Self payer, where should I go for the RNY?

I have secured the funds to have the surgery and I am told that most hospitals will give a discount for cash payment. Does anyone have any advise on who to see in the NW oregon area? I am aslo considering Mexico, but who do I see afterward for check ups and problems. I cannot afford to fly to mexico constantly. Thanks in advance.

Hi Heather, I don't know for sure but I think Oregon Bariatrics in Eugene offers a cash discount. You could definitely call OHSU and Legacy in Portland and see if they do a cash discount. OHSU and Legacy are both great places to have it done ... from what I've heard. Good Luck to you.

What type of surgery are you loooking at having bypass or band. I went thru good sam legacy and I had insurance but I know they do a discount for cash. there is also someone in the area that is doing band for 10,000 I dont know who it is but I am sure someone else on here will fill in my blanks. Hey consider getting an airline miles card and putting it on that for 30 days that will rack up the miles LOL Kelly

If you go out of the country, be sure to secure a Dr. ahead of time that will do your follow up. I went to the Samaritan Bariatric Program in Corvallis and Dr. Read is amazing. However, he told us up front that he will not perform after care for patients that go out of the country to have the surgery. I do think that Samaritan offers a cash discount also. I am not sure, but you may want to check into different options. vicki

If you're seriously considering MX then the dr I recommend in Mexicalli is Dr. Albert Aceves---he is highly skilled, very compassionate and has a very supportive staff. Here is a link to the chat forum http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dr-Aceves-bandsters/ you can contact Nina who is the patient care coordinator for any and all q's. Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick does fills in Milwaukie and Eugene cost is $165. Bay Bariatrics http://www.baybariatrics.com/ is who I heard is doing the $10,000 wls. Good luck on your decision making, hope this helps :) Katherine

Dr. Tersigni in Coos Bay was running a special for $10,000....for the lap band. One of his nurses will be at the McMinnville support group on Saturday morning if you can make it. I was self pay and went to Mexico to Dr. Rumbaut, it cost $10,600 for everything but airfare. He and his staff were fabulous, the hospital was great and the hotel was nice. I now have my fills done by Dr.Fitzpatrick, she has an office in Eugene and Milwalkie. Since my surgery on Oct. 12, I have lost 55 pounds and I LOVE MY BAND!

Heather, Bay Bariatric does perform the Lap Band as an out patient for $10,000. That fee includes your first year of follow ups and three fills. The gastric bypass cash package price is $23,000 which also includes your follow up care. I had bypass surgery 8 years ago and it has greatly improved my health and the quality of my life. Remember that the surgery gives you the initial tool but the pre-op education and follow up care are critical for long term success. Make sure you check out the surgeons experience and complication rate. Dr. Steven A.Tersigni has 8 years of bariatric experience, over 900 cases and an extreamly low complication rate. The two programs in Portland also have great surgeons but are alot more expensive. The best to you, Robin

I highly recommend Dr. Tersigni. Look around and see if any of the doctors in your area are any cheaper. Robn quoted you a price of 23,000. I have heard of doctors in the Portland area charging that much for the lap band. If you have any questions about Dr. Tersigni, ask Robin. She is extremely knowledgeable.