Has anyone been self-pay in the US? If you were, about how much did it cost, in total? I have a lap-band and my insurance has approved the removal, but denied the sleeve. My Dr has agreed to do the sleeve in 4 weeks, my band is coming out tomorrow. but i need to know how much to apply for my loan. Do you think $20,000 is enough?

thank you in advance for any help you can give.

patti

I paid $13,600 for my surgery and that includes a year of complication coverage and office visits and also visits with the nut.

I paid $14,200.

Thanks girls, that is a big help! I was hoping it would be less than $15K. I am also hoping that the hospital lets me finance it, but I will take a loan if I have to. Did you finance your houses or get loans through those medicals loan places? Just trying to figure out the best way to do this.

thanks,

Patti

I haven't gotten a bill from my Dr. but my hospital bill was 26,000.Hope that helps.

Hi - My surgery was in $17300 with LapSF. I borrowed the money against my 401K and am paying myself back with interest. Just a thought for you.

It depends a lot on where you live. Nearer to a bigger city will cost more. I'm in Denver and my total cost was $19,000. I researched it in Chicago and it was $22,000. People in other states that aren't as city-centered (if that makes sense) seem to be able to get down to $14-15,000.

I'm paying $12,000 in Kansas City, Missouri. That does not include the EGD, but my insurance paid for that because I had reflux.

I am financing the surgery through a medical loan. Be forewarned, these types of loans can be difficult to get because they are considered unsecured. Unlike a house or a car loan, there's nothing to repossess; they can't take back your surgery. So, the rates tend to be higher and its a little more difficult to get approved.

Dallas, TX Dr. Nick Nicholson @ Baylor Plano is 12,500 cash or 16,956+/- with Aetna PPO insurance.

Mine was $11,200 total. The $200 was for the initial consult with the surgeon, which he submitted to my insurance and they paid. The other $11,000 I borrowed from my parents, and that included all pre-op testing, the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, hospital fee, nutritionist, and two years of post-op visits.