Ballpark costs?

Sorry to be so direct, but I have very limited insurance and have just declared bankruptcy, so although my primary physician is at Duke, I'm pretty sure I could never afford that; maybe Wake Med or Rex are more affordable.  I've researched the surgery and my MD says I'm a good candidate, but before I go wasting a lot of peoples' time and paying for multiple consultations that I can ill afford to waste money on, can anyone give me a ballpark idea of what this surgery costs?  I could probably do monthly payments but I could use some ballpark figures.  Thanks so much.  --Stacie in Morrisville NC

 Durham Regional Hospital that is owned and run by Duke charges $40,000 for RNY surgery but that doesn't include all preop stuff. I went to Mexico to Dr Joya where it cost $12,000 all inclusive.

Thank you, newmacgirl!  My further research showed prices around there which is waaaay out of the picture for me right now.  I saw the Mexico ads and wondered about them; it's good to know that someone has had a positive experience there.   Thank you again so much for posting!  --Stacie

A lot of people have had a positive experience. You can watch videos on You Tube, I found him through 'YOUWANTGEEK' who found him through 'Shrinking Laura' (also has good videos) who found him through "The World According to Eggface" a well known blogger. One of my friends on here Blatona also went to him with his wife, and they were accompanying a friend when I was there getting my surgery. He also has made and posted videos.
Let me add that he posted a video on Dr Joyas website.

While it is not the 'norm', we do have a few members in my support group that have also gone the self-pay route, either in the states or in Mexico. You may want to actually check with your insurer to make sure that you know if they specifically exclude WLS. There is an 'Insurance Forum' that might be of some help.

Wishing you all the best,

Thank you.  It's not that my insurance won't cover it, it's that I have what is euphemistically called "limited insurance" (a "cost saving measure" for the employer; hey, thanks, I feel so valued!) and it caps my annual surgical outlay at $4000 plus $200 per day for a hospital bed.  And this is the new improved plan -- I got so excited when I read the new plan would cover this, then I put 2 and 2 together.  Sigh.  All you folks who have "real" insurance -- you are SOOOO lucky!  Thanks to everyone who took the time to help me.

Wishing you all the best as you explore your options.