Well, I can’t get insurance coverage for surgery. My BMI is 35 and I have no comorbidities. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to be healthy, but I don’t have the cash to pay out of pocket. I’ve steadily gained weight over the last few years. The scale keeps climbing no matter what I do.

I cant tell you how frustrated I am....

Have you considered having surgery in Mexico? It can be relatively affordable.

I have. I’ve discussed it with my husband and the rest of my family and they are so staunchly opposed to it, I just can’t. Not an option...

I am self pay. The surgery cost me 9800. Top surgeon in Dallas. I was too chicken to go to mexico. Maybe you could self pay???

$9800, I could do. It’s the NYC $29k that I can’t do. Can I ask who you saw? Did you have any issues?

Dr Stowers in Dallas. I just had surgery on the 20th. So far so good!

Congrats! Who will handle your post-op care? Or do you live in Dallas?

My surgery in Mexico is scheduled for April 6th. Everyone, including my husband, was absolutely against it and tried to shame me for even thinking of medical tourism. I did a lot of research on the facility, the doctor performing my surgery, success rates and statistics for the hospital, independent testimonials and blogs...pretty much anything I could find on medical tourism. While I still have some friends that aren't convinced, I did finally get my husband to agree. One of the deciding factors for him is that the cost of a companion is included in the cost of the surgery so he will be with me the entire time. Also, Mexico Bariatric Center is owned by a US corporation which also gave us some comfort. I simply couldn't afford the $23K which would be the cost for me to get the surgery done in Oregon. I have Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis which are both aggravated by excess weight. I can't do much exercise because the pain is extreme. I have been told by my primary care doctor as well as rheumatologist that losing weight will help my conditions. I cannot find any concrete evidence that having the surgery in Mexico is any riskier than having it done in the US.

I live in Dallas so dr stowers will be doing followups.

Which facility did you decide on in mexico?

If you don't want to travel as far as Texas, Mark Pleatman in Michigan has a $11,500 self-pay deal worked out with the hospital. That covers his surgical fee, the hospital fee, anesthesia, overnight in the hospital (or longer if needed for some reason), pre-op testing, and two years (if I remember right!) of aftercare. He's done me, my son, and my brother. His office gal Cari is excellent and they do a TON of out of state patients, so they can help with suggesting accommodations as well.

Thanks!!!

ElseeG, I was in your exact position. BMI 35, no comorbidities (as defined by my insurance). I do have advanced osteoarthritis and depression but those don’t count. So I am self pay. There was NO way I could afford anything over $10,000. I would have to consider financing and for much less. I considered Mexico too. But I went with a top doctor here for a consult and yes, the self pay cost would be $14,000 -$16,000. However, after a required EGD, if they found a hiatal hernia the cost would drop to $5,200. WOW. I thought for sure I didn’t have a hiatal hernia, but you know what? I did! Holy crap, my self pay would now be that low? Yes indeed. Now we’re cookin’ with gas! So not only do I get a top doctor in the Houston medical district, but I’m paying way less than what I had been quoted in Mexico. So, I would suggest getting an EGD where you live and sending your results to a good doctor near you or close state that has a similar program. I hate to think that your health is blocked by cost. Ugh. But I’m hopeful you will find a way - by hook or by crook!

5 hours ago, cheryl_gut said:

I live in Dallas so dr stowers will be doing followups.

Which facility did you decide on in Mexico?

I am going to Mexico Bariatric Center. I would love any feedback if someone else has also had their surgery there. Thanks!!

20 minutes ago, logicwand said:

ElseeG, I was in your exact position. BMI 35, no comorbidities (as defined by my insurance). I do have advanced osteoarthritis and depression but those don’t count. So I am self pay. There was NO way I could afford anything over $10,000. I would have to consider financing and for much less. I considered Mexico too. But I went with a top doctor here for a consult and yes, the self pay cost would be $14,000 -$16,000. However, after a required EGD, if they found a hiatal hernia the cost would drop to $5,200. WOW. I thought for sure I didn’t have a hiatal hernia, but you know what? I did! Holy crap, my self pay would now be that low? Yes indeed. Now we’re cookin’ with gas! So not only do I get a top doctor in the Houston medical district, but I’m paying way less than what I had been quoted in Mexico. So, I would suggest getting an EGD where you live and sending your results to a good doctor near you or close state that has a similar program. I hate to think that your health is blocked by cost. Ugh. But I’m hopeful you will find a way - by hook or by crook!

OMG really??? I'll be on this first thing tomorrow so a simple hiatal hernia got it covered????

Pretty much! I know I’ve seen others post the same thing - that hiatal hernias can bring down your cost with certain doctors. I couldn’t believe I found a doctor/center that offered that too and could finally move forward, let alone in my own city. Let us know how this progresses and what you find!

On 2/22/2018 at 6:03 PM, Stacy160 said:

If you don't want to travel as far as Texas, Mark Pleatman in Michigan has a $11,500 self-pay deal worked out with the hospital. That covers his surgical fee, the hospital fee, anesthesia, overnight in the hospital (or longer if needed for some reason), pre-op testing, and two years (if I remember right!) of aftercare. He's done me, my son, and my brother. His office gal Cari is excellent and they do a TON of out of state patients, so they can help with suggesting accommodations as well.

Hi Stacy 160.

Thank you SO MUCH! I called Pleatman’s office, and the patient coordinator, Kerry, was great. She was on the phone with me for an hour discussing everything about surgery and diet. She said Dr.Pleatman would call me on friday. He didn’t, so I hope to speak with him next week. I’m aiming for a late March surgery...in time for my 50th.

I cant thank you enough for sharing his name. $11,200, I can do. $29k was unthinkable.

ElseeG