self pay woes

[Mel1071 149]

Well, it's official - our insurance will not cover the surgery and I am looking at going to self-pay route. Time to start socking away every spare penny I can. I know financing is an option but we carry no debt other than our mortgage and I hate to add to that. I am kind of tempted to pay cash for half and finance the other half. The surgeon closest to me that does self-pay is a smidge over $18K. I am also looking at other doctors in surrounding states - saw one in TX whose rates including up to two nights in the hospital and all pre-op tests for $12K. I'm not thrilled with going out of state for the surgery as I like the idea of having my doc 20 minutes from me if, God forbid, there are any post-op complications. And Mexico is not an option either for various reasons - I know it worked for some folks, but it's not for me.

Obviously now that I've decided I want to have the surgery, I want it now I figure if I save for the 18K surgery, I would have at least a year to prep and get ready for surgery. But I think that year might kill me. Regardless if I have to wait a year or several months, what did you do to prep yourself for the surgery, physically and mentally?

[TwinsMama 483]

Sorry about your insurance. I didn't self pay but even with insurance it still took a year from the time I got my PCP on board. During that year I worked on my head. Met with a Nut, and then did a lot of reading (esp on this site). I was already pretty active.

I watched YouTube (I got hooked so I had to scale back) and visited support groups (which are usually free). This helped me get in the right frame of mind because that is what this is really about.

Best wishes to you and also can you possibly add another insurance plan that does cover the surgery? Self paying for extra insurance may be cheaper than paying for the entire surgery out of pocket. Not sure how that works but maybe someone here knows.

[Mel1071 149]

I thought of the other insurance but no one wants to issue a policy to someone with a BMI of 47 taking meds for cholesterol, HBP, and depression.

I like the idea of working on my head - I've been doing that for awhile and I think that's why I am finally at the point I even started considering surgery. But a little more time can't hurt

I am spending way more time online checking out sleeve info lol I should be finishing up my business' website and gearing up for teaching my Fall classes, but, but, well, this is just so much more interesting right now!

Thanks for the kind words

[gamergirl 4,609]

You might want to look into Mexico for cheaper but equally good quality options. We were self-pay and from reading others' posts, it was a lot less hassle with re approvals, uncertainty, NUT visits, psych tests etc. Good and bad in that, so self-pay does come with some upside.

But if you are waiting for a while to save up, then you may try to approximate some of that counseling on your own.

Edit: oops just saw you said Mx was not am option. Ignore that in my post!

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Check out BeLiteWeight in Las Vegas. They're about 9-10k. They have surgeons in Mx as well as stateside.

I didn't use them so I cannot speak to their quality of care. I did go to Mx and was very well taken care of. I chose Dr. Aceves. He's one of the more expensive Mx surgeons, 8750. If you do look into Mx and would like some feedback about my Dr. Aceves/Mexicali experience feel free to reach out.

Good luck no matter which direction you go.

[newat52 1,612]

Well, it's official - our insurance will not cover the surgery and I am looking at going to self-pay route. Time to start socking away every spare penny I can. I know financing is an option but we carry no debt other than our mortgage and I hate to add to that. I am kind of tempted to pay cash for half and finance the other half. The surgeon closest to me that does self-pay is a smidge over $18K. I am also looking at other doctors in surrounding states - saw one in TX whose rates including up to two nights in the hospital and all pre-op tests for $12K. I'm not thrilled with going out of state for the surgery as I like the idea of having my doc 20 minutes from me if, God forbid, there are any post-op complications. And Mexico is not an option either for various reasons - I know it worked for some folks, but it's not for me.

Obviously now that I've decided I want to have the surgery, I want it now I figure if I save for the 18K surgery, I would have at least a year to prep and get ready for surgery. But I think that year might kill me. Regardless if I have to wait a year or several months, what did you do to prep yourself for the surgery, physically and mentally?

I feel your pain! I was in the same boat with insurance not paying. I am in the Dallas area and self paid. $12,200, all inclusive. For me as well, Mexico was not an option for several reasons. It was a big step to talk to my husband and tell him how much this meant to me. I know he would do anything for me. I realized this would be the best thing I could do for my health.

This area has many of the top wls surgeons in the country. The prices are very reasonable. It may be something to think about.

