self pay

It am new here..but I was wondering about self pay in Maryland.  I am going to go to bayview at hopkins...also thinking of gall bladder at same time....was there any additional cost

I was self pay at St Agnes.  My insurance would have covered Hopkins but they turned me down -too high risk of course the Dr frustrated me as he dragged it out for a long time over a year and I had seen him off/on for 5 yrs only a few times though. Un of Md. also sent me to St Agnes as Dr Kligman at Un of Md. was wonderful but said he wanted his OR team to have more experience and I could come back in a year and he would reevaluate if St Agnes didn't work out. I knew I was getting sicker and would die and Dr Averbach at St Agnes was great and did it but it required a lot of extra tests and workup so My fee got very high if you add everything together. My additional costs were workups from rheumatologists for my lupus, cardiac clearance from cardiologist whi*****luded catheterization, He had me put in a filter for blood clots since I was high risk. So I may be of no help to you but I am here if you want to talk. I am not on here every day but feel free to email me or message me and I will try and check and I can send you my phone number if you want to talk too. This surgery has changed my life actually it has given me a life. I am so glad I had it and pushed and  my family paid for it. Good luck Laurie

Laurie, I am glad your operation was a success.  I heard from hopkins today and I have an appointment to see the dr on the 15th.  So how are you feeling.  When did you have your procedure? Please keep in touch.  It is always nice to have new friends Diane

Who are you seeing at Bayview?

Dr. manigusson...not sure that is the spelling

I am sorry but I can't help you on the self pay question but I did want to welcome you to the boards. I hope you are able to get the information you are looking for. Kelli

Hi Kelli, thank you for responding.  I am excited about the operation.  I have done every program our their since 1970 and lose and gain. My friend has lost 150 in a little over a year.  She looks soooo good.  I dont care if I dont look good I just want to feel better and always be the fatiest person around. How are you doing and when did you have your operation? Diane

Diane,

I can so relate to you. I was always the fattest person in my class as well. I have not been under 200 since I was in the 3rd grade. Health aspects is what ultimately made me look into this surgery. I had my surgery in October 2005, have lost almost 130 pounds, and have gone from a very tight size 28 to a size 12.  Kelli

Kelli you have done terrific.  I bet you feel proud seeing people you have not seen in a while.  I know this is a hard struggle but the end result is the light at the end of tunnel to thinness and being comfortable with yourself. I want to much just to be comfortable and no longer have that FAT feeling.

I am feeling so much better. My life has changed beyond my wildest dreams and I am not finished losing yet. I had surgery Aug 18th, 2006 almost a year ago. My highest weight was 430 and I am now under 250 I have lost about 185 lbs. It is amazing. I too went for health reasons as I was almost completely bedridden. I can drive again and wear a seat belt and grocery shop again.I have gained much of my independence back. I swim 5 days a week. I could go on and on. Check out my profile it tells a lot.  I am glad you have your appt set. We just had our support group in crofton tonight. We have at least one a month sometimes 2. If you are close come and check us out or find one near you.They really help. Email me anytime. I am going to send you a message now too. Keep in touch Laurie