New to this, been looking forever. VSG Self-pay in MD? Or Mexico? Need help.

OK.  So I'm Jess.  I'm looking for someone in MD who will do bariatric surgery for self-pay (I don't have insurance) or I'm considering Mexico.  But I'm unsure of what to do.  Where to go?  Who's the best?  I'm looking for VSG.  I have about 60lbs to lose... before you jump on me about being "low BMI", I've been 100+ lbs overweight in the past and I'm not waiting until I have diabetes or high blood pressure to get this done.  I hate that in this country, you have to be really sick before you take care of the problem.  Straight up - I'm a food addict.  Plain and simple.  I really need some help of some sort.  I've got two young boys and I don't want them to grow up with a fat mom who has health issues.  I'm done.  I'm tired and I'm willing to try this now.

I guess I'm looking at a few things.  I would love to hear back from you guys about this stuff:

- if you had MX surgery, where?  How did you decide who?  How much did it cost?  And did you go by yourself?  Or with someone?  And when could you go back to work? 

Thanks for all of your help, in advance.  I definitely need some support here so any advice/help you could offer would be super.  Thanks so much!!!

I think Dr. Kuldeep Singh (my surgeon) does self pay. hes in baltimore, not 100% sure. Other then that, there are many surgeons in mexico that people recommend on here, you might want to post that in the VSG forum to get answers on that one.

Dr. Singhs website is www.myliteweight.com

Hi Jess. I was in a very similar situation as you...right down to the relatively low BMI. I was convinced I was going to be self pay in Mexico...and felt pretty comfortable with it. My research had the cost for a VSG ranging $4500-$9500, usually including hotel, meds, etc. Airfare was not included. I personally felt pretty good about several of the surgeons I researched, but my family was a bit worried about Mexico and I was bit worried about follow up care if needed. At my husbands prompting, I pushed more to see if my insurance would cover the procedure. I went for a sleep study and found out I had sleep apnea, along with the bare minimum BMI I think I may qualify (yeah). I just went to my first surgeon visit and will find out in a week or so if Im approved. If not, I'm probably heading off to Mexico.

Regarding self pay in Maryland, I started exploring this myself with Dr. McKenna in Frederick. I was quoted a price for his part and his assistant...but still needed to get pricing for Hospital, anesthesiologist, etc. I think it would be at least $15k-$20K. There was a gentlemen I conferred with who went to NC and I think it was about $12-13k.

I applaud your proactive approach to health and wish you luck. Feel free to friend or PM me if you'd like.