
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AngieT
September 9, 2015
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I'm going to a bariatric clinic on tomorrow for an evaluation. I'll probably go to Tijuana for the surgery unless my insurance cover it. Last year when I checked it did not so I'll find out on tomorrow. Congratulations on your success. Please keep us posted!
omored
September 16, 2015
Thanks, Angie, and good luck to you, too!
lovely9779
September 9, 2015
Wow have you checked your local state for ObamaCare it should be covered under that insurance. You shouldn't have to pay that much. Good luck. Even try emergency Medical with your local county agency.
omored
September 16, 2015
Hi Lovely, i have insurance through Obamacare. Problem is that I am in Texas, one of the states that didn't set up its own marketplace. Also, despite the fact that so many Texans are huge, all of the Texas plans available through the federal marketplace, even the most expensive one's, have the bariatric/ weight-management exclusion. At one point, I thought that perhaps waiting until after I graduate and had a job with a solid insurance plan would be the best way to go, but I really want to get this done before I start working. I'll have the time to recuperate and could start losing weight before entering a hospital job. I already have difficulty working through my rotations because I get so sweaty and winded so fast. I don't want to start off my new career this way. I also don't want to wait another 6 months or a year after getting a plan that covers this before doing the surgery.
lovely9779
September 17, 2015
Oh ok. I see. Well Good Luck to you. May your journey be all that you could imagine. Take care. Keep updating us...
omored
September 17, 2015
Thank you!
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tamari71
September 9, 2015
Hi Omored, I do medical billing, I saw u stated that your insurance as a clause for GBS surgery, are u sure there is no loop hole? You can submit an appeal, these just my thoughts, send pictures the more the better along with all your doc reports including Pych, know here is the important part, when u write your letter of appeal write as though u are trying to save them money in the long run if approve these procedure, u send in documents of what's happens with people who are larger also if u have family history of health issued thats helps! Why I am saying the ins is about saving money! Once u appeal to $$$ then u hit them with what would this mean for you, if your a parent, daughter, sister hit them with that as well!! Most times they will over turn there original decisions!! I have seen it and because I have done this for 16 years I kinda know what they are looking for! It doesn't hurt to try! I would rather u stay in the states and have your ins pay for it! You pay for ins for a reason!! Hugs on your journey! If u have any more questions please feel to ask! Tamari
omored
September 16, 2015
Thank you Tamari, I'm going to give it a try and write a letter to my insurance company. It's worth a try, right?
jefffriend
September 19, 2015
Right. If they can pay for it go for it!
goldy101
September 20, 2015
Right sorry didn't see your post I bill to and have also been on the referral and grievance and appeals side.
goldy101
September 20, 2015
Also it's time for companies to renew for opening enrollment insurance for the upcoming year what one does not cover another one may . It may save you a fight but I would look into it both ways and if they change carriers be sure if you get approved with the carrier you have now you keep all documents especially the approval letter.
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