I haven't posted in so long but I am now at the point where I really want to get this ball rolling. I used to have Kaiser So Cal insurance and switched to Aetna PPO 1/1/09. I did this in the hopes that I could get approval through insurance but I keep getting blocked. It seems that even though I have a BMI over 40 right now that isn't good enough and they want to see a two year history of BMI >40. I have been 35+ for over two years but that isn't good enough either. I haven't even tried to go through insurance cause I don't want to get declined. I just want the damn surgery! I have been going to Overeaters Anonymous in order to deal with the emotional issues as to why I eat over everything so hopefully I will have all of my emotional ducks in a row once I get the surgery.

So, now I am in the process of finding doctors who will do patients that self pay. The doctor I wanted only does clients with self pay if they meet the criteria of getting insurance to cover but somehow get turned down. That was Dr. Martin @ Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.

I am really hoping that some of you can share some of your experiences, strengths and thoughts regarding doctors, self pay options, prices and any other advice you could possibly give me. I just need help and I feel like I keep coming up on dead ends...

I am in the Pasadena area and the surgeons that I am going to place calls to are Dr. Owen, Dr. Nazarian, Dr, Liu, Dr. Korman and Dr. Oliak. Does anyone have any other ideas? Any suggestions? Any reviews?

HELP?!?!?!?!?

I didn't have a high enough BMI either yet I knew I was unhealthy and needed the surgery. I was self-pay but DID NOT SHOP AROUND. I am very happy with my surgury but probably pay too much money. I would shop around and check the forums and ask other bandsters in your area who they recommend etc.

It was the best thing I have done in my life and I am not even halfway to my goal. However, I feel so much better. I paid cash for my surgery but I would be willing to finance it had I not had the cash!

I am self pay as well. My surgeon is Dr. Hamamji and i am getting the surgery done at Cosmeticare in Newport Beach, CA. Cost is $12,000.

Good luck on your search!

I too am in the Los Angeles area and have just scheduled my appointment with Dr. Pedro Kuri (you can Google the name) in Tijuana. $7500! I was originally working with Dr. Owens office- but they charge $10500 for their surgery in Mexico. There are a few of Dr. Kuri's patients on here (again, do a search). I'm a little aprehensive about the whole Mexico thing, but apparently Dr. Kuri does several of these every day.

I am self pay as well. My surgeon is Dr. Hamamji and i am getting the surgery done at Cosmeticare in Newport Beach, CA. Cost is $12,000.

Good luck on your search!

Do you happen to have his contact information? I would really appreciate it. Thanks!