BMI is 36 and self-pay, where should I go?

rumpid · September 21, 2007

I live on the east coast, and I'm trying to self-pay to get lap-band surgery. Going out of the country is an option, but I'm really nervous about it! What have other low BMI people experienced, where did you go to get it done, and if it was out of state, was it easy to find a place to get your fills done.

Thanks, and nice to meet everyone!

Caolin · September 21, 2007

The only time I've heard anywhere in this country doing the surgery with that low of a BMI was due to health related problems? Do you have any of those, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc?

rumpid · September 21, 2007

Unfortunately (and fortunately) I don't have any other issues except severe acid reflux, which just started since I gained more weight recently, but they don't care about that...hmph.

littleroo1 · September 21, 2007

I'm self-pay and I traveled from Florida to Colorado... I was nervous about going out of the states myself. More so because of the after-care issues. My surgeon has banded people at your BMI before.

christine yng · September 21, 2007

Mexican surgeons and some US surgeons take patients 34 BMI and above with comorbidity. I was a self pay also and was nervous about follow up but a member of my surgeon's staff told me they call doctors in the US to find you a fill doctor in your area. That is a good option because if you can't find a fill doctor near your hometown before your surgery outside the States, think twice before jumping on a plane and heading south.

new_me_2008 · September 22, 2007

I have a BMI of 38.5 and they are banding me in two weeks. THey have locations around the country.

It was weird when I was in the waiting room the other day another patient asked me how long it has been since the surgery - I havent had it yet! It made me somewhat question the decision, I do carry my weight well (size 16) - but I am going ahead with it and self paying so that I can get this done now.

DonHoll1 · September 22, 2007

I went to Mexico for surgery and everything went great. Great hospital and doctor.Best of luck Donna

nicnaknut · September 23, 2007

I am going to Dr. Kirshenbaum in Colorado.. I am also self pay and he charges $9950 for everything... He is a great Dr. and cares alot for his patients... There is a link to his web site at the bottom of my signature.. Check it out and give his office a call and ask if they will take you with a low BMI...

css95 · September 24, 2007

I went to Mexico 9/13/07 and it was a very pleasant experience. Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Valenzuela were very nice. The staff was excellent. $7500.00. I can't think of any negitive thing to say.

golap-band.com

Wendell Edwards · September 24, 2007

I live on the east coast, and I'm trying to self-pay to get lap-band surgery. Going out of the country is an option, but I'm really nervous about it! What have other low BMI people experienced, where did you go to get it done, and if it was out of state, was it easy to find a place to get your fills done.
Thanks, and nice to meet everyone!

I would look around to see if someone local offered the band for a reasonable price. If that was not available, I would head to one of the well-known Mexican doctors. Either way, make certain that your aftercare, fills, etc. is handled BEFORE signing up.