It was. Had my surgery March 6th and have not looked back. For me, it was a bargain at twice the price! I would do it again, for so many reasons.

Good luck in whatever you do. If you want to PM me and talk, please feel free.

[Travelbug1955 23]

Well, it's official - our insurance will not cover the surgery and I am looking at going to self-pay route. Time to start socking away every spare penny I can. I know financing is an option but we carry no debt other than our mortgage and I hate to add to that. I am kind of tempted to pay cash for half and finance the other half. The surgeon closest to me that does self-pay is a smidge over $18K. I am also looking at other doctors in surrounding states - saw one in TX whose rates including up to two nights in the hospital and all pre-op tests for $12K. I'm not thrilled with going out of state for the surgery as I like the idea of having my doc 20 minutes from me if, God forbid, there are any post-op complications. And Mexico is not an option either for various reasons - I know it worked for some folks, but it's not for me.

Obviously now that I've decided I want to have the surgery, I want it now I figure if I save for the 18K surgery, I would have at least a year to prep and get ready for surgery. But I think that year might kill me. Regardless if I have to wait a year or several months, what did you do to prep yourself for the surgery, physically and mentally?

Why don't you look into using Dr. Rodriguez at the StarMedica Hospital? I had my surgery with him this past Saturday and it was $6500 all inclusive. I'm telling you that this hospital and this medical staff are the most clean and professional group I have encountered. I had 2 different surgeries in 2 different states and was never treated as good as these people and the added benefit is the lower price. It's worth it to look into it. If you have any questions about my experience, don't hesitate to ask. Debbie

[No game 14,437]

Well' date=' it's official - our insurance will not cover the surgery and I am looking at going to self-pay route. And Mexico is not an option either for various reasons - I know it worked for some folks, but it's not for me.

[/quote']

When the time comes, I've heard really good things about Dr. Umbach in Las Vegas. Good luck to you and your research

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

When the time comes' date=' I've heard really good things about Dr. Umbach in Las Vegas. Good luck to you and your research <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[/quote']

I think he books through BeLiteWeight and they offer in house financing.

[No game 14,437]

Good stuff Amanda I wondered that since he's in Las Vegas..

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Good stuff Amanda <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I wondered that since he's in Las Vegas..

Limitless WLS options on both sides of the border! There is also a cost efficient option in Charlotte, NC. Approx 12k I believe. The surgeon was on here tho, peddling his wares once upon a time.

[Mel1071 149]

Thank you all for all the responses! I did check out Dr. Umbach in Vegas - my only real issue was the fact everything is done outpatient. I don't know yet if I'd be comfortable with that. I've never had any kind of surgery so hospitals kinda freak me out, but then so does the thought of having the surgery as an outpatient. The unknown can be one heck of a beast in my mind!

[Mel1071 149]

Right now it looks like my forerunner may be Dr. Nicholson in Dallas - seems like he gets rave reviews. One of my concerns is I've heard he can do 11-13 surgeries in one day. Is that excessive? Part of me is like, well, he knows his stuff. And part of me is like, hmmm, not sure I'd want to be patient #11, And that's nothing against him per se, it's just my own ignorance.

[gamergirl 4,609]

Right now it looks like my forerunner may be Dr. Nicholson in Dallas - seems like he gets rave reviews. One of my concerns is I've heard he can do 11-13 surgeries in one day. Is that excessive? Part of me is like' date=' well, he knows his stuff. And part of me is like, hmmm, not sure I'd want to be patient #11, And that's nothing against him per se, it's just my own ignorance.[/quote']

I liked that mine did only 3 max per day. I saw him several times a day because he had more time to devote to us. To me, the number of surgeries a day mattered.

[No game 14,437]

Yeah the outpatient thing weirds some people out.. But I know some vets (and newer) people here loved him... (Umbach)

The Texas Dr? Yes he has a LOT of followers here if you do a search there are pages.

13 a day?? That's a lot yes...

I can tell you when I had my surgery my surgeon ran hours late for me into the early evening.

Because of a complicated surgery on a super obese woman with health issues before me.

I would be lying by saying I wasn't a bit concerned about fatigue... I was like "you know I can come back tomorrow"

I lived..