Self-Pay Duodenal Switch in OK? Insurance? Recommendations?

Well I'm a six foot tall male and about 420+ lbs. My feet have started to swell with what appears to be water retention (even when I feel dehydrated) probably because my heart can't pump hard enough to get blood to my feet. I'm not sure. I'm going to see a doctor soon. I'm trying to find who I can go to in TULSA, OK, for the best advice from today forward. I'm interested in the Duodenal Switch based on my online research. Problems 1: I do not have insurance. I don't know if I need it or who would give it to me and if they would cover weight loss surgery. Most of my attempts at ehealthinsurance.com failed. 2: I fall asleep alot during the day and do not sleep well at night. I don't think I have sleep apnea, but from what I've read it is likely. 3: I've seen figures online suggesting cost could be as low as $5K to as much as $25K or more. Since I do not have insurance, I would probably have to get this financed. Tony

I do not have any info for you, but wanted to welcome you to the Oklahoma board. Let us know what you find out! Tonja

Tony, I used Surgical Associates for my RNY and I know they do not perform duodenal switch (DS).  I do know that Dr. Fisher does Gastric Sleeve.  This may be another option for you if you can't find anyone who does the DS.  The group does surgery at St. Francis.  I am not sure about Dr. Gorospe and his group as far an the DS goes.  They do surgery at Bailey in Owasso.  Welcome to the OK board and to OH.  Please feel free to ask any questions! Happy New Year!  Michelle

Dr Warnock in Wichita Falls Tx does the DS.  My first bill from the hospital came in at just over 25 k, but it got sent to ins so I am waiting on my explanation of benefits to see what is really getting paid.  If you can't find anyone closer, it is about 50 miles from Lawton.

I can't help you since I'm in Edmond. I was self-pay for my surgery in October thanks to my lousy health insurance. My surgery was done at Foundation Bariatric Affiliates with Dr. Walton.

Dr Gorospe only does RNY and Lapband.  If you have to be private pay, his fee is 7500. and his assistant, Dr Kirk is 2500.00 and my hospital bill from Bailey was little more than 26,000.  I hear you can negotiate with the hospital, but some of the private pays I attended nutrition class with said they laid out over $30,000 between hosp and surgeons. Dr Gorospe also has a weight limit of 450lbs due to hospital equipment at Bailey.  He has done over 4000 RNY surgeries.  I felt very safe in his hands.

Best wishes on your journey and the surgery you choose.