I have to say that I agree to a point...there really isn't much you can do for follow up care if you live in a different country.

With that said, I have a friend that did her research and found a Dr. that has a surgical resort in Columbia, he was trained and certified in the US and she was able to confirm that...She was in a hotel type setting for 3 weeks and it only cost her 12,000.

Again, the only draw back is, though she hasn't had any, if there were any complications, you have to find someone here that you can trust to help on very sort notice.

The point being RESEARCH YOUR DOCTOR! There have been cases of Drs of all sorts lying about being certified, dodging malpractice and even practicing without the license HERE in the US.

Be careful, very careful and know who you are letting put you in such a vulnerable position.

thanks,

Angela

another big point to consider is the need for follow-up care. many surgeons, especially with the lapband, don't want to care for a patient with an out-of-country surgery. soo, before taking this route [and there's actually an entire industry that's sprung up for out-of-country surgeries!], make sure you can get the EXCELLENT follow-up care that you deserve in your area

Hi Middle Sister.

I work in the insurance industry....I've been one of those customer service reps on the other end of the phone line when you call. Please be assured, the majority of us want to help you in any way we can...but, we are constrained by the way the policy is written.

Here are a couple of suggestions: Is your plan through an employer? If so, check with your Human Resource office to see if the employer has an option for a grievance/appeal through your company. Depending on the type of policy and the administration set-up, the policy mandates might be determined by your employer....ie, they might be able to overide their own policy! If this is coverage you purchased on your own and the policy clearly states, in writing, that weight loss surgery is not covered, unfortunately, you'll most likely not be able to get the surgery covered.

Feel free to PM me if you need some recommendations on actions to take.

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all the posts. Out of the country, is just not an options I'd ever think about. I have however come to the conclusion that it is over, because I want it to be. I have found that with my stomach problems already, I would be just asking for it health wise. Dehydration is constent with me anyway...I have an ileostomy.
I have been so depressed lately with my weight, I thought of taking my life. However that was a fleeting moment. I have a disease. After a scary three days of a reaction to an antidepressant (overdose by the doctor) I've decided to go to OA and I'll tell you I feel this is where I need to be. I've been depressed for years about my weight, just now am I coming to realize just how much damage I've done to myself. I will still post, but not hear anymore you all are brave soldiers and I wish you all the very best in you weight management. Keep an eye out for my progress. One Day at a Time.

MiddleSister

Middle - congratulations on making a decision that's right for YOU. and i gotta tell you that you are welcome to post here anytime.

i think there's an OA forum somewhere around here. i'll find it and post the link for you.

Middlesister, I feel your pain. When I started the process of LB surgery, I called my insurance company and they told me that it is completely excluded. Meaning, no matter what, they don't cover it. What's funny is the insurance company I had previously does cover the surgery but only after I jump through a few hoops. Unfortunalely, I dragged my feet and here I am. However, I am extremely fortunate because my parents are willing to pay for my surgery, they are behind my decision 100% (practically pushing me onto the operating table, hehe). IMHO, it's a least an option and not completely excluded so it seems like an appeal is in order. Good luck to you!!

OA changed my life Middlesister. (I'm in the middle in my family, too ) I have talked here about my experiences in OA a bit and would encourage anyone that feels they use food as an Alcoholic would use alcohol to seek out that group of people.

Good luck to you!

Angela

BTW The serenity pray still holds so much truth for me even 15 years after the first time I heard it!