Hi, I live in the Tampa Bay Area and I’m looking into getting the gastric sleeve, but there are SO MANY options of doctors out there. Also, I will be self pay. While the price isn’t and shouldn’t be the main factor, it is one since my insurance has a specific exclusion. I’ve looked up reviews online but it’s hard to tell what’s real and fake, and some aren’t even about weight loss surgery, and none mention self pay. I was hoping I could come to real people with real experiences. I also don’t want to waste a bunch of doctors times. I’ve heard really good things about Bay Surgical Specialists, and am set to go to a upcoming seminar with Dr. Kevin Huguet. Any and all advise and experiences would help! Thank you.

I’m in Boca Raton and some people in this area speak highly of Dr. Shillingford. He didn’t work out for me but they offer a flat rate all inclusive package that covers everything for gastric sleeve at $10,500.

I had a hard time with my insurance due to not meeting their comorbidities even though I have plenty of medical problems. I have metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, bone and joint problems, I couldn’t prove my sleep apnea, (the list is long)

I fought my weight gain so hard but In the end I ended up qualifying based on BMI, though no one ever told me exactly what qualified me. After a long fight they finally did.

What made things work better was when an endocrinologist referred me to Cleveland Clinic, and I already had record of my weight loss efforts with her and my general practitioner for months. The endocrinologist and surgeon wrote letters for my insurance as well. I was referred to Cleveland clinic because the process is not as complicated. It’s hard for me to travel but I don’t think it would have happened without my dr at Cleveland Clinic.

BariatricPal actually has a surgery center in Mexico if you can travel. Compared to Dr. Shillingford, sleeve is $4,900 flat rate all inclusive in a highly rated facility. If I could possibly even consider it at some point, I would go there for dealing with excess skin. It looks like an excellent hospital that’s an affordable option for self pay.

https://bariatricpalhospitalmx.com/weight-loss-surgeries/

Hi, I live in the Tampa Bay Area and I’m looking into getting the gastric sleeve, but there are SO MANY options of doctors out there. Also, I will be self pay. While the price isn’t and shouldn’t be the main factor, it is one since my insurance has a specific exclusion. I’ve looked up reviews online but it’s hard to tell what’s real and fake, and some aren’t even about weight loss surgery, and none mention self pay. I was hoping I could come to real people with real experiences. I also don’t want to waste a bunch of doctors times. I’ve heard really good things about Bay Surgical Specialists, and am set to go to a upcoming seminar with Dr. Kevin Huguet. Any and all advise and experiences would help! Thank you.

Hello, i live in Dunedin and i used Dr. Small. I love him and his staff, they work along with you,to help you prepare for surgery and help you after to make sure you get the best results from your new tool. I'm so happy i went with Dr. Small. Good lick to you and your new journey!

Hi, I live in the Tampa Bay Area and I’m looking into getting the gastric sleeve, but there are SO MANY options of doctors out there. Also, I will be self pay. While the price isn’t and shouldn’t be the main factor, it is one since my insurance has a specific exclusion. I’ve looked up reviews online but it’s hard to tell what’s real and fake, and some aren’t even about weight loss surgery, and none mention self pay. I was hoping I could come to real people with real experiences. I also don’t want to waste a bunch of doctors times. I’ve heard really good things about Bay Surgical Specialists, and am set to go to a upcoming seminar with Dr. Kevin Huguet. Any and all advise and experiences would help! Thank you.

Hi, I live in the Tampabay area. Dr. Keyur Chavda at Surgical Associates performed my surgery. I was sleeved on 7/31/19. Dr. C and his staff our wonderful!!

5'4"
Starting weight 297
VSG on 7/31/19
Surgery wt: 266
CW 238
GW 135

Dr. Keyur Chavda is an excellent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon. He is skilled in Robotic and Laparoscopic surgery. He is very compassionate and caring and his stats speak for themselves. He is very skilled and takes his time. He has been in practice for 23 years and has been at Brandon Regional Hospital for 12 years, he holds the Master Surgeon Certification with SRC and is a Comprehensive Verified Surgeon with MBSAQIP.

Always ask specific and stats when researching your surgeons.

Cases performed, death rate, leak rate, all the quality indicators is essential when researching Surgeons

Dr. Keyur Chavda is an excellent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon. He is skilled in Robotic and Laparoscopic surgery. He is very compassionate and caring and his stats speak for themselves. He is very skilled and takes his time. He has been in practice for 23 years and has been at Brandon Regional Hospital for 12 years, he holds the Master Surgeon Certification with SRC and is a Comprehensive Verified Surgeon with MBSAQIP.
Always ask specific and stats when researching your surgeons.
Cases performed, death rate, leak rate, all the quality indicators is essential when researching Surgeons

I agree 100% with you. Dr. Chavda was my surgeon and he is amazing!!

5'4"
Starting weight 297
VSG on 7/31/19
Surgery wt: 266
CW 231
GW 135

Check out Dr. Fridley in Hudson, FL. Just north of tampa. Excellent surgeon and great office staff. Great self pay pricing structured so you can discuss realistic monthly payments for you.