Looking for surgeons!

meriteri · July 27, 2010

I'm getting so stressed about waiting on approval. So I wanted to get the facts about surgeons and costs. I have heard some Dr.'s in TX offering comparable prices to those in Mexico? Anyone else know about this? I'm looking for surgeons,(preferably in TX) prices, credintals everything I might need to make an informed decision. If my surgery isn't approved, then I want to know my other options.

Edited July 27, 2010 by meriteri

texashopeful · July 27, 2010

I was self pay. Went to Dr. Kim and pd less than what he told me in the beginning which was 12,300. It was 5,600 to him, 3,000 to the hospital plus Optifast shakes ($100/wk) for 2-3 weeks, pathologist, etc. But insurance paid some because I had a heital hernia, so I imagine if insurance didn't pay anything, then it would have been 12,000+. There are many ways to finance. I don't know if that compares to Mexico, but I felt safe having it done with Dr. Kim. He is located in Colleyville (north Fort Worth area).

goal160 · July 27, 2010

I'm going to Dr.Veninga on the 6th of August and he is 9995.00 right now. I could only find good things about him on the OH website,and i am ecstatic. My other choice was Mexico but when i found out there was a well qualified doctor who is FACS,A.S.B.S and all that other good stuff i knew i was staying right here in the states!

Calgarygirl · July 28, 2010

Im going to Dr.Pompa .... $9800 but Im going with a companion with a support group here so its $10900 ... someone flys with me, shows me the ropes, and supports me while Im down there and flying back into Calgary. TJ Mexico

Mary Gordon · July 28, 2010

i went with Dr.Aceves in Mexico, Mexicali . it was self pay....it was all worth it...he is a very reliable doctor and his staff is really professional. you should without a doubt check him out....his prices are very reasonable. i highly recommend him.:thumbup1:

stromgardgirl · July 28, 2010

I went to Dr Nicholson's seminar last night and would highly suggest him. He is here in Plano. He is 12,400 I believe for self pay and it covers all aftercare as well.

Donna4545 · July 28, 2010

I don't know what the prices are for self-pay, but I have had such a wonderful experience with my surgeon/hospital, that I just have to recommend them. They really know what they are doing. My surgery was a great experience, and they knew their stuff (scopolamine Patches so no nausea ever; really caring nurses who knew about sleeve surgery and the difference from RNY; even the minister who visited me unasked because they knew I was there alone with no friends/relatives). They have two nutritionists who are both great and know "all the tricks".

North Dakota might sound like a weird place to travel for surgery, but I think it would totally be worth it. I stayed in the local Radisson hotel after surgery. They have a shuttle that will bring you/pick you up from the hospital and a special hospital rate of $69/night. My Flex account reimbursed me for it. I drove myself home on Day 4, and felt great. Even the people in hotel are really nice, especially when they find out you are there for surgery. This was really important to me because I was utterly alone. The housekeeping lady was really neat and checked in on me every day I was there to make sure I was ok.

The surgeon has a zero complication rate, and the Bariatric Center has done over 1,000 surgeries.

So his name is Dr. Brandon Helbling at Mid Dakota Clinic is Bismarck, ND. They are so accommodating, I'm sure they wold work something out with self-pay people. For people who have insurance, they are part of a special pilot program with BCBS, so insurance approval is really easy.

I hope everyone finds the surgeon they need. If you do end up in North Dakota, let me know, I will support you! (Well I would support you no matter where you were, but it's easier when I can physically be there lol)

meriteri · July 29, 2010

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses. Now I know that there are other options for me out there, if I need them! I have an appt. with a Dr. on the 17th. So I will wait & see what he says... A little bit of background, trying to have my surgery at an MTF because Tricare does not cove the sleeve. But I have a nueromuscular disease that is rare and they just want to get all the info about it before they decide if they r comfortable doing my surgery. I've been ok'd my the neurologists so we'll see. Thanks again!