[ButterflySun]

Hi guys! I'm technically new here, but have been "lurking" for a while now!

I have decided that the type of surgery I will be TRYING to do is VSG, but realize it's not common/popular as of yet. My question is that if my insurance denies or does not offer this option, can anyone give me a resource of finding out the cost of VSG out of pocket? I've read of people going to Mexico for the surgery and such, just can't find details.

Thank you guys so much! I hope that one day I can be on this journey with the rest of you!

[katress]

this is the vertical sleeve correct...? i have looked up some of the information on this and seems like it is for the more morbidly obese....used as a pre-surgery for the actual RNY surg.....but i am still kinda new to all this.......if you just google the vertical sleeve you will get hundreds of sites that are very informative.....good luck and let us know how the research is going for you......by the way...welcome..

[MsVickie]

Honey I have no idea. I wanted to chime in however on this. Going out of the country is your own decision of course however......... you will have to another surgeon here that will be willing to take you on as a patient for after care which can be very hard to do. Think about that.

Im gonna ask you to call your insurance and see if they pay for any of the WLS. That is the best place to start to see what types they pay for then go from there. I do know the hosptial probally wont give you a discounted rate however if your a self paying patient here in the states alot of times the surgeon greatly reduces the amounts. So make the call first and find out.

Take care and good luck!

[judijo]

I would ask a surgeon, here in the states, the advantages and disadvantages of surgeries you are considering....and what criteria he/she uses in making the decision.

[ButterflySun]

Thanks guys! I've done endless research on the Vertical Sleeve, and the only thing I didn't find out was the cost of all these people going to Dr. Alvarez or whoever in Mexico.

Thanks for the warning about Post Op...that's something I didn't consider. I know I should just call my insurance co. and find out, but I'm having some issues right now with overwhelming fear that they won't cover it...so bad that I haven't been able to get up the courage to even call! How pitiful is that. I have BCBS of GA BlueChoice POS

[MsVickie]

Since its a POS policy it should? Cover the band or the RNY. I said should. It depends how your own policy is written. It may pay for the sleeve also. Like you said it being a newer surgery they may not. When ever you get the courage to call ......do so. That is the only way your gonna find out anything. Good luck.

[decker1976]

Welcome. Good to hear you're researching. Knowledge is power. Every surgeon is different but mine has a rule that no VSG unless a BMI of 50+. He & his partners have only done one VSG because of the restrictions on BMI. (I assume they meant insurance restrictions.)

[waitingintn]

I had the sleeve almost 7 months ago--I am doing great. My insurance (Anthem BCBS) covered the surgery at 80% and my secondary insurance covered the other 20%. I have done so well that my husband is having the surgery in a few months. The sleeve is being done much more often anymore--not just for high BMI. The results are great and you don't have a foreign object (band). I do have some "dumping" symptoms like hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness if I eat something too sweet or eat anything too fast.

My surgeon charges $20,000 (about) out of pocket for the sleeve.

[ButterflySun]

I did it! I made the phone call asking about insurance coverage. I was nauseated from nerves as I asked! I am getting a call back between 24 and 48 hours with the answer. She specifically asked me Gastric Bypass or Lap Band...so I'm not sure if that's a good sign or just a typical question. I will update when I find out whether or not it is covered! I am so nervous for that phone call!!!

Thank you guys for your open arms and encouragement already! I don't think I would've have the gumption to make that call otherwise! *hug*