Self-Pay in the USA

[GettingSleeved 1]

Hello All!

I am looking to find a surgeon in the US who has affordable self-pay packages for the gastric sleeve, I am not opposed to going to Mexico however at this time it is not an option for me. Here is a little background on me, I am 21 and weigh 265 stand 5'8, as a college student affordability plays a huge factor in where I get my surgery. I am willing to travel anywhere in the U.S as long as the doctor is reputable. Since this is such a large community I was hoping someone who went through a similar journey can push me in the direction of a doctor they have either been to, or heard of.

Thank you so much!

[AvaFern 3,516]

As a point of reference, I had my surgery at Baptist Downtown in Jacksonville, FL. They offer a financing program depending upon your credit for partial payment and the remainder is paid in cash or credit. My total fee for the procedure was 20K, which given they bill almost twice that to someone who has insurance, seemed like a somewhat fair price for a very reputable (if a total jerk) surgeon at an established hospital. I had zero complications and while I really disliked my surgeon, he did a perfect job, so I have no significant complaints. I'm 21 months post-op and have been maintaining below goal for a little over 2 months.

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

I had mine done in Spokane, Washington, for about 16K. This includes one year of follow-ups, with both dietician and nurse practioner. It is with Rockwood Bariatrics, and I think they did an ok job, and there is a support group that meets once a month at the hospital. The thing to remember is the follow-up program. There was (and forgive my weak memory) a 3 week follow-up, a 5 or 6 week, a 3 month, a 5 month, and then there will be a 12 month follow-up, with the nurse practioner. You meet, if I remember correctly, 3 times with the dietician. Lab work will need to be done for all follow-ups with the nurse. You see the surgeon once before the surge, for the surgery, immediately after the surgery, then right before check-out of the hospital, and that is it, if all goes well. I had a hernia repair done during my surgery, which was a surprise, and they charged that to my insurance. It ran about 4.5K. All-in-all, I'd rate them about a c-, mostly for the nurse practioner not having her act together, always making me go after the lab work findings, being late about getting information to me...The surgery went great, and has done what I expected it to, and the dietician is great, but who I see most is the nurse practioner. She is the reason for the overall lower score. Good luck to YOU!

[skinnytiff 49]

Hi, I used Dr David Kim in Colleyville, TX. He also has a office in Frisco. Not sure where you are located. He did my inverted sleeve 3 years ago and he is a great doctor. His staff has been extremely helpful to me as well. I haven't had any complications at all other than having to have my gallbladder out. The after surgery support has been incredible. Kim Bariatrics has monthly support groups, fitness events, yearly patient Christmas party, 5k/10ks, along with many other get togethers. If it wasn't for the after surgery support I would have not been successful. If you have insurance with a bariatric exclusion there is a Making Bariatrics Affordable discount program for $4900 if you have a hiatal hernia. Do you have insurance? He also works with travelers as well. You may give them a call to get more details.

[Noragretz 28]

Hi there. I had the sleeve done with Dr. Umbach in Las Vegas/Henderson NV. It is out patient, and they have lots of traveling patients. It was $10,400. But I don't think they finance you. I got a loan separately and self paid. Boyfriend and I both had it done at the same time and we have had no complications. We were on the strip 2 days after surgery.

[ronimom 6]

I am looking at self pay options in the US as well. I am in southwest Missouri, so I've been concentrating my search within a 6hour drive. Here is what I've found:

St.Louis-$11,111

Kansas City-$11,900

Edmond,OK- $9,995 (doesn't include all fees)

Dallas- $14,000

Hope this helps!

[Ms. Nunya 126]

Hi, I used Dr David Kim in Colleyville, TX. He also has a office in Frisco. Not sure where you are located. He did my inverted sleeve 3 years ago and he is a great doctor. His staff has been extremely helpful to me as well. I haven't had any complications at all other than having to have my gallbladder out. The after surgery support has been incredible. Kim Bariatrics has monthly support groups, fitness events, yearly patient Christmas party, 5k/10ks, along with many other get togethers. If it wasn't for the after surgery support I would have not been successful. If you have insurance with a bariatric exclusion there is a Making Bariatrics Affordable discount program for $4900 if you have a hiatal hernia. Do you have insurance? He also works with travelers as well. You may give them a call to get more details.

Looks like it will be Dr. Kim with the hiatal hernia for the win!

[ronimom 6]

Do you have a surgery date yet?

[Ms. Nunya 126]

Do you have a surgery date yet?

I have one more test to be done so I'm sure we will schedule after that.