123crod 170 Posted January 11, 2011 Oh my gosh my surgeon has dropped his price $3000 in the 18 months since I had my surgery. He is a highly respected and experienced surgeon. I was self pay and $3000 is a lot of money to me. I paid $13,000, he is now charging $10,000. If you had known when you had your surgery that the price would drop so much would you have waited a year or year and a half? I might have but not sure. What about you? Cheri Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Melissannde 41 Posted January 11, 2011 Considering how obese I was and that the obesity had already contributed to cancer for me.. no, I don't think so. In fact my only regret so far has been that I didn't do this SOONER. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beergut 2 Posted January 11, 2011 With the stigma of WLS slowly dissipating, I think you'll see that more and more doctor's will lower their fees. Especially because you have a lot newer surgeon's getting into the WLS arena. With the obesity epidemic getting more and more attention, it's inevitable that more and more medical students will be getting into the bariatric fields. When I had my surgery, there were at least 4 "residents" observing my surgery. More surgeons means more competition, which in turns means better pricing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LapBandBobbi 8 Posted January 11, 2011 I agree with Beergut. But, to answer your question, no I would not have waited. You are feeling better and getting healthier and that's what is most important. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Southern Leo 0 Posted January 11, 2011 If I was in that situation I don't think I would wait. Once I decide on something it's hard for me to think about anything else!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FLORIDAYS 3,040 Posted January 11, 2011 I am newly banded. The Dr / hospital was running a special if you had the surgery done by the end of 2010 so I paid 5k down and $208 per month (no interest) for the next 2 years which comes out to 10k. By the time I am finished losing and paying I am sure it will be cheaper but thats life. When I bought my first VCR it was $400... now its extinct, my first digital camera was over $200... now its $89.....the list goes on and on. But I have no regrets just as I will not have any ill feelings if the price drops for the surgery. I made my decision, considered the cost vs the cost of my life and decided it was well worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
honk 780 Posted January 11, 2011 No, I would'nt have waited. I'd already had a stroke at 39, doctors could not definitively say it was because of my weight but they could'nt rule it out either. I get a bit obsessive about things and once I make my mind up I have to go forward. In regards to doctors going into bariactrics: I had a resident come to one of my preop appointments and there were four that came to talk with me the day after before I was discharged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kalipso2 25 Posted January 11, 2011 no, i don't think i would have waited either. personally, i think i got a good deal to begin with. my surgery cost $12,900 with 2 years of free fills under flouroscopy. if i had wanted cheaper (at that time) i would have gone to mexico. what it came down to is i wanted my surgeon (who i trusted) and i didn't want to wait! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Humming Bird 275 Posted January 12, 2011 No, I would not have waited. I paid $9,950 and almost have it paid off now. In a year or 1 1/2 years I would have only prolonged my obesity and been that much older. I wish I would have done it sooner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pamalamadingdong 0 Posted January 12, 2011 Oh my gosh my surgeon has dropped his price $3000 in the 18 months since I had my surgery. He is a highly respected and experienced surgeon. I was self pay and $3000 is a lot of money to me. I paid $13,000, he is now charging $10,000. If you had known when you had your surgery that the price would drop so much would you have waited a year or year and a half? I might have but not sure. What about you? Cheri 10k? I just got the hospital bill and it was just shy of $22k? Thankfully I only have to pay $250 of that. That said no I wouldn't have waited, just think if you waited 3 years you would JUST be started on this journey, like I am, I'm kicking myself for not doing this 3 years ago when I first considered it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nicole74 4 Posted January 12, 2011 I paid 14grnd for my surgery in August......I will be paying that loan off for the nex 4 yrs but I can honestly say I dont think I would of waited for a 3grnd differnce, maybe 6 or 8grand but not 3. I was so anxious to get this done once I started the process that come hell or high Water I was getting it done!!...I was selfpay and it still took me 6 months to have the surgery from the time I started the process. I got one though for you...the insurance my husband had in 2010 didnt cover it at all not a penny....In november we found out his insurance was changing to Aetna...so to torture myself I called them last month and found out they would cover half the surgery under the his employee's plan!! talk about ticked off!..lol...so not sure which scenario is worse!! either way nothing can be done about it and I have no regrets! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123crod 170 Posted January 12, 2011 Wow that really hurts! I do not think I would have waited either, but just wonder what others thought. I would not want to be just starting out again.That always happens to me when we can finally afford it and do it a couple of months later the price drops Cheri Share this post Link to post Share on other sites