My friends says to be leary of self-pay prices. That advertised prices such as $12,000 for sleeve do not include everything and could in fact run up to like $50,000. Sounds like she is quoting price that is passed on to insurance companies. If a WLS doctor's website says in writing that $12,000 includes surgeon and anesth. fee, 2 nights hosp, pre and post op visits and a few other things, seems like I could trust what is in writing. Barring complications, has anyone ever been ripped off after being quoted lower self pay amount??

I'm self pay... $14k in south Mississippi - that includes everything except my pre-op labs (insurance paid), first visit & $50 copay for psych eval. Includes 1 night in hospital and at least 6 mos of follow ups, complications, etc. May 17th!

I considered 2 centers and both provided their out of pocket prices upfront and in writing. Once I picked the surgeon, I signed the form acknowledging that if I had complications, those expenses were not covered by the price. I knew that there would be a cost from the radiologist for the upper GI, but they gave me an estimate. I actually paid the upfront fee directly to the center and they dispersed the money to the appropriate locations.

My cost was $14k which included hospital, surgeon, pre-op tests, nutritionist, and 1 year follow-ups. It was all in writing.

Okay - I had my surgery almost 2 years ago, prices look like they have come down considerably. I paid $18K inclusive of everything including preop/post op liquid diet protien foods, physc eval, nutritionist meetings, weekly support classes for life and also 6 months of Dr. follow up visits. Follow ups were about one hour with surgeon. My surgeon's partner is charging $14K. You can watch my surgeon on Dr. OZ - Nov. 2010 talking about VSG surgery.

Regular insurance now pays for my follow ups including labs.

No regrets, even knowing if I had waited 18 months I could have saved money. Still worth every penny. I love my sleeve.

I am having mine with a wonderful surgeon in Mexico. All fees $6000 including airfare. He has a lot of experience and is in a fully equipped hospital. Mine is tomorrow! I cannot wait! Good luck!

I am having mine with a wonderful surgeon in Mexico. All fees 6000 including airfare. He has a lot of experience and is in a fully equipped hospital. Mine is tomorrow! I cannot wait! Good luck!

Good luck tomorrow! Heading to Mexico next week...let me know how everything goes.

Will do, thanks!