I wanted to post because I did not see many self pays in the U.S. I knew off the bat that I would not have insurance coverage, so I went in knowing I would be paying the bill.

The first place I went to felt like a factory that cranks out procedures. So I went to another place. They were awesome. On my first visit I met with the surgeon himself. I was impressed with the office, staff and him.

At first I though I wanted the band since my BMI is under 35. But after speaking with all of my doctors we decided that a sleeve would be better because of all the medication I take and will take indefinitely.

I had the EDG scope and it showed a large hiatal hernia along with ulcers on my stomach. The surgeons explained how important that hernia repair is because of the new size of the stomach to keep all of the parts where they are supposed to be.

So, my insurance pays for the hernia repair, and I pay the reduced price of $8200 for my sleeve. From consult to surgery was one month. I am 7 days out and happy as can be.

I have had no complications and even the hospital stay was terrific.

I know that price is an absolute issue to many people. But I think my choice was perfect for me. Could I have paid less, yes. But I did have a local surgeon, I did have the hernia repaired, and my support team in the doctors office is only a call or visit away.

Are there others out there like me??? I just wanted to share my story and it's a good one!!!

Where did u go for the self pay?

Dr. Stowers. Just outside of DFW. www.mybariatricsolutions.com

Ok thx I am going through insurance stuff now but I really don't think I will get qualified so looking into other options. So u were satisfied with this dr?

I did self pay in Florida. It was $10,500. But worth every penny. I'm happy with my choice and my doctor and hospital were great. I also had a hernia repaired. I, too, knew my insurance didn't cover bariatric surgery.

Extremely. He has done thousands of procedures. He does the surgery at Wise Regional Hospital.

When I was there, I was the first one and total I would say there were 10 other patients that day. We were all out walking the floor at different times throughout the day.

Because I was not in much pain, I made his nurse read me the surgery notes to make sure it was really done. I guess the drugs were great.

It was an overnight stay and they discharge me the next afternoon.

Dr. Stowers said he has had about 8 leaks total. It's possible that could have been caused by progressing to post op diet too fast.

There were many people I met that came from hours away for the surgery. I think they pay for a hotel stay for the out of towners.

I go back Thursday for my post surgery follow up. I'm excited to get cleared and keep going.

Just to let you know I started at 190 on June 10th and began the diet and this morning, 7 days out I am 172. My goal is 130.

Cutiecake. Did your insurance co pay for the hernia repair,? I think it is so important to be done. I mean while you're in there, fix it all right???

Just checked it out. Would probably be 11k for me. Wow that's a lot of moneyi

Pacheka

Yes it is if you do not have any health insurance that will cover the hernia repair. If you do have insurance call the office and have them verify if you are covered for that and then it's only $8200. Yes, every penny saved counts.

But honestly for me it's worth every dollar spent. My family had been so supportive and they are excited for a new me!

So which ever way you go to accomplish your goal do continue.

Cutiecake. Did your insurance co pay for the hernia repair,? I think it is so important to be done. I mean while you're in there, fix it all right???

My doctor fixed it free of charge. I may have been able to put it through insurance, but he didn't charge any extra for the fix.

Dr alvarez in Piedras Negras They pick you up near San Antonio Airport pay for hotels and meds 8 k. He is a leading physician for bariatric surgery and had been doing them for years I know before 2005. His staff are professional and friendly. You would not regret seeing him. Look him up on YouTube. I went to him 2006

I used dr David Kim, he billed my insurance for the hernia repair just as tw's doctor had done, and my cash out of pocket for my sleeve was 4950. My insurance would not cover my wls.