I know a lot of self payers are financially strapped and at their wits end looking for a solution. And, while you can't put a price tag on health there are a lot of things to consider on the affordability of this surgery. Some programs may include these costs, but just a few things to consider:

Actual out of pocket - are there additional drug costs (I know mine is about 140 in prescriptions)

Cost of Protein supplements post-op (likely offset by price of grocery savings in early program, but not always)

Monthly Vitamins post op average 30-40 a month

Identification (passports/I'd cards)

Airfare

Tipping for shuttle drivers in Mexico, etc (minor, but neede to point out)

International cell phone roaming or data charges (it is a foreig country! Hotel likely has wifi, but adjust your phone data coverage to not automatically push/pull updates).

Potential for post-op care (just know what coverage you may have if heaven forbid and something happens)

New clothing! During loss you'll need periodic new stuff and eventually new everything, including shoes (a lot of folks llose width), remember undies too! It sounds fun but imagine the cost of replacing everything!

And more!

I don't want to be a downer, but I work in the financial consulting industry and there's always more financial cost than realized. Yes, there are tons of intangible benefits, but this post is just about tangible!

I'm glad you took the time to draw attention to this. I think we tend to not think ahead when we are blinded by want!

I recommend selling your clothes to a consignment or resale store and buying from them as well until you maintain at goal. A lot of times they will give you more in store credit than outright cash...

Amanda Rae

It's all less money than the amount of money spent a restaurants pre sleeve! I think I calculated 300 a month.....on top of groceries every week....it was ridiculous!

I realize I didn't fully count up the costs before I had surgery... I need shoes... all of my shoes are too big... I'm glad its winter and I can get away with boots... and my grocery bill is higher... making sure to have protein rich snacks and foods is expensive... and I have to feed 3 other people than myself...kids will eat you out of house and home! Even with all this... I don't regret having the surgery... I have more energy... and I am no longer on blood pressure meds... monthly savings right there... but all the vitamins and supplements I am taking... I don't actually save anything... still its worth it all...

the only cost that I am not prepared for is possibly the expenses for any post-operative complications...I am not sure if my insurance would cover those expenses since I'm self-pay...I am "scared" to ask about it with my insurance company, because it would almost be like alerting them ahead of time if I should experience any complications...I know that complications are always a risk, and It would be financially devastating to me if I had to pay those costs...but I am at the point of desperation where I think the alternative to me health-wise is much worse, so I am willing to take the risk...like others have said, I think the cost of the protein shakes and vitamin supplements--and even new clothing and shoes--will be offset by the costs of "junk food" and eating out at restaurants that many of us--including me--experience

the only cost that I am not prepared for is possibly the expenses for any post-operative complications...I am not sure if my insurance would cover those expenses since I'm self-pay...I am "scared" to ask about it with my insurance company' date=' because it would almost be like alerting them ahead of time if I should experience any complications...I know that complications are always a risk, and It would be financially devastating to me if I had to pay those costs...but I am at the point of desperation where I think the alternative to me health-wise is much worse, so I am willing to take the risk...like others have said, I think the cost of the Protein shakes and Vitamin supplements--and even new clothing and shoes--will be offset by the costs of "junk food" and eating out at restaurants that many of us--including me--experience[/quote']

I felt the same way and never asked about complications. My insurance does cover the surgery, so I'm assuming they'd cover complications even though I was self pay. I don't think asking would hurt though.

There are alot of costs to the surgery and sometimes it's hard to look at them all but then again I have to remind myself that if I don't do anything how much will healthcare cost me down the road.

Thankfully there are ways to save a bit, like AmandaRae said consignment stores should save you a bit when you're dropping sizes. Splurge on one thing if you want to Celebrate a goal but save on the daily wardrobe until you get down to a steady size (or make your splurge item a new watch or earrings, etc to make the dollars go even farther since you won't grow out of those items.) There are lots of consignment stores and even clothing swaps that alot of local support groups do. Save on Vitamins by shopping around, coupons can definitely help here (some doctors try to get you to stick to their brand protien shakes, vitamins, etc but I'd rather compare ingredients to the doctors favorite brand and shop around) Don't be afraid to contact the manufacturers to try new products and find coupons to save.

Also I just want to throw out there that for me I'm spending a bit on a medical alert bracelet for post-op. The dangers of a blind ng tube are too scary not too. In an emergency situation it's a good thing to have and would just put my mind at ease.

Thanks for keeping our eyes open SoCalDixieGal

The cost of VSG surgery and associated costs are far less than those medical costs associated with obesity, in my opinion it is a small price to pay.

Other ways to save money:

* Sell old clothing and shoes on Ebay

* Plan a garage sale to sell old clothing

* Hire a seamstress/tailor to make alterations on older clothing

* Donate old clothing to a charity, quite a few will come to your home to pickup and will provide you with a tax receipt.

I really think I say on food bill. I buy less because I eat way less. When we go out my cost is way less.

I felt the same way and never asked about complications. My insurance does cover the surgery, so I'm assuming they'd cover complications even though I was self pay. I don't think asking would hurt though.

Right now I am thinking this way: if I did ask the insurance company, and they told me that complications would not be covered, would it make me change my mind about the surgery? right now the answer is no, because of the low risk of complications...

My complications were half a million dollars. Do you really think keeping your eyes shut will help you pay those bills if you have to? Check with your insurance company and learn the rules! If you have no coverage than you can supplement. If you have coverage with rules (ie must go through ER for care) than knowing those rules could save you thousands! Not checking in advance is kind of like heading far a brick wall at full speed. Ya maybe the brakes will save you....but what if they don't? Be smart in advance.

Not sure how you can put a price on your health.

Not sure how you can put a price on your health.

Spend some time with actuators. They will tell you what you're worth in just a few quick calculations

In an altruist world there is no price on health, but reality is another story! And everyone is right, you can't put a price on health. This post certainly doesn't argue that point, but there are many more expenses than coming up with the surgery fee. Really just wanted folks to consider other expenses because often the idea of health is vague if you don't suffer from co-morbidities (as with many cash patients) while cash and the ability to pay bills is definitely more tangible.

Love the ideas on consignment stores! Also, selling on eBay.

As to insurance, you don't need to give a lot of examples, you could simply ask about what would happen if there were complications from an elective procedure. You can also get a copy of your policies legal coverage. This is a huge document but should list everything.

Please also consider setting aside an additional 500-750 dollars. If your doctor discovers another problem such as hietal hernia they will fix it and add it to your cost. At least this is the case with many mexican doctors.