Hi, I am assuming that most self payers are of low bmi. My question is: Will US doctors take self payers if they are under the 35 bmi? The reason I ask is because most people I've run across with low bmi went to Mexico and my husband is dead set against going there. Any input would be much appreciated.

Not all self payers are low BMI. Many of us just don't have insurance or our insurance doesn't cover lap band.

I was self pay and had a BMI of 58.

I don't know about other surgeons but mine will definatley band you even of you are under 35. I imagine that most surgeons would. If you are paying yourself what reason could they have not to?

I had a BMI of 41. My BMI had nothing to do with me self-paying. I have not had health insurance for many years.

Where do you live? Check out the websites for lapband surgeons in your area. You could always call the offices and ask about it too.

I have a BMI of 43, but even WITH insurance I'd have to pay $9,900 and some change, and I'd have to go on a 6 month diet before being banded to even qualify. Since my insurance doesn't cover fills anyway, I've elected to pay the extra $500 to get a year of fills for free and get it done sooner.

They definitely let anyone self-pay (anyone who qualifies for the surgery in the first place anyway), so I'd just go speak to a surgeon in your area. :thumbup: I've heard Mexico is the way to go, though, it's about 1/2 the price as in the U.S., and I'm sure their surgeons are JUST as good or they wouldn't be allowed to perform the surgery, and the surgeons here definitely wouldn't be recommending them.

I'd say just research it and present whatever you find to your husband and explain why it's the best option for you. :thumbup: Good luck!

I was BMI 32, Dr Kim in Colleyville (Dallas) TX, $10,200. When I had my surgery the Dr's in Mexico were using the old style bands so I paid extra to get it done here.