$$$ of self pay in Kansas

have been looking and I have been talking to different people.. Some are so very afraid if I go to Mexico of what could happen, So I need to look into the cost around Nebraska, So can you who had it done VIA self pay kind of let me know the cost... My 401 K is not that big ( darn it ) Thank you

Hi LaDonna, Have you checked with Dr. Steward in Topeka? They offer a significant discount for self pay. Go to www.topekaobesitysurgery.com and call or email Rachelle. She has been very helpful in answering all of my questions. I have insurance though so I never inquired about self pay cost. I also saw that someone had the lap bypass in Little Rock and they said it was only $12,000...which is really a bargain. It was on the main message board in the last day I believe. Good luck, Lisa

I had RNY surgery 08/15/05 in Olathe, Kansas on a self-pay basis. I was advised to expect a total cost of about $25,000.00. Two days before surgery I had to give $5,000.00 to the surgeon and $15,000.00 to the hospital. Something I did not expect was that the hospital required "cash or certified funds", which means a person could not use a credit card to pay any of that $15,000.00 amount. Prior to surgery, there were some office visits and pre-op procedures (sonogram, EGD, etc.) that had to be paid for at the time of service. I am also scheduled for various post-op follow up appointments with the surgeon that I will have to pay for myself. It's a very large amount of money, but I wouldn't risk a bad result - even for a significant savings. You are literally trusting people with your life.

One other thing I forgot to mention....Since I work in a hospital I happen to know that a lot of doctors, hospitals, etc. will also give a "prompt pay" discount if you pay your bill all at one. There are also places that will finance your surgery well. Look at capitalone.com they offer financing for surgery. I also see that someone on the kansas message board posted how much they paid for Dr. Steward for self pay. It was just a little further down from your post. Good Luck.

On the other side of the coin, I have chosen to go to Mexico for two very good reasons. Money is definately one reason, but more importantly, I wanted to go to a dr. that had done thousands of lap bands. I do not feel there are very many dr's in the U.S. that have reached the learning curve with the lap band procedure. At least not for my comfort. I will be banded Sept. 15 by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. If I were having the RNY, I would still look at Mexico for the procedure. It's hell to be self pay, but safety is in numbers, and that's another reason why I chose Mexico. I will be posting my experience and I can only hope that I am right about my decision and what I have just posted will become true! It's taken three years to make this decision and now I am less than a month until surgery! Good luck to you with your decision. Take all the time you need and read everything you can. This is a great place and Obesity Help-South of the Border, will be happy to answer your questions. Ally

Ally, Yours is the first message I have read in this thread, so I don't know all that was discussed before. I just wanted you to know that I personally know someone who had an adjustable gastric band installed by Dr Rumbaut in I believe 2002. She couldn't be more happy with her results and she is still quite impressed with the doctor as well. Just recently, another woman from my local support group went to Dr Rumbaut and she feels the same way. If Mexico is the best solution for you, I don't know any better doctor for you to go to. I have only heard good of Dr Rumbaut. Good luck in your journey!!! -- Mary

This is my opinion and personal experience only. I think if everything goes exactly as you would want it really doesn't matter who or where you have your surgery. However, if you are someone who has complications that is where you need to have a wonderful, involved doctor. I happen to be one who had several minor complications and it was hard enough to travel the 90 miles to my surgeon...can't imagine if he was further than that. Since we don't know if we will be the one with some complication that is where the gamble comes in....My surgeon, Dr. Stewward made the difference between my minor but frequent complications being handled and me feeling complete despair over this. However the many people I have have known and referred who have been textbook surgeries could have gone anywhere and been fine. Just my thoughts on this. Alice Theobald