Pamcake40

I don't know what the prices are for self-pay, but I have had such a wonderful experience with my surgeon/hospital, that I just have to recommend them. They really know what they are doing. My surgery was a great experience, and they knew their stuff (scopolamine Patches so no nausea ever; really caring nurses who knew about sleeve surgery and the difference from RNY; even the minister who visited me unasked because they knew I was there alone with no friends/relatives). They have two nutritionists who are both great and know "all the tricks".
North Dakota might sound like a weird place to travel for surgery, but I think it would totally be worth it. I stayed in the local Radisson hotel after surgery. They have a shuttle that will bring you/pick you up from the hospital and a special hospital rate of $69/night. My Flex account reimbursed me for it. I drove myself home on Day 4, and felt great. Even the people in hotel are really nice, especially when they find out you are there for surgery. This was really important to me because I was utterly alone. The housekeeping lady was really neat and checked in on me every day I was there to make sure I was ok.
The surgeon has a zero complication rate, and the Bariatric Center has done over 1,000 surgeries.
So his name is Dr. Brandon Helbling at Mid Dakota Clinic is Bismarck, ND. They are so accommodating, I'm sure they wold work something out with self-pay people. For people who have insurance, they are part of a special pilot program with BCBS, so insurance approval is really easy.
I hope everyone finds the surgeon they need. If you do end up in North Dakota, let me know, I will support you! (Well I would support you no matter where you were, but it's easier when I can physically be there lol)