Hello Everyone,

My husband has tried with two different insurance companies at work to get his surgery paid for.  The first denied him, and while in appeal, his employer switched insurances and the new insurance doesn't cover the surgery at all.  He's basically at the end of his rope.  I'm sure i don't need to go into the long history of weight loss issues he's had with you.  I know you all can relate with his desperation.

So...eventhough we are living very tightly since I got laid off, we've decided this is one expense that we HAVE to be willing to pay for.  His health just keeps deteriorating and we have two very young children. 

My question is, what hospitals or doctors in South Florida are good for using a self pay option for weight loss surgery.  I'm assuming some have more felxible payment options, package deals, follow ups...etc  Can you guys provide any sight as to where to begin our search for a hospital and surgeon that has a good self pay option?

Thank you so much for your help!

:)
Mo

 Hi Mo,

I went to Dr. Kim in Celebration as a self pay, but he is affiliated with US Baritrics which has a wonderful pre and post op total life approach to WLS.  They have another doctor who is affiliated in Ft. Lauderdale.  If you go to this webpage http://www.usbariatric.com/, and then click on locations you can read more about the doctor and their location.

Good luck!
Lisa

Which surgery is your husband considering.  There are some great out of country options for the DS as well as a couple of stateside surgeons (but not in FLorida) with wonderful self pay rates.  Have you looked into any of the medical loan companies?

Yes Mexico is a good choice I will get the name of the dr. but only $5200.00.

Well, he's considering RnY, DS, and VSG, but still researching.  He knows he doesn't want the band though.  We'd like to stay stateside because it will be easier for us to travel with tow young children if necessary.

Could you maybe share some of the prices you've gotten?

Is there a good site that lists the pros and cons, or maybe which procedures are best for what sorts of people?

My husband has a BMI of about 46.  He's wants to find something that has a good success rate long term.  He has a hard time sticking to good choices so he needs something that will keep him on course, either by malabsorption, or maybe even by dumping.  I'm not sure. 

Have you visited DSfacts.com or duodenalswitch.com?  Both sites have some great information on the DS.  Just let me know if I can help in any way.

I have to add I lost 140lbs and have very easily kept it off this last 3 1/2 years.  I eat pretty much anything I want.  The DS was absolutely the best decision I have ever made for myself.


Red

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Mexico Weight Loss Procedure Packages

We've worked hard to find the best surgeons and the most equipped hospitals in Tijuana. All at an affordable price!

Tijuana Weight Loss Procedure Packages

LAPBAND PACKAGE: $4,500.00 - $5,500.00

• Pre-Operatory Tests: EKG, X-Ray, Blood test and Evaluation performed by an Internal Medicine Specialist
• Antibiotics and Pain Medicine during your Recovery
• Nutriologist Program to help you achieve your ideal weight loss
• Transportation to airport/hotel/hospital

• Hospital Fees
• Surgeons Fees
• Anesthesiologist Fees
• Allergan Lap-Band
• 2 Nights our new recovery house!
• Use of car with driver for sightseeing/shopping
• Use of a telephone to call the U.S. at no charge

 

SLEEVE PACKAGE $6,000.00 - $8,500.00

• Pre-Operatory Tests: EKG, X-Ray, Blood test and Evaluation performed by an Internal Medicine Specialist
• Transportation to airport/hotel/hospital
• Hospital Fees
• Surgeons Fees
• Anesthesiologist Fees
• Antibiotics and Pain Medicine during your Recovery

• Nutriologist Program to help you achieve your ideal weight loss
• 2 nights at Hospital
• 1 Night at our new recovery house!
• Use of car with driver for sightseeing/shopping
• Use of a telephone to call the U.S. at no charge

 

GASTRIC BYPASS PACKAGE $7,500.00 - $9,500.00

• Pre-Operatory Tests: EKG, X-Ray, Blood test and Evaluation performed by an Internal Medicine Specialist
• Antibiotics and Pain Medicine during your Recovery
• Nutriologist Program to help you achieve your ideal weight loss
• Transportation to airport/hotel/hospital

• Hospital Fees
• Surgeons Fees
• Anesthesiologist Fees
• 3 nights at Hospital
• 1 Night at our new recovery house!
• Use of car with driver for sightseeing/shopping
• Use of a telephone to call the U.S. at no charge

 

MINI GASTRIC BYPASS PACKAGE $7,500.00 - $9,500.00

• Pre-Operatory Tests: EKG, X-Ray, Blood test and Evaluation performed by an Internal Medicine Specialist
• Antibiotics and Pain Medicine during your Recovery
• Nutriologist Program to help you achieve your ideal weight loss
• Transportation to airport/hotel/hospital

• Hospital Fees
• Surgeons Fees
• Anesthesiologist Fees
• 3 nights at Hospital
• 1 Night at our new recovery house!
• Use of car with driver for sightseeing/shopping
• Use of a telephone to call the U.S. at no charge

 Mo, every procedure has its pros and cons.  The best thing to do would be to attend an info session and talk to the surgeon or nurses at the session.  I went from thinking I was going to do one procedure to choosing the Sleeve after talking to several patients, my surgeon, and program psychiatrist.

I paid $16,500 for my surgery but it included my pre op testing, nutrition and exercise classes, surgery, hospital stay (2 days) and after care appointments for one year.  I know that there are probably better deals out there, but I went with the surgeon and program I felt would work best for me.  

Good luck to you and your husband. 

Hello, this is my first post.  Do you remember what the self pay was for the gastric bypass with Dr Kim? Thanks so much.

I would strongly recommend Drs. Rosenthal or Szomstein at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL.  They are exception surgeons, the hospital care is wonderful and they will work with you on the selfpay part. 

 Good luck

Maryjo