I'm new here, but have been reading through this very informative forum. I plan on getting sleeved soon (I've been researching WLS for over 3 years now). I will be a self-pay patient as my insurance doesn't cover ANY bariatric surgery. But I have checked with them twice, and if any complications arise from the surgery, they do cover that.

I've thought about Mexico because they are experienced, and of course, lower costs. I currently live in Houston, and we have some VERY good surgeons here for WLS. I am very comfortable with them, and as a nurse - I'm comfortable with the healthcare here in this city.

But I am very curious - many of the posts I have read for people getting sleeved in Mexico said that getting sleeved here in the states would cost $30,000-$40,000. Really? Why? Is that because you have a band and are getting a revision to the sleeve?

The surgeon I plan on using has been doing bands forever (he's done over 6,000). He refused to do sleeves as a stand alone procedure until the Medical Board perceived it as a stand alone procedure (other doctors basically had to commit insurance fraud to get it covered before this happened). So he's only been doing the actual sleeve for the past 2 or 3 years. But he's been doing them as part of the Gastric Bypass surgery for many years (phase 1 of the surgery). He's done 60+ sleeves (as a stand alone procedure), has zero fatalities, and only 1 leak - which happened after the patient when home and on day 2 ate a plate of beef strogaoff. He is part of the Center of Excellence, he spent over an hour with me discussing his philosophies, how he does his procedures, etc. I was very comfortable with him, and he's well known in the WLS world here.

His cost for self pay patients is $12,000. That's inclusive of the surgery, anesthesia, all medications, hospital stay, nutritional consult/follow ups for the first year.

So what am I missing? Why are these other surgeries 3-4x his price. And that's the price of most of the WLS surgeons around here ($12-15k for everything). Any insight is appreciated!

Thanks,

Laura

Yay more good info about Dr. Ponce! I have FINALLY made my decision and I am going to him on July 9th! 3 weeks!! im only a little excited lol

Yay more good info about Dr. Ponce! I have FINALLY made my decision and I am going to him on July 9th! 3 weeks!! im only a little excited lol

I'm so happy for you I am having my surgery July 23. I'm so excited.. Tell Trish hi for me and keep us updated.

DEAR THIN SOON,

.

I agree. Dr. Ponce has a name I've heard good things about since 2003, when I was banded. Do you have a band. Is your surgery just for the sleeve or are you getting a band revision to sleeve? What are his prices like? Can you pay with a visa card? Thanks in advance for the info and GOOD LUCK!!

SARA

Hi no I don't have a band I'm just going to be sleeved. My sleeve is 5500.00 I will find out about your other questions..or I can give you the phone @ to his coordinator Trish

Yay more good info about Dr. Ponce! I have FINALLY made my decision and I am going to him on July 9th! 3 weeks!! im only a little excited lol

You will be in great hands!! It's almost been two months since my surgery with Dr. Ponce and i'm loving it.. no complications and 46 pounds down... wishing you a great surgery!!

thanks! 9 days out!! I am flying out the same day as my surgery so either way I bet im exhausted and ready to rest afterwards. Getting a bit nervous but I know i made a good choice

DEAR THIN SOON,

.

I agree. Dr. Ponce has a name I've heard good things about since 2003, when I was banded. Do you have a band. Is your surgery just for the sleeve or are you getting a band revision to sleeve? What are his prices like? Can you pay with a visa card? Thanks in advance for the info and GOOD LUCK!!

SARA

The sleeve price is 5500.00 everything included but airfare. the revision price is 6000 and you need to have a endoscopy. you can pay with visa. Talk to Trish wls she is great. Dr. Ponce also works out of several hospitals if you have a preference. Im having my sleeve done the 23

wish I knew how to delete..lol

Hi Sara

have you made any decisions. It's hard but do your research and go with your gut. Keep me posted.

Hi Thin Soon,

No, I haven't yet decided where and when to be sleeved but I have decided to be sleeved in TJ.

I had pneumonia last month that was a severe case requiring hospital time and the doc says it will take 6 months for my lungs to recover. My insurance will pay for the band removal, probably in the Fall, Then I'll rest my stretched esophagus for 3-6 months and then go to TJ for the sleeve. My BMI is 32 so I'm not a candidate for insurance to cover the sleeve in the US.

I'm going to spend this 6 months exercising moderately and getting into the habit to eat the way a Bariatric patient should. Protein first, then veggies, fewer mochas and less other liquid calories, etc...... I'm going to do this because as a "failed" band patient I know that I have to eat and drink responsibly and exercise to succeed with any procedure and I was lazy and expected the band to do all the work while I ingested irresponsibly.

I'm trying to lay a solid foundation so I get it right this time. How about you? What's your status?