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BMI is 36 and self-pay, where should I go?

rumpid

By rumpid, in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

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rumpid    0

rumpid
Posted

I live on the east coast, and I'm trying to self-pay to get lap-band surgery. Going out of the country is an option, but I'm really nervous about it! What have other low BMI people experienced, where did you go to get it done, and if it was out of state, was it easy to find a place to get your fills done.

Thanks, and nice to meet everyone!

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Caolin    0

Caolin
Posted

The only time I've heard anywhere in this country doing the surgery with that low of a BMI was due to health related problems? Do you have any of those, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc?

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rumpid    0

rumpid
Posted

Unfortunately (and fortunately) I don't have any other issues except severe acid reflux, which just started since I gained more weight recently, but they don't care about that...hmph.

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littleroo1    0

littleroo1
Posted

I'm self-pay and I traveled from Florida to Colorado... I was nervous about going out of the states myself. More so because of the after-care issues. My surgeon has banded people at your BMI before.

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christine yng    0

christine yng
Posted

Mexican surgeons and some US surgeons take patients 34 BMI and above with comorbidity. I was a self pay also and was nervous about follow up but a member of my surgeon's staff told me they call doctors in the US to find you a fill doctor in your area. That is a good option because if you can't find a fill doctor near your hometown before your surgery outside the States, think twice before jumping on a plane and heading south.

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new_me_2008    1

new_me_2008
Posted

I have a BMI of 38.5 and they are banding me in two weeks. THey have locations around the country.

It was weird when I was in the waiting room the other day another patient asked me how long it has been since the surgery - I havent had it yet! It made me somewhat question the decision, I do carry my weight well (size 16) - but I am going ahead with it and self paying so that I can get this done now.

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nicnaknut    0

nicnaknut
Posted

I am going to Dr. Kirshenbaum in Colorado.. I am also self pay and he charges $9950 for everything... He is a great Dr. and cares alot for his patients... There is a link to his web site at the bottom of my signature.. Check it out and give his office a call and ask if they will take you with a low BMI...

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css95    0

css95
Posted

I went to Mexico 9/13/07 and it was a very pleasant experience. Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Valenzuela were very nice. The staff was excellent. $7500.00. I can't think of any negitive thing to say.

golap-band.com

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Wendell Edwards    73

Wendell Edwards
Posted

I live on the east coast, and I'm trying to self-pay to get lap-band surgery. Going out of the country is an option, but I'm really nervous about it! What have other low BMI people experienced, where did you go to get it done, and if it was out of state, was it easy to find a place to get your fills done.

Thanks, and nice to meet everyone!

I would look around to see if someone local offered the band for a reasonable price. If that was not available, I would head to one of the well-known Mexican doctors. Either way, make certain that your aftercare, fills, etc. is handled BEFORE signing up.

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Go To Topic Listing Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

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    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
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      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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