Hi there.

I have been roaming around the site for a few weeks and am a crossroads of sorts.

Here are the basics:

1. I'm doing self-pay due to insurance declining me.

2. Local hospital is about $31K for gastric sleeve and they aren't a Center of Excellence

3. I have talked to Dr. Umbach's office at Blossombariatrics - pricing is good, but that isn't my main concern, I want to make sure the procedure is done correctly, not cheaply.

I was pretty sure about Dr. Umbach until I read a couple of bad reviews on a couple of sites. Granted there were about 120 good reviews, but the 4 bad ones caught my eye.

So, I'm sending this out to anyone that will answer:

1. Any personal experiences with this doctor?

2. How did you decide which surgeon?

Thanks in advance. I look forward to your replies!

McButterpants

If you're doing self-pay, have you considered going to Mexico?

That sounds terribly high. I'm self pay and using one of the best rated in Texas for less than 14,000. Found out the doctors aren't the big expense. The hospital is.

Doctor is only about 4,000 of your total cost. Anesthesiologist about 2,000. Hospital the rest. Gives you a realistic starting point anyway.

I second looking into Mexico. I was turned off by what I read about Umbach- couldn't afford him anyway. Its a 5 hour drive to San Diego, I parked in the Border parking lot by the 24 hour attendant and the Van picked me up there and returned me there afterwards. Medical Tourism is a big thing there in TJ. Everything is included in the price and they keep you in the hospital 3 days and then a nice hotel for one more. The way they do things there make a lot more sense and seem a lot more caring than hospitals here.

I'm sure Mexico isn't for everyone and there are a variety of Drs and hospitals there to look into. I'm just saying its a great option.

I am three days out of surgery and I am getting headaches and which side should I sleep on

I had my surgery Sept 10, I had a horrible experience I nearly died, dr umbach tells me I'm the only one that's ever had this happen. I was leaking it turn out, he did blood tests that I know now showed him I was bleeding yet he waited till I code purpled 38 over 18 to repair a leak took out two units of blood and I needed 4 units put back in me. My surgeries were on a Tuesday and I didn't leave till Friday, hopefully you have someone with you with a voice or else it takes an act of congress for them to move to do anything, the only nurse I thought was wonderful was rexal the nighttime male nurse. The others are okay just pretty dirty place and lazy Were are the other people who said bad stuff happened and what happened?

that seems really high. i had my surgery in NY state and stayed 3 days (2 nights). my insurance company was billed a total of 18k. that was for everything... surgeon, meds, hospital room, leak tests (i had two), etc. i have only heard good things about mexico.

There are actually lots of people here that used umbach and had great experiences..

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/87955-dr-umbach-in-las-vegas-and-cash-paying-was-awesome/page__fromsearch__1

I went to him last November I was skeptical of him out first and I did the same search on this website for people that have you seen before I think that he was an excellent surgeon I had a massive liver and spleen and he was able to do a successful surgery I was back to work within 3 days I have lost a hundred and ten pounds since last November I've kind of had a stall but I think that's my fault he's very straightforward and open and he's going to tell you like it is he has a very good staff and anytime I ever called with any questions they always got right back to me

I went to Dr. Umbach after a similar story to yours. My insurance didn't cover WLS ... self-pay here was 35K ... I didn't want to go to Mexico. So, I started researching and after looking at many Drs and my wallet, I made contact with Dr. Umbach. We had a couple telephone conversations and I found him very forthright, so I booked my surgery with him.

I arrived at Blossom Bariatrics and met with him face to face. He started by describing the surgery and then saying, "It seems you have been researching VSG extensively, so ask me any questions." I asked him several and he answered them completely. He is not one to go into all the extraneous information, but will answer your questions directly. Some people have called him "short" with his answers, but I think that is just one of the differences between the ways men and women communicate. Men tend to give you the direct answer where women give you all the back story, side story and everything else that isn't even related to the topic at hand. I understand some women like and need that, but you can't get blood from a turnip. Just be prepared to ask about all the information you want. He will answer all your questions. If someone feels uneasy about asking a doctor a question, or has no questions to ask, then I would question whether or not they were ready for the surgery.

The surgery was quick, went in on Friday at 8:00, out at 9:00 and walking around by 11:00. Unknown to me, I had a hiatal hernia which he repaired for no charge. I was back at my hotel (Golden Nugget) by 12:30 and took a 4 hour nap. Woke up and took my wife out to dinner, walked around downtown, played some blackjack and was up in bed by 9:00. Next day walked all over Las Vegas (Baby!). Monday morning I dropped by his office to get the pain pump out and was on a plane back to Portland, OR.

I got to goal 8 months post op and have been maintaining for a year and a half. I am over 2 years post. Bottom line, Dr. Umbach filled my needs for being in America, Center of Excellence and for $10,400, my wallet was happy, too. As an added bonus, he repaired my hiatal hernia and I haven't had any reflux issues.

I would recommend Dr. Umbach.

I completely agree with PdxMan. My experience with Dr Umbach and his staff was very similar. I had surgery on March 5 so I am more than 6 months out. I have lost 92 lbs and still have about 45 more to go. But if you are interested in looking at options for self pay in the US he is a good one to look at.

Many thanks for your input guys! It's much appreciated.

I'm "penciled in" with Dr. Umbach for 11/14/13 - still need to finalize paperwork and all that, but we're working towards that date.

Thanks again and I wish you all continued success!

I ditto the last 2 posts! I am also a patient of Dr. Umbach. Had my surgery 6.5 months ago. I thought he was a very skilled surgeon and would recommend him to others. And I have!

Also, just to add ... I had my surgery July 8th, 2011 ... over 27 months ago ... and STILL have excellent restriction. Sure, just like everyone else, I can "eat around" the sleeve by not following the guidelines. But when I follow the guidelines, with Dr. Umbach's sleeve, I have excellent restriction and can maintain being at goal with relative ease.