Hi all! Thanks so much for all the info. This is my first post, but I e already learned do much from browsing around here.

My insurance only covers the band or RNY. I'm 100% sure I want the sleeve, but not sure I'm ready to do it in Mexico. I'm single with three kids, and I don't know if I can be that far away for that long if I don't have to.

All the local surgeons seem to be charging in the $18K range, and their staffs aren't too helpful or good about returning my calls.

I live right in the center of the state, a couple hours from SF, and about 90 minutes to Sac or Fresno. Any suggestions?

Everything I've heard and read is that Dr Cirangle is the best in San Francisco. I so wish I was close but I am in Ohio. I don't believe he is that expensive but people say his expertise is worth every penny. He has been doing the sleeve for 10 years or longer, a lot more than most in the eastern US. His success rate is very good so I have read. I called his nurse a few months ago and was willing to travel out there and stay for awhile but my insurance would pay nothing. Something about not living in Ca. Look him up and he also has a video of a sleeve that he did from beginning to end.

I'm a patient of the fabulous Dr Cirangle. Self-pay... $17,500 to be exact. It includes follow-up visits for 2 years, but he actually sees you annually after that for 5 years. Let me know if you have any questions. His website is www.lapsf.com.