Final cost: $54,855.30

[Cristin 73]

Just got my hospital bill. I had zero complications and was in the hospital two nights. In the US.

The surgery itself was $29,000. Anesthesia, OR fees etc., made up the remainder.

It's incredible how much money it is. In my research I read on some sites that people only paid $15,000 for everything (and in the US, like me)... So anybody who is thinking of self-financing in the US, be CAREFUL and don't trust everything you read online.

I've yet to see how much my insurance will cover (they did approve me, but who knows what the final bill will ever be with insurance companies).

[stefaniwg 172]

When billing insurance companies they jack the price up significantly then the price is discounted if its in the network. I think they charge that just to see how much they can get IMO. Self pay cost is much cheaper than what they charge insurance. My cousin and I had a breast reduction around the same time with the same doctor. I went thru insurance and My EOB from my insurance showed $26,000 when my cousin self paid $5500 for the same surgery.

[Feeling Free 51]

I was self pay in SC for $8000 and this included all labs, test, surgery, anesthesia...EVERYTHING....also any issues arising up to 90 days after surgery. One must ask a lot of questions of the Drs. office regarding what is included and what is not. Like the other poster stated, the prices are hiked up to see just how much they can get.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

Can any one say American greed? I find it despicable and unacceptable that healthcare gets away with this robbery

[brandy88 151]

Mine said 34,000 and only having to pay 1500 out of pocket. Thus far the bills that have came in only 3 weeks out..

[lgnkc1 6]

My surgery in Tijuana Mexico cost me $4797.00 for the Gastric Sleeve. I am 17 days post op, and have not had an ounce of pain or problems at all, I have heartburn all the time, but I see that is pretty normal. I used Dr Almanza. There was 14 other Men/Women from all over the US having Surgery the same day I did, and NONE of us has had a single complication..

[sharonintx 1,275]

Same as above. Dr Almanza in TJ for $4800. Haven't had any problems.

[Cristin 73]

When billing insurance companies they jack the price up significantly then the price is discounted if its in the network. I think they charge that just to see how much they can get IMO. Self pay cost is much cheaper than what they charge insurance. My cousin and I had a breast reduction around the same time with the same doctor. I went thru insurance and My EOB from my insurance showed 26' date='000 when my cousin self paid 5500 for the same surgery.[/quote']

Wow. That is doubly messed up... Sounds illegal. If that's the case, then hospitals are doing the country a disservice because they're forcing insurance providers to raise rates for consumers, I'd imagine.

[taylokat 180]

Hospitals need to make up the costs from when they treat people with no insurance. Lots of people with no insurance go to the ER with problems that should be in a doctors office but they know the ER will treat them even if they can't pay. Then if they get admitted, the hospital takes care of them regardless if they can pay or not. So they try and recoup their losses. It's a shame.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

$8750 in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. Amazing care!