Tomato Junkie Sara

Going out of the country was out of the question for me. I wanted to be near the surgeon who did it in case of complications, and in a third world country you have no recourse if something goes wrong. It just wasn't worth the risk to me.

I am self pay also-23K and 9 days out from RNY. No regrets, this is an investment in my health and my life. Most people wouldn't think twice about spending that on a car.

My surgeon won't do surgery on anyone that smokes. What kind of work do you do? Do you have any sick leave? I'm using accrued sick leave and I sure didn't ask my boss if it was okay...that's my personal decision.

I'm on pre op, but I discovered a great way to eat the plain yogurt. I buy the triple berry frozen blend, thaw it, stir some into the yogurt with some sweetener, yummy!! Tastes like a rich dessert.

I'd call your doctor and report all of these things. They are the best ones to advise you.

I'm on day 5 of my pre op. My doc doesn't require liquids, just a 1400 calorie diet. What I'm doing now is trying to transition to how I will eat after surgery, making protein the priority. The first two days were rough, much better now.

Would you mind saying why? Thanks.

I'm still new to the group, and I'm having my RNY surgery November 1 at Barnes St. Louis by Dr. Christopher Eagon.

I don't know yet. I am self pay and I will learn more when I see the NP in about 10 days. If they truly charge that much for self pay, probably not. I'm glad to hear you're doing well!

Last night I attended the seminar by Dr. Eagon of Washington University. I learned two important things: one, he quotes the same price for 3 different surgeries: lap band, sleeve, and bypass, 23K!!! Also, I probably need bypass instead of the sleeve because of my GERD, Anyone know anything about other surgeons in St. Louis and what they charge?

I am. I went to the seminar by Dr. Eagon from Wash U last night, shocked by the 23K price, anyone else know anything about cost in St. Louis? I'm going to shop around and see what I find.

Hi there, Have you had your surgery yet? I went to the seminar last night and was shocked at the 23K price tag.

I just want to say that although I haven't had the surgery yet, I have watched videos of the procedure. Your stomach has had a major trauma, it only makes sense that it will take time to heal. I, for one, plan to do exactly what my surgeon tells me to do. This has been hard enough to get to this point, I don't want to sabotage my chances.

Hi Melissa, Welcome to the board. Good luck financing your surgery, I'm in that position too.

The OP just joined today.....

I'm not really pleased with how the program at Wash U is starting out, in that you apply, then wait 2 weeks for a reply on whether you get an invite to a seminar. I called them and pushed the issue today, told them I don't want to waste 2 weeks waiting if the answer is no. She said my invite went out today, yay! I don't know when the seminar is, but when I do learn the price, I'll post it. I've heard that some docs discount for self pay.

Hello, I'm in the preliminary stage of planning, and I'm being told my insurance may not pay. If I end up having to pay, does anyone have any info on the average cost in the St. Louis area? I'm looking at the Wash U option right now, but it's not set in stone. Thanks!