Can anyone help me - I am looking for reasonalbe self-pay surgery in the DFW area - costs for self-pay seem to vary alot.:tongue2:

I'm a self-pay in DFW. I'm driving to Piedras Negras, MX, which is only about 7 hours from here and will pay around 7,000.

I was a self-pay and went to Dr. Richard Benavides, he and his staff were wonderful!!! I have seen some commercials in the DFW area who are charging $11,000 to $12,000. I paid $15,000, that included pre-op, surgery center charges (which he owns the surgery center), him to perform the surgery, anesthesiologist charges, and fills every month (or when needed) for a year. He has taught most of the surgeons throughout the US, has written many books on lapband. He is known as one of the founders of the newest lapband that is out there. He was awesome...

But, I encourage you to not just go with "how much will it cost" but what kind of surgeon your are going to use. What is his/her background? How many lapband surgeries have his/her done? And then after you have done that research then look at the cost, this is my opinion only. His website is Lap-Band Weight Loss Surgery Solutions. I would call them and maybe go to a free seminar. I would suggest if any doctor you talk to have a free seminar you can attend to go. I personally am very happy with my band. I was very impressed with everyone that works with him. They are all very caring (so is he) and just really care how you are doing.

I would love to hear who you choose...the VERY best of luck to you!

:tongue2:

Thanks - I will look at his site. I have gone to free seminar in Arlington but am waffling about the surgery and the cost since I am afraid I may not lose weight since I am not confident I can adhere to all the eating guidelines _ I go back and forth probably like we all do. Thanks for the input. LEW

I used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas, Texas, and paid $9,500 for my surgery, which includes all the bloodwork/ pre-op stuff, all of the surgery (no hidden charges), and 4 free fills if you get them at the hospital. I really like Dr. Barker and his staff, but he has a VERY busy office. He also does gastric bypass and the sleeve, too.

I went to TLC Medical Edge. I paid under $10k and I get 6 months of fills free. I've already had 4 fills and my surgery was in February. The $10k included all preops costs as well surgery costs and fills. I highly recommend them. I am losing very slowly BUT I am losing. My 4th fill has been the magic bullet for me. It is the first time that I don't have to worry about eating anymore. Good luck! Private message me if you want details...

I also used TLC Edge and paid just under $10,000 and includes 6 months of fills. As I understand, they have 4 doctors to choose from. I chose Dr. Kim and love him. I was just banded 2 weeks ago, so I don't really have fill experience.

How long is the wait in Dr. Barker's office? What about in the TLC clinics?

I heard that you can be waiting for HOURS past your appointment time. Is this true???

It hasn't been for me. I think I've had to wait a couple of times but each time wasn't too long. However TLC does not do the psych exam or the preop exam. You have to go to one of their suggested drs to have that done. I didn't have to wait at either location, but that just depends on the time you go, I guess. You can get your fills at one of numerous locations around the metroplex. I get my done in Plano and I've only had to wait one time... which was pretty minimal.

:tongue2: Baylor All Saints in FW runs a special in the newspaper for Cash paying deals, also I am going to Dr Richard Carter in Arlington I understand they also have a cash paying deal with fills for 1 yr. fills are expensive huh????

bump!

How much is the deal at All Saints? And who is the surgeon?

Dallas area.

They do all the procedures! There number 972-487-2407 I spoke to Andrea with H.B.C. last time I called

Thanks - where are they located? I didn't see that in your message.

How long is the wait in Dr. Barker's office? ??

Anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours, depending on how bad they overbooked that day. They always have a good movie playing on the plasma, though, that seems to make the time go by faster.

does anyone know how good your credit has to be through care credit or one of the other finance companies

Edited June 27, 200818 yr by peacheez71

does anyone know how good your credit has to be through care credit or one of the other finance companies

I am not sure how good your credit has to be, but the payments were sure going to be expensive and depending on your credit score, they could even be higher than the amounts given on these finance companies websites.

I chose to borrow against my 401k. The payments were going to be much lower and I would basically be paying myself back and also not have the penalties as with early withdrawal. Although weight loss programs aren't tax deductible, surgery is because it is for the treatment of a disease--obesity. Found that bit of info on the IRS website.

Oh, by the way, I am also using TLCEdge as mentioned in earlier posts. The current cost is $11,990 which includes 6 months of aftercare and fills. Psych exam not done there but they do have someone available for $250.00 if you can't get one using your private insurance. Also if you are required to get a sleep study or upper gi, that will also have to be done through your private physician. The people there are very nice and some of them have also been banded with awesome results.

Good luck with your journey. I will be banded on Monday (6/30).

Sincerely,

Stephanie

Edited June 27, 200818 yr by smarquezrn