Possible Self Pay?

I'm considering going self pay... and I'm listing my pros and cons... anyone want to chime in on the cons they may have experienced? Kat

Kat, Hey, I can't give you any cons form my exprience but I can give you the pros for me. I have lost 68 pounds in 5 1/2 months. gone from a size 22 to a 10-12 pants 2xl shirt to a med-large I have more energy than ever be before. I would do it again even if I had to go self pay. To me it would be worth it. I know it would be good for anyone who needs this surg but I also know it is very very expensive too. If you can get the money together I would say go for it. I hope everything will come together for you. I'll say some prayers for you.... Take care, Chrissy 226/158/125

Con = it costs money Pro = the best money ever spent Does that help? No regrets here other then I wish I would have done it sooner! Pro's: 1. I feel great 2. I can bend over now and come up without my face being red 3. I can walk and even run 4. I went from a size 24/26 pants to a 10 and can buy cheaper clothes now 5. Meals are cheaper now 6. I'm living the life that God intended me to live to the fullest 7. I got to meet you!!! This surgery is a blessing that I can not put into words my friend but, once you experience it, you will know exactly where I'm coming from. Good luck, Kat, I'm on YOUR side and you are in my prayers, keep me posted. I enjoyed our chat last night. Gina

My fear is getting uglier than ever and needing plastics desperately... and being unable to get them!! I know that my panni will have to go, and the twins will need a lift, I'm scared of looking worse Kat

Kat, I had my PS on 12/28 in AZ. My only expense was the surgeon's fee for the breast aug. and the implants themselves. Since I had a hernia that needed fixing and the panni was medically necessary, the PS surgeon only charged my a reduced surgeon's fee and the implants were only $550 (total--not each--lol). My PS actually did an extended tt w/ muscle repair but is billing insurance for the panniculectomy. A different surgeon came in to do the hernia repair. I may incur a cost of 1 hour for anethisesia but that's being negotiated. Bascially, I had HR, TT and BA all for under $4,000 (copays, deductibles, etc.). Some more may be covered since my dr's feel that the hernia was aggravated due to my Katrina evacuation so it's being submitted to FEMA after all the insurances pay their portions. It would be difficult for FEMA to argue that it wasn't a result of the cir****tances of evacuation (lifting things, moving belongings, etc. etc. etc) FEMA has only requested a statement from the doctor(s) and copies of my bills. It seemed so odd for me to have the breast aug. considering that I had reductions done in 1980 & 1981 but childbirth and morbid obesity changes EVERYTHING. Good luck in your relocation. I know things will work out for you. Rhonda

Hello, Angel, dearest! Sorry I missed you while you were in town. Call me when you get a chance. Peggy B.

Hi my lil angelette, Sorry I missed you too. It ended up being a quick trip to get my things and then back to unpack them. It's been real busy here. Sometimes I don't know if I should wind my butt or scratch my watch. I'll call you soon. Miss and love ya. Hope your doing well. Gina

I didn't self pay but I can give you some pros. Number one I'm a much happier person, I can do a lot more, I can run and play with my son. And best of all I will live longer. This surgery has been heaven sent and if you can self pay I would say it is worth every penny. Being healthy is worth every penny. I really hope this works out for you. You deserve to be just as healthy and happy as everyone else hear does. Tina

Hello Kat, I'm so happy to see that you are still swinging and haven't lost sight of your goals. It's so difficult to want something so badly and be surrounded by people who have it; yet it is out of your reach. Yes, life can be so unfair. I can't think of any more pros and cons. I just wish you all the best and I pray for your coming victories. All my best, Frances

hi Kat, as you know i was in the same boat as you. these dang hospitals won't pay for the nurses or staff to get the surgery.. so i had to self pay, yes its going out on the limb, only because of the expense, and if complications, more surgery, self pay.. but i did it praying for a good outcome, and yes its done, no complications , 65 lbs down in 3 months, so i say go for it, find a good surgeon. I used Dr. Lavin in covington, great surgeon, (i worked with folks who used him, nurses) price 18,900, covers surgery,hospital, anesthesiologist, 1 year after care. Let me know if you need any other questions answered.. love, rhonda 293/228/125 surgery was 11/16/06