I have a borderline BMI OF 34.5 and struggled to find a surgeon who would perform a Gastric sleeve. I live in MA but the only one who would perform this is Dr Oliak in CA? Just wondering if anyone has had surgery with him ? Good or bad?

Are you saying you cannot find a surgeon closer than CA who will do the surgery through even if you self-pay? I had a BMI of 34.3 when I had VSG surgery. There was no problem finding a surgeon, but I had to pay for it myself.

Hello. Thanks for responding. Yes, I’ve tried multiple hospitals in MA, NY and Then Florida who all told me I was not qualified because my BMI was below 35. The only place I could find that would do it was Oliak Center in CA. if you don’t mind me asking, where did you have it done? I’d greatly appreciate it.

Due to my lower BMI, I was not qualified to have my insurance cover the surgery. I went to Cleveland Clinic to have mine done. It was quite expensive ($26,000), and I could have paid far less if I had chosen another place, for example, JourneyLite in Cincinnati (about $14,000). I went to Cleveland Clinic because they had replaced a heart valve a few years ago and I felt comfortable there.

Thank you. I am self pay too and every facility/ hospital I called I let them know that but still zero luck. I will check out Journeylite as well!! I hope you are doing well and are pleased with with the results ?

LMac67, I am thrilled with the results. I have about 10 or so more pounds I would like to lose. At this point, my weight loss is REALLY slow - 1 or 2 lbs./month, but I'm just sticking with the program and letting it work for me. I feel fortunate that I am not struggling with anything, and had a pretty easy time of it right from the start! Good luck, and keep us up to date on your progress finding a surgery center!