Hello all!

Considering gastric sleeve.

Curious to know about any “self pay” experiences, avg cost, was it what you expected? Did the doc/staff/financial people communicate well?

Also- does everyone have to do a sleep study, pre procedure items, or are some of those waived in certain instances.

I have been in counseling, on a VLCD for 5 yrs without success, and age 30, considered “low BMI”surgical candidate. I wouldn’t think I would need a psych evaluation and a sleep study. Want to save $$$.

Any thoughts???

Sorry for any typos! I am on my iPhone

I am in Los Angeles and part covered by insurance and I have $3750 out of pocket. Sleep study was with a little machine they sent home with me for one night.. so I can't see that being much.. endoscopy was $700 out of pocket.. but Hernia repair as well during my upcoming surgery..just had my last call with nutritionist to go over pre and post diet plans. Its getting so real!

I wouldn’t pay triple the price to have it done in US. Seriously research Tijuana and the doctors there. Everyone I personally know that has VSG has went to Doctor Ponce. Im scheduled for August 31st. Cant wait!

On ‎7‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 7:58 PM, okayestmom said:

Self pay- Texas Bariatric Specialists - Dr. Reddy

Surgery $8,999 and they repaired my hernia as well, no extra charge!

sleep study $375

Psych Eval $199

EKG $67

Chest X Ray $133.77

Swallow Study $250

Nutrition $50

The rest was meds and labs

Yes, other than labs everyone can see now how much insurance jacks up the prices!

total $12,900

Hey, I'm also going through Dr Patel...Pending Insurance .. will know something any day now. How was your experience PreOp /Surgery/Postop?! Thanks

Very positive experience. I have had some health issues after, but I am 47 and post menopause from hysterectomy . My thyroid function went back and forth for a bit. I never had an issue drinking or getting enough protein. I did not lose as much as most people in the first 6 months. My exercise started getting worse and I was losing muscle. Things are looking up now though. Thyroid function is in the normal range and I started losing again. Back at the gym, but super sore. Started surgery at 209. Stayed at 180-185 for over 2 months. Now at 175. Waist went from 48 to 38. The only negative thing I can say is the binder with the nutrition info has things in there on the approved list that the surgeon does not want me to eat. Like nuts and cheese. The nutritionist also does not provide a calorie guideline because it is a “life style change”. The group meeting we were in post surgery was filled with people that could not get enough protein or water, so they probably didn’t need a guide. I guess I was just hoping for more specific guidance.

I went to Mexico (Tiajuana) and I have no regrets. My surgery was $4200. My insurance would have covered the surgery in the US, but I didn’t want to go through all those months of appointments. I am down 65 pounds since my pre-op started in late September.

On ‎7‎/‎27‎/‎2018 at 8:22 AM, GassyGurl said:

I had mine done in ft Lauderdale FL for $9000 (was a special). There are several drs who are under around 11k . Bariatrix Fl is who I used. My insurance covered all preop testing. EKG, bloodwork, psych eval. I travelled on Thursday, had surgery Friday. paid for 2 nights in the hospital, however only stayed 1. Follow up in office Monday, then traveled home. Dr shillingford is another surgeon in the area that has a good self pay rate.

I had Dr Shillingford for 10500. Included pre op testing, consult, 2 nights in hospital, anesthesiologist and all that good stuff and a year worth of follow up Appts.. tho after the first one I will consult by phone.. Nothing extra needed, no studies or evaluations.. He did an amazing job, the ladies in the office are amazing, and the hospital staff are awesome as well.

9 hours ago, okayestmom said:

Very positive experience. I have had some health issues after, but I am 47 and post menopause from hysterectomy . My thyroid function went back and forth for a bit. I never had an issue drinking or getting enough Protein. I did not lose as much as most people in the first 6 months. My exercise started getting worse and I was losing muscle. Things are looking up now though. Thyroid function is in the normal range and I started losing again. Back at the gym, but super sore. Started surgery at 209. Stayed at 180-185 for over 2 months. Now at 175. Waist went from 48 to 38. The only negative thing I can say is the binder with the nutrition info has things in there on the approved list that the surgeon does not want me to eat. Like nuts and cheese. The nutritionist also does not provide a calorie guideline because it is a “life style change”. The group meeting we were in post surgery was filled with people that could not get enough protein or Water, so they probably didn’t need a guide. I guess I was just hoping for more specific guidance.

Oh ok Thank... Did you do your surgery at the Southwest General Hospital?

Also, Were you told you HAD to buy their Bariatric Advantage Kit at the Pre-Op Class?!

Asking because I have preop tomrrw and was told that I Have* to buy the Bariatric Advantage Kit *($300) at the class or they will cancel/Reschedule surgery.... ?

(I really dont have the extra funds due to the holidays) Ive seen a few ppl that have been through them, but they said they weren't forced to buy it....just asking!

Did they give you a Binder for stomach, or do I need to buy one before?! Thanks!

I did have to buy their kit. They did give me a binder for my stomach. My surgery was at their same day surgery outpatient clinic in San Antonio. Nicest most attentive nursing staff I have ever encountered.

I had my VSG done by Dr. Jaime Ponce in Chattanooga for $12,000 plus a $250 consultation fee. This covered all the pre-op testing, etc. I had a one night stay in the hospital and all post-op visits are covered. All in all a great experience with almost no issues other than getting oral thrush and constipation from the iron supplements. I highly recommend his practice as the staff is extremely efficient and the hospital (CHI Memorial) was awesome.

Hungergames, what doctor did your surgery and where was he located.