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Post by Band to DS on Jan 15, 2012 12:31:35 GMT -5
Can those of you who were self-pay post a brief summary of your experience, please? I haven't seen a lot of info on this topic here yet. If my appeals aren't successful, I need a Plan B.
Thanks for your help, Shelli
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Post by teachmid on Jan 15, 2012 13:16:53 GMT -5
I was self pay for my revision from RNY to DS. Advantages: no insurance hoops to jump through and quick scheduling (6 weeks from my initial contact with the office to surgery). Disadvantage: cost. Note: I would do it again in a heartbeat.
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Post by vangy04 on Jan 15, 2012 13:30:07 GMT -5
I was self pay for my revision from RNY to DS. Advantages: no insurance hoops to jump through and quick scheduling (6 weeks from my initial contact with the office to surgery). Disadvantage: cost. Note: I would do it again in a heartbeat. I self paid, but it was out of country (Brazil) so I'm not sure that's what you're interested in.
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Post by lauralisi on Jan 15, 2012 13:43:03 GMT -5
I was a self-pay from Failed RNY and Failed Stomaphyx to a DS. Went to Dr. Marchesini in Brazil. Surgery went flawlessly. Recovery easy. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2012 13:47:54 GMT -5
Can those of you who were self-pay post a brief summary of your experience, please? I haven't seen a lot of info on this topic here yet. If my appeals aren't successful, I need a Plan B. Thanks for your help, Shelli What would you like to know? I probably don't have much of use to contribute, since my surgeon is *sniffle* no longer practicing and I was fortunate to have a lump of cash on hand from an inheritance. I paid just under $20K.
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Post by karenflorida on Jan 15, 2012 14:59:33 GMT -5
I was self-pay with Dr Michel Gagner in Montreal, Canada. The cost was $18,500 for virgin lap DS. This included 2nights/3days in the hospital, plus nursing, anesthesia, etc. Additional nights would have been $1500 if needed. Postop medications (after leaving the hospital) were about $250. Other expenses were passport, flights, hotel, meals for my mom who traveled with me, and rental car (could have used cabs for around the same amount or a little less). Montreal is a great city, but is more expensive during the summer, which is when I went. It's brutally cold in the winter, but probably much cheaper.
I had a great experience and an easy recovery. I was very happy. I was touring all around Montreal postop. I highly recommend Dr Gagner for virgin DS. For him they are easy and not a big deal. Lately, though, for revisions from another WLS, he has been doing a lot of them in 2 surgeries instead of 1, and for a self-pay patient this is not a happy thing.
Karen
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Post by fullhousemom on Jan 15, 2012 17:32:53 GMT -5
For those who self-paid, were your labs covered after surgery? I had my 3 month labs last week. Our insurance did not cover any bariatric surgery. I am afraid my labs might therefore get denied.
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Post by vangy04 on Jan 15, 2012 22:05:05 GMT -5
For those who self-paid, were your labs covered after surgery? I had my 3 month labs last week. Our insurance did not cover any bariatric surgery. I am afraid my labs might therefore get denied. I just make sure to tell my doctors not to flag anything they order as bariatric since the insurance won't pay for it. With the thought of not being paid for their services in mind, the doctor never flags anything and I've had no problems thus far.
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Post by Band to DS on Jan 16, 2012 0:29:14 GMT -5
Thanks for all the replies. To answer EN's question, I'm wondering which MDs accept self-pay patients, how much a DS costs (although I'm a lap band revision), how people financed their surgery, etc. I never paid much attention to these posts on the other site because I thought my insurance company would be sensible. I still have hope for my external review, but it would be good to have a Plan B.
Thanks again, Shelli
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Post by Band to DS on Jan 16, 2012 0:32:06 GMT -5
Oh, and didn't Diana post contact information for a reputable, but unnamed, surgeon who was offering a special deal for self-pay patients? Does anyone remember that?
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Post by Fade2Pink on Jan 16, 2012 1:03:07 GMT -5
I was self pay. I did not have to do any of the pre-op testing that other insurance covered patients must go through.
Payment, expensive. A few surprises, one was that I had to pay for the biopsy of my removed stomach, gall bladder and appendix (they routinely test these things upon removal), it was not a cost that I had planned. It wasn't huge, but I hadn't counted on it.
My first 6th month labs were not covered, and I had to pay $400. I know more now about asking my PCP to not code anything as WLS or malabsorption related. The majority of my labs are ones done for annual visit.
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Post by vangy04 on Jan 16, 2012 1:19:47 GMT -5
Oh, and didn't Diana post contact information for a reputable, but unnamed, surgeon who was offering a special deal for self-pay patients? Does anyone remember that? Wasn't it a Dr. Stewart? That's what I remember, but I could be wrong. Your costs are going to be different because you're a revision. I'm pretty sure any surgeon will accept self-pay. They don't care where the money comes from, as long as you pay. I paid for my surgery (just under $20k, including two round-trip plane tickets, 3 weeks in a hotel, all pre-op testing, the surgery, anesthesia, 4 days in the hospital, a private nurse who came to my hotel room, post-op pain meds and other random materials needed for my drains, food, and touristy stuff) with the money we received from my dad's life insurance. He died in December of 2009; I had my surgery in September 2010. Since his death was ultimately the reason I decided to have surgery -- massive heart attack at age 50 -- I thought it was apropos. I think what you should be concerned about in your case is finding a surgeon who is skilled with the type of revision you need.
