International Patient - ThinnerTimes

Alma · 09-13-2004, 04:22 AM

Hi. I wanted to know if there is anybody here who lives outside of the US and has undergone gastric bypass c/o Dr. Callery et al? I specifically want to know the process she or he has undergone before going to the US in terms of preparation etc...

watergirl · 09-13-2004, 07:33 AM

Well, you must know that you've got the best surgeon in Dr. Callery. I did research for about three years and always kept coming back to Dr. Callery as the surgeon of choice based on his numbers and successful outcomes. I wish you much success in your journey. You must feel comfortable with whomever you choose.

Alma · 09-13-2004, 06:01 PM

Hi Kim,

I am just concerned about the fact that I live outside of the US and wouldn't I have difficulty in terms of consultation and maintenance? I noticed you had undergone gastric bypass by lapband? Do you know of anybody? Please tell me about how you went through your application for gastric bypass approved... I have a very good insurance coverage and though I have not specifically asked if gastric bypass is covered, the plan said all surgeries that is necssary and prescribed by physicians are allowed... I am currently "window shopping" for doctors and I would have wanted to have the surgery nearer my country like in Australia or Singapore, however, I am having trouble looking for "credible" doctors from around here... :-(

rico_sd · 09-13-2004, 06:10 PM

i can tell you first hand from all the research i did, ie dr. agurie in ensenada mexico, all the surgens in the pacific bariatrics, and the alvarado surgens in san diego that dr. callery is one of the most respected bariatric surgens on the west coast, my cousin is in the medical insurance business and she looked up his name and most insurance companys here in so-cal would send you to his office, also dr. potts is up and comming. now as far as being outside the us, i really dont know.

Alma · 09-13-2004, 06:23 PM

I am just confused on how I could go about this. I mean, I was never thin, I was always overweight. I just want to start the proceeding to I can start my plans for the surgery. How did you come up with Dr. Callery and how much was the whole operation? Which hospital were you admitted? From your initial visit with Dr. Callery, when was your surgery date decided? And what are the factors considered?

Karen Wright · 09-13-2004, 09:12 PM

Dr Callery only does his surgeries at Pomerado Hospital in Poway, California. I found him because my PCP refered me to him. She did all her bariatric surgery referrals to him. I got lucky with him, for sure. My surgery cost around 40 grand and all I had to pay was co-pays. Thank you, Blue Cross of California!!!

Good luck to you!

Alma · 09-13-2004, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen Wright

Dr Callery only does his surgeries at Pomerado Hospital in Poway, California. I found him because my PCP refered me to him. She did all her bariatric surgery referrals to him. I got lucky with him, for sure. My surgery cost around 40 grand and all I had to pay was co-pays. Thank you, Blue Cross of California!!!

Good luck to you!

Hi Karen,

Thanks for responding to my questions. I guess its getting confusing by the minute. I have just checked obesityhelp.com and I did find surgeons in Australia- which is nearer. I am just scared because I had a friend whose friend died after a tummy tuck (though I am not too sure if it was bariatric surgery or some plastic surgery), but bariatic IS a major surgery... I am just happy reading through other people's journey to weightloss and I am ENVIOUS...

First, I have to consult a local doctor here to get a referral; Second, I have to double check my insurance if they do cover WLS;

How did you decide that WLS was right for you? I have been dieting on and off and had taken medications to help me manage my weight- but never really lost anything... I am still trying to convince my husband that I want this surgery and well, he is listening at least...

Anyway, I would appreciate it if you could exchange some of your experiences with me so I can learn alot about your WLS.

watergirl · 09-14-2004, 07:31 AM

You are doing the right thing by asking questions, I commend you for that! My journey, the short version, started at 10 years old, my mother took me to a doctor for weight, he prescribed speed. Again at 13, speed. Self medicated with illegal drugs and cigarettes until I wanted to have children, around 30. I've been on every diet and over the counter pill without luck. I did medifast and fen-phen, which most insurance companies want to see a supervised weight loss program for at least 6 months.

I went to my Primary Care Physician and expressed my desire for weight loss surgery (WLS). He totally understood and filled out the referral with my insurance company. My insurance company, Aetna, only refers out to Dr. Callery (I'm truly blessed). My knee doctor recommended WLS. My OBGYN recommended WLS because she couldn't perform an external exam due to too much fat. With all this in my file and with a write up I did for Dr. Callery, I was approved.

Was I scared, yes. Was I excited about the possibility of being given a tool instead of drugs, you bet. But it was my faith in God that got me through it. I was at peace with the world the day before and the day of my surgery. When I feel I can not handling something or it seems just too much for me, I turn it over to God.

Talk to other people in Austraila through Obesity Help (OH) and ask them what doctors they had and if they would/could recommend someone for you to investigate. Ask your insurance company which doctors they refer out to. Then start asking other people about those doctors.

I wish you much luck!

P.S. I see now why you think I had a lap band. Lap in my signature means Laproscopic sp? I'll change it. I had Gastric bypass laproscopic RNY procedure, not lap band.

Phebius · 09-14-2004, 01:28 PM

Alma...because you live outside of the US and would prefer to have the surgery done closer or in your country, maybe you could call Dr. Callery's office and see if they could refer you to someone else that does this surgery in your part of the world. His number is (858) 675-0883, and that would be Pacific Time.

I don't know what insurance company you have or how health insurance works in other countries, but I would suggest you check with your primary care physician first and go from there.

WLS is a major surgery and it shouldn't be taken lightly; however it is one of the best things I ever did for myself and wouldn't trade it for the world. I hope this helps a little bit.

Take Care,
Pamela
Open 08/26/03
272/138/120

Alma · 09-14-2004, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phebius

Alma...because you live outside of the US and would prefer to have the surgery done closer or in your country, maybe you could call Dr. Callery's office and see if they could refer you to someone else that does this surgery in your part of the world. His number is (858) 675-0883, and that would be Pacific Time.

I don't know what insurance company you have or how health insurance works in other countries, but I would suggest you check with your primary care physician first and go from there.

WLS is a major surgery and it shouldn't be taken lightly; however it is one of the best things I ever did for myself and wouldn't trade it for the world. I hope this helps a little bit.

Take Care,
Pamela
Open 08/26/03
272/138/120

Hi Pamela,

I actually want to have the surgery done in Brisbane, however, I have heard of alot of news about people dying after having WLS. There is one doctor here, but has limited experience and that scares me.

Question: Is there anybody here in this forum from Dr. Callery's office? Do they give referrals?

Alma