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?

My surgery was in Boca Raton with Dr. Shillingford he is all inclusive with 2 days in the hospital and he charges $10,500. Fantastic surgeon!! Good luck on your search!!

I am doing self pay. I hit my 401k. If you have a 401k you can borrow against it for medial expenses that insurance doesn't cover.

I know you say Mexico is not an option. But there are two girls in our dept that went and had a great experience. I myself am headed over the border 9/2. Complications can occur whether you have surgery in the states or in another country. My friend ended up with a complication from one of the best surgeons in our area. Yet the two that went to Mexico had no problems. But I understand not wanting to be far from your doctor. When I started this adventure my husband being the guy that is my rock reminded me that thousands of people go to other countries all the time to get surgery done.

Good luck! I hope you can find the answer!