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Post by goodkel on Jan 16, 2012 4:01:39 GMT -5
Oh, and didn't Diana post contact information for a reputable, but unnamed, surgeon who was offering a special deal for self-pay patients? Does anyone remember that? You could ask her, but I believe that that was a time-limited offer as part of a study he was doing. It was a CA surgeon, not Dr. Stewart.
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Post by goodkel on Jan 16, 2012 4:07:32 GMT -5
I went to Dr. Ungson in MX. I believe he charges $14k now for a virgin, open DS. I paid $12k. All told including RT first class airfare from VA, hotel, rx meds I was discharged with, it cost me about $15k.
I paid with funds from a trust I had inherited.
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INsupport
Full Member
Hi everybody!
Posts: 136
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Post by INsupport on Jan 16, 2012 8:43:52 GMT -5
Raided savings for my wifes self-pay VSG. Went to Aceves in Mexicali. It was a good experience all in all.
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Post by vangy04 on Jan 16, 2012 9:41:33 GMT -5
Oh, and didn't Diana post contact information for a reputable, but unnamed, surgeon who was offering a special deal for self-pay patients? Does anyone remember that? You could ask her, but I believe that that was a time-limited offer as part of a study he was doing. It was a CA surgeon, not Dr. Stewart. Thanks. It must have been someone else that mentioned Dr. Stewart. You're right, though, I shouldn't have thrown that in there without being sure.
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Post by dentongirl on Jan 16, 2012 12:09:04 GMT -5
I was self pay for virgin lap DS w Dr Stewart two weeks ago. Very easy and all was covered in the price. It is $22500 for the procedure plus $3k if they remove your gall bladder.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2012 16:34:35 GMT -5
For those who self-paid, were your labs covered after surgery? I had my 3 month labs last week. Our insurance did not cover any bariatric surgery. I am afraid my labs might therefore get denied. I've never had a moment's trouble getting things covered. We never use any codes related to surgically induced malabsorption or intestinal malabsorption.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2012 16:35:44 GMT -5
Oh, and didn't Diana post contact information for a reputable, but unnamed, surgeon who was offering a special deal for self-pay patients? Does anyone remember that? I don't know the contact info, but I'm sure she'll be happy to give it to you. It was still an option as of a few weeks ago.
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formerlyfluffy
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Join me on my journey to become.........Formerly Fluffy!
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Post by formerlyfluffy on Jan 16, 2012 16:42:49 GMT -5
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Jody
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Post by Jody on Jan 16, 2012 19:47:26 GMT -5
I'd be interested in what the costs are for self-pay from RNY to DS...
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rklc2002
New Member
Open DS with Dr. Anthone - October 14, 2011
Posts: 40
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Oct 14, 2011
Surgeon: Dr. Anthone
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Post by rklc2002 on Jan 16, 2012 20:45:15 GMT -5
I did self pay. I was very nervous about it because I was afraid that I would have a complication. But, I got through everything complication free. And, I have absolutely no regrets. I would do it again. I am only 3 months out, but I have had no bad issues at all. I'm down 58 pounds so far. : )
As other DSers posted when I was debating on it myself, it's an investment in your health and future.
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Post by bb212 on Jan 16, 2012 21:31:53 GMT -5
I had an insurance exclusion for all WLS even in cases of medical necessity. However, my insurance DID cover complications from WLS provided it was performed in the United States. I decided that I'd rather pay a bit more to have my surgery in the states so I wouldn't have an insurance coverage nightmare in case something went wrong on the operating table.
I was quoted $75,000-$100,000 for self-pay DS in NYC at Mt. Sinai. I was shocked and suspicious because other reputable DS surgeons (with just as much experience) were charging less than HALF of that in other areas of the country. Sadly the cost of everything in NYC is inflated because the cost of doing business is more expensive here; but to charge triple (or more) than other doctors made it seem like a fleecing operation more than a WLS center. My options were to be financially raped in NYC, or travel.
After extensive homework I picked Dr. Stewart in Denton TX. He charged $22,500 for a virgin lap DS and 3 days of hospital stay. I received better medical care with Dr. Stewart and the Forest Park Medical Center than ANY other place I've ever been to in NYC. Dr. Stewart's reputation is well-earned, and he cares a great deal about proper aftercare (nutrition and vites). I arrived a few days before the pre-op appointment, but stayed in town 7 days after surgery. The day before I flew home Dr. Stewart cleared me for travel and removed my drain. Nutrition classes with his staff are NOT optional pre-op or post-op! So far I've had no complications, my labs are in the green and I've lost 121lbs a little over a year out.
