Self pay on the west coast

[I Made It 11]

I am hoping to find a USA doctor that will do the sleeve for about 10k all inclusive, I am a self pay and REALLY REALLY want it done, I'm so ready! Of course I want a great doctor that's highly recommended on a "beer budget". Does anyone know of a doctor they can recommend? Thanks so much!

[GreenEyedMamma 5]

I am on the west coast (California) and I paid $10,250 plus the surgeon's fee of $4,000. I found that most surgeons have package deals with local hospitals and surgery centers. If you can find a doc that will do it at a surgery center the cost is cheaper. Good luck to you and let me know if you have questions.

Dawn

[MINI-Me 196]

I was self-pay with Dr. Umbach in Las Vegas through Medical Tourism. I paid just over $10K with everything included.

[I Made It 11]

Thanks! I'm looking at dr. Umbach but am hoping I can find a doctor in so. Calif that is under 11k and then I won't have to travel. I take it mini-me you were happy with umbach? I've read a few questionable posts and some great ones.

[Billy363627 15]

I would think just my opinion not to find the cheapest doctor, but to find the doctor that is the best at what he does. You might find a doctor for the price range that you are looking for. Experence is more valuable than the few dollars that you would be saving. I would fly to get to a more experenced doc..

[cyd0000 0]

Dr. Oh in Federal Way Washington does it for $14,750.00. That is the cheapest that I have found in the state. He is one of the top ranked doctors.

I am hoping to find a USA doctor that will do the sleeve for about 10k all inclusive, I am a self pay and REALLY REALLY want it done, I'm so ready! Of course I want a great doctor that's highly recommended on a "beer budget". Does anyone know of a doctor they can recommend? Thanks so much!

[MlkPas 5]

I used Dr. Ara Keshishian in Glendale. $13,500 including everything except the pre-op labs. LOVED HIM.

[Spuddko53 0]

I am hoping to find a USA doctor that will do the sleeve for about 10k all inclusive, I am a self pay and REALLY REALLY want it done, I'm so ready! Of course I want a great doctor that's highly recommended on a "beer budget". Does anyone know of a doctor they can recommend? Thanks so much!

Hi Wendy,

I tend to agree with "notfatjustfluffy". Finding a really good and reputable Dr. is extremely important with this surgery - especially after reading some of the threads about complications due to lack of proper pre-op preparation. I've read everything about those who go through a rigid dietary/medical/therapeutic regime prior to surgery/after as well (as I did) to eating TACOS the night before (which is very dangerous due to fatty liver disease most of us have - not mention the need to "shrink" the liver beforehand to ensure safe surgery measures). Then there is a gal whose surgeon apparently went through with the surgery even though she had not followed the dietary restrictions as necessary - only to have her liver "nicked" (because it was so large due to her lack of weight loss and compliance pre-surgery) and ended up with 2 blood transfusions and other complications.

My surgery was done 3/8/11 at UCSD (Thornton Hospital) in La Jolla, California by Dr. Santiago Horgan with a CTO team that did everything under the sun to help make this a successful and uncomplicated surgery. It's a long haul, but worth the effort when we're looking at serious health issues. I know there are places here in San Diego but he's the most reputable. I'm pretty sure they also do private pay as well.

Just sayin'....be careful who you choose and make sure you understand everything that goes into this surgery.

Spudds

[MINI-Me 196]

Thanks! I'm looking at dr. Umbach but am hoping I can find a doctor in so. Calif that is under 11k and then I won't have to travel. I take it mini-me you were happy with umbach? I've read a few questionable posts and some great ones.

Oops! Somehow I missed this & didn't respond to your question. Yes - I had a great experience with Dr. Umbach. He is a definitely skilled and competent surgeon. My mother in law is an OR Nurse. She flew with me to have the surgery. I told her that at the 11th hour if she met him & didn't have a good feeling, that we would just go home. She met him, grilled him with questions & was very satisfied with his answers and experience. She really liked the webinars that he makes you go through at home - gave a lot of good information & helped to set expectations for the surgery.

If you have any questions, send me a PM & I will be glad to answer.

I agree - you don't want to just go by price. An experienced surgeon is a must. Luckily, I got both!!!!

Good luck with your search!