I was turned down by my insurance company 8 years ago for gastric surgery. I am now in a position to do self pay. My BMI is 43.3 with no co-morbidity problems. I have been on diets in the past, but do not have professional documentation. I have been hoping for this for years. Could you please tell me the best place to go for self pay. I live in virginia. Thanks so much in advance.

I think if you're self pay all that mess about co-morbidities etc doesn't matter. You might start just by calling some bariatric surgeons near your home/city. I know there is a surgeon in Colorado, for example, who does surgeries fairly "cheap" (if you call 9k - 10K cheap LOL) but ideally you want one near you who can give you support, fills, medical attention, etc.

I love my doctor but being in South Central Texas, I am sure you can find one equally marvelous close to your home!

You might want to check the "doctors and hospitals" forum...while waiting for answers here...and also the "staying local" forum (not sure of the exact name but you'll recognize it)

Just click on the forum tab and then scroll through, if you want to locate those areas.

Good luck! I LOVE my band and hope you find a physician you trust and find your band as wonderful as I do mine!

Hi:

You might want to try to get insurance to cover it again if you have insurance. Companies make lots of changes to policies and yours (if you have it) may have changed.

Either way, you might want to look at the local forum tab for Virginia and see which doctors people there are recommending. You will need to see your surgeon/or his group alot the first year, and probably a couple of times each year thereafter. You may want to make sure you pick one that has a support group. I get alot out of attending support group meetings for fellow bandsters.

Best wishes to you.

Sue

Where are you in Virginia?

i live in roanoke va. I've checked with my insurance and I don't qualify so self pay is the only way for.

Oh, too far away from my doctor...I'm sure you'll find a good one a little closer to home. Good Luck!