Lkbiowa 5 Posted February 1, 2017 I'm brand new to this board. I met with a local bariatric surgeon (Dr Tod Eibes) for consultation for a sleeve and he told me that because I did not have any comorbidities and was under 40 BMI (36.7) that he wouldn't touch me. He said they are a Center of Excellence and get reviewed every 3 years and he would get marked down if he took me on. I was planning on self pay (I know insurance doesn't cover my situation) but he still said no. Help! Where in the USA could I go that would do this? He said no dr at a center of excellence would take me as a patient. (Not interested in Mexico, he told me someone died last just month in Tijuana) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malin 470 Posted February 1, 2017 I was under 40 BMI (39), and I got sleeved by an excellent doctor here in Alabama. My insurance wouldn't cover it since I was a lower BMI, so I had to pay out of pocket. I'm sure if you keep looking you will find someone to do it. If you were under 35, yeah, I could see it being a problem. But since you're over, I am sure you can find someone to do it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teaqueen 113 Posted February 2, 2017 My BMI was 35 when I had surgery last year (1/5/16). I did self pay with a great surgeon here in Michigan. Went from SW of 215 to CW of 130 in a year. Best decision ever! His name is Mark Pleatman. He does have a program for out-of-state self pay. His website is DrPleatman.com. He is not as cheap as Mexico, but the hospital care I got was great and his price includes all followup. He doesn't force upsell gis own food and Vitamins (which I see a lot), but does have a nutritionist in house that works with you before and after. I'm thrilled with my results. Good luck! Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lkbiowa 5 Posted February 2, 2017 Thank you!!!! What was the self pay amount? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rharris75 41 Posted February 2, 2017 My BMI was 35 when I had surgery last year (1/5/16). I did self pay with a great surgeon here in Michigan. Went from SW of 215 to CW of 130 in a year. Best decision ever! His name is Mark Pleatman. He does have a program for out-of-state self pay. His website is DrPleatman.com. He is not as cheap as Mexico, but the hospital care I got was great and his price includes all followup. He doesn't force upsell gis own food and Vitamins (which I see a lot), but does have a nutritionist in house that works with you before and after. I'm thrilled with my results. Good luck! Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App Mark pleatman did mine also. My date was 1/31 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites