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!

iggy, trust me--I hear what you are saying...I had complications from surgery I had 3 years ago (was covered by insurance), and I stopped counting at around half a million dollars...I probably didn't clarify my meaning from that last post I made...I work for state government, and I've checked and know for sure that WLS is not covered and is specifically excluded...if I call with an inquiry about having surgery that is specifically covered by the plan, there is at least a 95% chance, they will tell me right up front that any complications as a result of the elective surgery will not be covered...now, if by the small chance of 5%, they actually say it could be covered depending on certain factors, I still won't have the answer I want for assurance, because I cannot anticipate what the factors would be...there is zero chance that they will tell me up front, pre-surgery that any complications will be covered...the downside is that if they tell me complications are not covered, and I unfortunately do have complications and try to make a claim, they will have record that they told me it was *not* covered...at least if I don't inquire, I can plead "ignorance" legitimately...am I prepared for a $500,000 hospital bill? absolutely not, and it would be financial ruin for me probably...should that risk of financial ruin impact my decision? I don't think so in my case, because I believe the chances of me living another five years even under my current health condition is pretty low...if there is some kind of supplemental insurance I can purchase up-front, I definitely will do that, even if it costs an extra $5,000...other than ruling out WLS altogether, I don't know what else I could do to prepare myself for a $500,000 or more hospital bill : (

iggy' date=' trust me--I hear what you are saying...I had complications from surgery I had 3 years ago (was covered by insurance), and I stopped counting at around half a million dollars...I probably didn't clarify my meaning from that last post I made...I work for state government, and I've checked and know for sure that WLS is not covered and is specifically excluded...if I call with an inquiry about having surgery that is specifically covered by the plan, there is at least a 95% chance, they will tell me right up front that any complications as a result of the elective surgery will not be covered...now, if by the small chance of 5%, they actually say it could be covered depending on certain factors, I still won't have the answer I want for assurance, because I cannot anticipate what the factors would be...there is zero chance that they will tell me up front, pre-surgery that any complications will be covered...the downside is that if they tell me complications are not covered, and I unfortunately do have complications and try to make a claim, they will have record that they told me it was *not* covered...at least if I don't inquire, I can plead "ignorance" legitimately...am I prepared for a 500,000 hospital bill? absolutely not, and it would be financial ruin for me probably...should that risk of financial ruin impact my decision? I don't think so in my case, because I believe the chances of me living another five years even under my current health condition is pretty low...if there is some kind of supplemental insurance I can purchase up-front, I definitely will do that, even if it costs an extra 5,000...other than ruling out WLS altogether, I don't know what else I could do to prepare myself for a 500,000 or more hospital bill : ([/quote']

You & I work for the same place, if you get brave and call our insurance about this, let me know what they say. I did not call to ask them either before my surgery because I thought they'd put a note in my file, lol. Luckily I had an easy, complication free recovery.

wolfgirl..yes, so you know what I mean about that file note stuff...maybe others think we are paranoid, but they probably don't live in our state...I am glad your recovery was free of complications...you still doing well?

wolfgirl..yes' date=' so you know what I mean about that file note stuff...maybe others think we are paranoid, but they probably don't live in our state...I am glad your recovery was free of complications...you still doing well?[/quote']

I am doing great. 7 months out and 90lbs down. No problems whatsoever

I live in California with an *** policy through my non-govt employer. Legally, the insurance company has to provide me with a copy of my policy. For me, it's available online directly from the insurance company (United Healthcare).