Well, I put a call into the Doctor's office to see how much they are charging for self pay. I sure hope he has come down on his prices like some of them. I had to leave a message for the Insurance Depaprtment to call me back. I bet it won't happen today, since it is so late already. After I talk to them about that, then I guess it will be time for an appointment.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Betty

Betty, does your dr. have a website? It should be posted on that.

I couldn't find one. He is with the UT Southwestern Medical Center. I can find a website for that but I can't find much more info except for the background on the doctor himself. I told them I would be leaving at 4:30, so I guess I will try early tomorrow morning.

Betty

Is it Dr. Provost? I know there is a Yahoo Group for his patients.

Yes, it is Dr. Provost, do you know what the group is called? I guess I will just try to call him again tomorrow. I haven't tried to make an appointment yet, I just needed to find out some info on the billing.

Thanks for your help!

Betty

Well, I found a group for him, but I have to wait for approval. So, I guess tomorrow will be the soonest I will find out anything.

Betty

I noticed you are from the Dallas area, I wanted to let you know that I will be banded 1 week tomorrow and I was a self pay. I used Doctor Jaysaleen it was 15k. That includes 1st year fills and doctor visits.

Thanks for the info. I was looking at him too, but when I called my Dr. he said Provost, so I will see what is his price and all. So, how are you doing after a week?

Betty

Well, I got a call back from the Insurance Dept. These are the charges:

First visit - $232.00

Pre-op - $90.00

Sergeon fee - $5,000.00

Anestheologist - 1260.00

Hospital - $13000.00 to 15,000.00

90 day check up $51.00 - $162.00

band fill - $200.00

Floro - $100.00

I will definately have to talk to the Doctor about this. I sure was hoping he would have dropped some of the prices. At least I know my the answers to my questions now.

Betty

How much do they want people to pay up front, if they are self paying? Does anyone have an idea?

I can't understand why this isn't covered by insurance companies. It's been proven obesity leads to many medical problems later on in life- one way or the other, they will have to pay out for medical expenses. Better to pay for the surgery to help people, than years later incurred costs due to serious medical problems.

Good luck, Betty.

They told me the Hospital has to be paid in full before I go. They said they have had a lot of people have the surgery then fail to pay so now they collect first. I ask if the Doctor had a pay plan, and he said usually not, but they might. So, I guess it is almost all up front. I even said I was hoping his prices had went down like the rest of them and he said the prices haven't come down. I told him that a lot of them have, and that they even cover the fills and checkups for the first year. No reply! I am so disappointed in this. I am still trying to decide what to do. I guess I really need to make an appointment with my Doctor and talk to him face to face.

Betty

Betty, there are plenty of drs. that are "jumping on the Bandwagon". Just take your time and thoroughly check them out. You want to make the decision that's best for you. Money is important, but also a dr. experience, knowledge, and your aftercare plan. This weight didn't happen overnight. You've already taken an important step...you're ready to get healthier. Best of luck to you! :rolleyes:

Thanks Marie, you are right, I am just wanting to do it so bad. It took me forever to make up my mind to do it, and now that I have I am just ready. I will try to be patient.

Betty

I know, I felt the same way! I felt like I'd missed out on so much "life" that had passed me by for years. I wanted to make up for lost time. In fact, I asked my surgeon if I was too old for the surgery. (Now, I'm determined that the next 50 are going to be the best!) You will get some answers. Just take care that you think everything out. We want your WL to be a success story, with hopefully no complications.

Hi, Betty! If you are willing to drive to Denton, Drs. Mosier and Johnson have a deal for under 15K. Includes surgery and all after care and fills for one year (or it could have been longer). Their office # is 940-382-2646. They also have a payment plan, but the hospital does require 10K upfront.

Thanks Blossom, I might just do that, I am going to make an appointment with my Doctor and talk with him. Denton isn't that far from my house either. I will do some checking in the meantime.

Betty