no surgery for me.

[ElseeG 67]

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....

[sillykitty 10,713]

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

[ElseeG 67]

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...

[cheryl_gut 6]

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???

[ElseeG 67]

$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?

[cheryl_gut 6]

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

[ElseeG 67]

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

[Macs1978 25]

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.

[cheryl_gut 6]

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

Which facility did you decide on in mexico?

[Stacy160 201]

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.

[ElseeG 67]

Thanks!!!

[logicwand 269]

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!

[Macs1978 25]

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!!

[ElseeG 67]

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????

[logicwand 269]

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!