I just wanted to share what a great experience I have had with my surgeon in NC. He has created a program for us self-pay patients to allow us an affordable surgery option in the US. Dr. Bruce really cares about the patient before and after surgery--follow up visits are included in the package price. The hospital where he performs the surgeries is a small private hospital and the folks there could not have been nicer. If you are a self-pay patient and want an option in the US, check out the website below. I know this sounds like a commercial, but I really am a patient and just found out about the website at my follow-up appointment today :-)

www.eastcoastsleevecenter.com

Can you give us the amount amount he charges? I'm already set with Dr. Aceves in Mexico, but if his prices are competitive with Mexico, I'll be sure to share that with anyone who sees my success down the road and wants self pay in the US

EDIT: Never mind, I saw it on the website $12,500. Did you find that to be true? Did you have any additional costs other than the $12,500?

Thanks!

You see folks. It's not just Mx coordinators who come on here endorsing their surgeon/facility.

Dr. B posted in another thread subtly implying no aftercare stateside for Mx Sleevers.

That's just not true.

That being said, I know nothing about this option other than a fleeting moment of checking their site out while researching. Dr. Aceves was a reach for me so this was definitely out of reach.

Good luck to all no matter who you choose. I hope your experience exceeds your expectations and your recovery is uneventful.

And if course, a healthy and successful Sleeved Life. :-)

Rebecca: cost was $12,500. Still not cheap by any means but I could not have taken the time to travel to Mexico (due to my job and not wanting to leave my 18-month-old for that long). For me, this was the best option. I don't have any knowledge of the surgeons in Mexico--just wanted to let folks know that I personally am very glad Dr. Bruce set this program up for those of us who did not get approved by insurance. It's all about doing what is right for you and your family. The program is just getting started and I just wanted to share in case others were weighing the options.

Dr. Bruce is doing my sleeve tomorrow morning! so far he has been a first class guy, looking forward to getting this done.

Bigfisher: are you in NC? What hospital are you having surgery at? Good luck!! I am so glad I had the surgery!

Bigfisher: are you in NC? What hospital are you having surgery at? Good luck!! I am so glad I had the surgery!

Yes at wake med cary hospital. I am doing fine this morn.

Dr Bruce is the best!!!!

Oh my! Dr B is a bariatric surgeon boasting..err I mean posting on the forum?!?!

Seriously, he may be good for some, but I don't believe he should be "advertising" on here.

I, for one, go to MX for the vast experience the surgeons have over the the majority of surgeons in the states. I don't go for the price.. I have a preferred surgeon there.

Oh my! Dr B is a bariatric surgeon boasting..err I mean posting on the forum?!?!

Seriously' date=' he may be good for some, but I don't believe he should be "advertising" on here.

I, for one, go to MX for the vast experience the surgeons have over the the majority of surgeons in the states. I don't go for the price.. I have a preferred surgeon there.[/quote']

I'm confused--there are so many posts on the great experience patients have had with specific surgeons (Mexico or not). Why is there some implication that I'm posing as the surgeon in order to advertise for him? I'm not getting anything out of it other than being able to share my personal experience. I have said absolutely nothing about him being better or worse than anyone else.

I must say I agree 100%!!!! If you look at all the " The following studies are mandatory before surgery." By the time you add up all the mandatory test before you have your surgery, I am pretty sure it's Really Not going to be a "US Option" for those of us that went to Mexico for our surgeries. I am very happy I did my research and had my surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Quinones.

1. Psychological evaluation
   
   
2. Dietitian consult
   
   
3. EKG
   
   
4. Chest and upper GI x-rays
   
   
5. Labs
   
   
6. RUQ Ultrasound
   
   
7. sleep study (to rule out sleep apnea)
   
   
8. Initial bariatric evaluation
   
   
9. 2-4 Week Liver Diet
   

Those are not all mandatory prior to surgery. Insurance may require it before they pay but not if you are self pay. I had my surgery in Dallas and was self pay. Didn't have a psy visit, didn't need one. Didn't have a RUQ ultrasound, don't even know what is, nor a sleep study because I don't have sleep apena.

As far as the other tests, they were all included in the self pay price of $12,200. That included everything, plus follow ups for life and NUTs. Included ALL hospital fees as well. Not to mention the awesome 2 room suite they put me in. All this done with a top bariatric surgeon. When it was time to leave the hospital, it was a 12 minute drive. All that to me, adds up to a very reasonable price.

The fact that there are becoming more places like this across the US is very encouraging. People who choose not to go to Mexico do so for lots of reasons.

I think it's great there are becoming more choices here and other countries.

I also don't think the original OP is advertising,

Can you give us the amount amount he charges? I'm already set with Dr. Aceves in Mexico' date=' but if his prices are competitive with Mexico, I'll be sure to share that with anyone who sees my success down the road and wants self pay in the US

EDIT: Never mind, I saw it on the website 12,500. Did you find that to be true? Did you have any additional costs other than the 12,500?

Thanks![/quote']

There were some additional costs prior to surgery (my insurance did cover the evals and X-rays and such). Of course, the liver diet shakes and stuff were extra as well.

Thanks, newat52. I was starting to get upset that people were thinking I was fake or something. I'm just glad that there are choices out there. What may work for me may not work for others and vice versa.

Actually my bad! Apologies!

Why post this here, we're going to Mexico to save money. Clearly we don't want to spend another $7500, that's why we're going to Mexico. I believe it is money that is the factor here, right? Just because you elected to pay the additional monies to stay near your child is good for you, but most of us on here don't have that option. In my opinion your post is better served on another board, perhaps the US one.

Excuse me, but is this not the self pay & Mexico forum?

Ah! You are probably right. Sorry, I'm relatively new to this VST app and on my phone I can't see the full titles of the forums. I did not mean to upset anyone--thought that the forum was self pay and Mexico surgeries (two different groups).