self pay

You go girl.........You have done wonderful.  I love reading success stories.  Please keep in touch...

Hi Diane, I was self-pay at Hopkins bayview. I had laparoscopic RNY with Dr. Schweitzer. They may be able to do the gall bladder at the same time. I already had mine out. As for cost, my dr. was $5500, my anesth. was $2000, and Hopkins charged $18,000 (for three days and operating room). However, I felt so good after my surgery, Dr. Schweitzer ended up releasing me a little over 24 hrs., so the hospital is sending me a refund. I am still waiting on it, but as of yessterday they said it is on the way! I have nothing but great things to say about my experience and care at Hopkins; but no two surgeries are the same. I hope you have a great experience like I did. If I can be of any help, please feel free to contact me. My brother had RNY last year with Dr. Magnusson; however, he had open RNY rather than laparascopic, and his insurance paid. Good luck on your journey! We're all here for you. ~~ Trish

thank you for responing Trish.  when did you have your surgery?  How is your brother doing?  I am not sure which way Dr. Magnusson will go.  All I want is to be happy and able to smile with any success.  I am so tired of being miserable inside and selfconscious.   I have struggled all my life with weight denying myself of things others do normally.   How are you feeling.  Lets keep in touch!  email me when u can [email protected]

Hi Diane, I was self-pay and used Dr Roe. It was approximately $17,000. I was in the hospital for two days. Dr Roe only does open but it is only a little three inch scar. Good luck on your journey. Wanda

Hi, Diane, I'm the database coordinator at Hopkins. Dr. Magnuson normally removes the gall bladder when he does an open gastric bypass but you should ask about this option for self-pay patients. Sometimes our other surgeons give Ursodiol (Actigall) after laparoscopic surgery to prevent the formation of gall stones. It all depends on the patient.

If you have any questions about cost, you should call Dr. Magnuson's secretary, Valerie, at 410-550-0409 or Christine Walsh, our program manager, at 410-550-4471. Christine reviews the surgical bills for all of our self-pay patients to make sure they're correct and she can give you information on the total cost - all self-pay patients get an estimate prior to surgery. Good luck! Lisa

Hi Lisa, thank you so much for the info....I ran to the phone and called Christine, I had promised her I would not bother her with a bunch of questions,  she was so sweet......as everyone has been.  She answered my questions and told me not to worry Dr. Magnuson would be able to answer all my questions. Have a great weekend.

I was a self pay but I used Dr. Elariny in NoVA and had my surgery at inova Faifax Hosp.  I has the VBG w/sleeve.   I paid my surgeon about $7,250, anesthesiologist $1,600 and the hospital $12,000.  Hope this helps.  If you have any questions, please let me know. --Eric

HI Eric, So how are our you feeling now after our surgery.  I am not familiar with the sleeve at all. Sounds interesting. Good luck with your new journey. Diane

The VBG w/Sleeve is where 3/4 of your stomach is cut out.  The purpose here is to cut out the Ghrelim (sp?) as it has been identified as the culprit that sends signals to the brain telling you that you're hungry.   Then, a non-adjustable band (the size of a dime) is used to create a pouch.   This is considered a "restrictive" procedure and tailored to "bloaters."  Bloaters are people who only eat three meals a day but have very large meals.  The VBG w/Sleeve can be defeated by grazing meals and eating sugars/sweets. It is now day 12 (post-op) for me and I feel great!  I literally just returned from walking a mile.  On day 10, I officially weighed in at my surgeon's office with an 18 lb loss.  I'm still only on liquids at this point but I'm not going to complain about the results. 

Keep you the good work.  One day we will all be in a happier life.  You are doing a great job.  Keep smiling. Diane