Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Self paying... who to choose??



Recommended Posts

Ok, I'm in need of some advise... I'm a self pay and I'm trying to figure out who to go to for my surgery... My options so far.....

Local surgeon in my hometown - all inclusive with a year's worth of fills and follow up (outpatient) $16,400 initial consult would be my $40 ins co-pay

Plastic surgery center 7 hours away - all inclusive and 1 fill (outpatient) $9,000 free consult

Mexico - all inclusive $5,000 not sure about consult

My gut is telling me the doctor in my hometown but my wallet is telling me the other places..... Thoughts? Others who self pay, what is your determining factor?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you go with the home town doctor it will cost you more, but in the long run it might be cheaper. Aftercare is very important. If you go to Mexico where will you go after and how much will it cost you? If you go 7 hours away how much are you going to spend traveling back and forth over the next year? I like the peace of mind I get from knowing my doctor is half an hour away and there when I need him.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, I'm in need of some advise... I'm a self pay and I'm trying to figure out who to go to for my surgery... My options so far.....

Local surgeon in my hometown - all inclusive with a year's worth of fills and follow up (outpatient) $16,400 initial consult would be my $40 ins co-pay

Plastic surgery center 7 hours away - all inclusive and 1 fill (outpatient) $9,000 free consult

Mexico - all inclusive $5,000 not sure about consult

My gut is telling me the doctor in my hometown but my wallet is telling me the other places..... Thoughts? Others who self pay, what is your determining factor?

Hi, I agree with Cindy. Stay close to home. Your travel expenses would be very high over the years. All the best to you. Keep us posted on your progress!

Melinda

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i was self pay as well and while cost was a factor, the after care was more of a concern.. you need to be able to access your doctor for your follow up visits. i know some people go to mexico, but that just scares me to death. i think in the long run having your hometown doc may be better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was self pay also, and I spent weeks researching surgeons and centers to find the right one. I was horribly picky, but ended up with True Results in Phoenix. Phoenix has lots of options, and I liked using a center that offered aftercare for a year. All fills and appointments are covered for the first year. I LOVE THIS. I can meet with the doc, NP, nutritionist as much as I want. I take advantage of this!

Here are questions that I asked:

Can I meet with the surgeon before I pay any money? If they said no, it was an immediate NO

Can I attend one of your support groups before I pay or make a decision? If they said no, it was an immediate NO

Fill Cost (is Flouro extra?)

Fill Procedure (do they decide if I need a fill? do I have input in the decision?), use ultrasound, flouro, or nothing?

Who does fills? (MD or PA/NP)

Surgery Cost

Pre Op Testing Required

Post Surgery Complication (is BLIS insurance available if I want it?)

Pre Op Prep (liquid diet?)

Surgical Technique (how many incisions?)

Support Groups & Counseling (what is offered/how frequent)

Nutritional Counseling

Exercise (can you refer someone to work with me?)

Pros

Cons

Aftercare was HUGE for me. I'm 6 wks post op and I LOVE having people there to call if something is wrong and the monthly support groups (I've been to two) make me feel like I'm not totally nuts. Talking to someone without a band is helpful, yes, but sitting in a room full of people that have been through this is INVALUABLE! Good luck - be picky. You're paying for it!

Amy

Ok, I'm in need of some advise... I'm a self pay and I'm trying to figure out who to go to for my surgery... My options so far.....

Local surgeon in my hometown - all inclusive with a year's worth of fills and follow up (outpatient) $16,400 initial consult would be my $40 ins co-pay

Plastic surgery center 7 hours away - all inclusive and 1 fill (outpatient) $9,000 free consult

Mexico - all inclusive $5,000 not sure about consult

My gut is telling me the doctor in my hometown but my wallet is telling me the other places..... Thoughts? Others who self pay, what is your determining factor?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was self pay also, and I spent weeks researching surgeons and centers to find the right one. I was horribly picky, but ended up with True Results in Phoenix. Phoenix has lots of options, and I liked using a center that offered aftercare for a year. All fills and appointments are covered for the first year. I LOVE THIS. I can meet with the doc, NP, nutritionist as much as I want. I take advantage of this!

Here are questions that I asked:

Can I meet with the surgeon before I pay any money? If they said no, it was an immediate NO

Can I attend one of your support groups before I pay or make a decision? If they said no, it was an immediate NO

Fill Cost (is Flouro extra?)

Fill Procedure (do they decide if I need a fill? do I have input in the decision?), use ultrasound, flouro, or nothing?

Who does fills? (MD or PA/NP)

Surgery Cost

Pre Op Testing Required

Post Surgery Complication (is BLIS insurance available if I want it?)

Pre Op Prep (liquid diet?)

Surgical Technique (how many incisions?)

Support Groups & Counseling (what is offered/how frequent)

Nutritional Counseling

Exercise (can you refer someone to work with me?)

Pros

Cons

Aftercare was HUGE for me. I'm 6 wks post op and I LOVE having people there to call if something is wrong and the monthly support groups (I've been to two) make me feel like I'm not totally nuts. Talking to someone without a band is helpful, yes, but sitting in a room full of people that have been through this is INVALUABLE! Good luck - be picky. You're paying for it!

Amy

You really did your homework. Those are excellent questions. I'm sure your list will help alot of people doing their research. Good job!:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the awesome advise all! I've gone to the two seminars they offer in town and called up a bunch of other places. Looks like I'm going to go with the local dr and lifeisbeginning... I LOVE your questions! What's seems good about the surgeon I'm choosing is that he answered most (if not all) of those already! Scheduled my one-on-one consult for Thursday 8/25!

I even applied online for CareCredit and got an instant $8,800 (18 months no interest yay!) That's a little over half! I'm so excited to get started!

Thanks again all!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am self pay as well and I would go with the local option. As the other's have said, aftercare is so important. You don't want to be sitting at home saying to yourself, "I really need to talk to someone about _______, but I'm not sure how much that will cost me." I bet when your aftercare and fills are paid out of pocket there are sometimes when people do not go in and pay for what they need. When it's paid up front you are free to ask and get as much as you need.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would go with your hometown surgeon so long as he/she is skilled in this surgery and is a Center of Excellence. Some surgeons won't touch patients who were banded in Mexico (and I think most are still using older technology bands but can't say for sure). If you need care back home, you may have a hard time finding someone to look after you.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hometown ! But,,, check him out, and anyone else in your area or neighboring County.

You need good aftercare, and that is vital with the band. No ifs, ands or buts about that.

I'm glad you chose Hometown, and I'm sure they will be good to you.

Good Luck, Shirley.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×