My PCP's (who didn't know much about the DS but were supportive of the decision) are in awe with how well it worked and how great my health is. I wouldn't be shocked if they're recommending the DS to their other SMO patients who are having trouble losing weight.
I wouldn't do anything differently. Even though traveling from NYC to Denton TX was a little far, it was worth it.
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Post by Band to DS on Jan 16, 2012 22:19:29 GMT -5
Thanks, everyone!
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Raven
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Post by Raven on Jan 16, 2012 22:27:30 GMT -5
Opted for R. Weiner in Frankfurt Germany for Lap DS. Cost was 14,000 euros (17,700US today) covered labs at the hospital, endoscopy pre op, surgery and 10 days care in private room in hospital.
Other expenses were first class tickets for which I used frequent flyer miles and an additional 4 days in hotel in Frankfurt and food for those days.
My pre-op and post op labs have all been covered thru my insurance. My doc requested them pre-op as part of a yearly physical and afterwards due to malabsorption.
Perks of self paying - no jumping thru hoops, quick scheduling, no need for psych consults or pre-op nutrional counseling, choosing any surgeon.
It is a major expense but it is the best money I have spent.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2012 22:38:17 GMT -5
Thanks for all the replies. To answer EN's question, I'm wondering which MDs accept self-pay patients, how much a DS costs (although I'm a lap band revision), how people financed their surgery, etc. I never paid much attention to these posts on the other site because I thought my insurance company would be sensible. I still have hope for my external review, but it would be good to have a Plan B. Thanks again, Shelli Dr. Greenbaum, Dr. Kemmeter, Dr. Stewart come to mind as US surgeons who are reported to have decent prices. Dr. Simper is more expensive but has a clear price schedule set out. Dr. Rabkin can be had for cash but it is a bloody fortune. Dr. Keshishian is less of a fortune, but definitely THE cash option for RNY to DS revision. (Though RNY to DS revisions might talk to Dr. Greenbaum as well--btw he just did a full fledged revision, um I want to say Friday, within the past couple days at any rate.) I believe Dr. Anthone has a cash program as well.
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Post by Band to DS on Jan 16, 2012 22:43:26 GMT -5
Thank you, thank you! Is there any way we can add this info to the surgeon's section so it doesn't get lost? I think it would help lots of people.
Shelli
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2012 23:02:15 GMT -5
Opted for R. Weiner in Frankfurt Germany for Lap DS. Cost was 14,000 euros (17,700US today) covered labs at the hospital, endoscopy pre op, surgery and 10 days care in private room in hospital. Other expenses were first class tickets for which I used frequent flyer miles and an additional 4 days in hotel in Frankfurt and food for those days. My pre-op and post op labs have all been covered thru my insurance. My doc requested them pre-op as part of a yearly physical and afterwards due to malabsorption. Perks of self paying - no jumping thru hoops, quick scheduling, no need for psych consults or pre-op nutrional counseling, choosing any surgeon. It is a major expense but it is the best money I have spent. Threadjack: Did you get to do any touring around in Frankfurt while you were there? Sachsenhausen is marvelous (that is not the Sachsenhausen that had a concentration camp, in case anyone recognizes the name), and the Roman stuff is fascinating.
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Post by Dudette on Jan 16, 2012 23:43:03 GMT -5
Joining the party late...
I was self-pay for a virgin lap DS 3.5 months ago with Dr. Aceves (assisted by Dr. Ungson) in Mexicali, BC, Mexico.
Cost was $13,000. I mailed a $500 deposit two weeks prior to surgery and paid the balance via Cashier's Check upon arrival at the hospital. The cost included 6 nights in the hospital (very nice private room). The first night was pre-op, the other 5 nights were post-op. The price was all-inclusive (blood tests, EKG, barium swallow test, etc.). The only thing not included were the prescription meds I elected to bring home such as Nexium, a small box of pain pills (which I ended up not needing) and some antibiotics.
The other logistics included filling out a bunch of medical history forms and emailing them back to the surgeon. No psych test was needed. There was also no strict requirement to lose weight before the surgery... although I put *myself* on a diet and exercise regime pre-op and I followed the surgeon's required 5 day liquid diet.
Scheduling is much easier and quicker when you are paying cash and not dealing with insurance. It was a mere three weeks between the time I gave them the green light and the date of my surgery.
Overall, great experience. No unpleasant surprises, complications or unforeseen costs. However, I did have a "slush fund" of sorts available... just in case.
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Post by jmckel1 on Jan 17, 2012 12:14:05 GMT -5
I am a self-pay lap-band to DS revision. I had surgery with Dr. Gagner in Montreal in December, but it will be done in two parts. I went in hoping for the full revision to DS, but he was only able to get as far as the sleeve. I paid $20,000 CDN for the surgery. That was the quoted price for the complete revision to DS, so I will be getting a refund (perhaps $2500). The revision from sleeve to DS will be an additional $15,000 (including discount). Am hoping that money will drop from the sky.
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