Self- Payers

OKay I have Kaiser insurance and I am really worried about the open RYN.  I am the main income and just can't afford to take time off to recover from a major surgery.  I am still playing the waiting game with them too.  So... Now I am considering self-pay as an option.   I know people who have gone to Mexico had great results and it was $8500 all inclusive.  My family is so not okay with this.. Even though I am.  Some wrong could have in the states too..  Legacy seems so much more expensive $22,000 for lap Lapband. Anyone with great experiences with self-pay and what were the costs? Thanks..Amy

I'm having an open RNY (revision from previous gastric surgery) on July 13th at OHSU, and am self-paying....cost is $26,000.  Hospital needs it upfront.  If there are complications, it goes up from there.   Don't know what they charge for lap band. Donna  

I honestly dont know if the bypass is longer recovery than the band. I recovered quite quickly and was back to work in 2 weeks but I could have gone back within 10 days. I have an office job and I know that makes a difference but I belive the band recovery is about the same.

I went to Mexico on a Tuesday, had the lap band in on Thursday and was back at work on Monday.  I went to Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey and he was  TERRIFIC.  Total cost $10,600.  I'd do again in a heartbeat.  Had surgey 10/12/06 and have lost 80 pounds so far. 

Amy - several people on this board have had the lap band with Dr. Tersigni (I think that's the name) in Coos Bay.  The cost is $10,000.  You don't have to go all the way to Mexico.  I think the recovery time is quicker with lap band.  The weight loss is a bit slower, but if you can have it done for a reasonable cost here in the states that seems like a good option.  I am surprised that Kaiser is so far behind the times.  Most of the complications from these surgeries comes from wound infection and the risk is so much less with laparoscopic procedures.  Why don't they get with it? Linda

Amy: No matter which way you go either with the RNY or Lap-band, there will be complications.  I had surgery thru Kaiser and did have some complications, had to go on a TPN  ( intravenious feeding) cause the surgeon told me that I was starting to be anorexic cause everything I ate including meds and water came back up.  This happens to 2 out of 10 people who do have surgery.  I had 2 Endoscopies.  I started my journey back in February of 2005 and it took me about 18 months to get from Orientation all the way to surgery. I have lost 250 lbs both pre-op and post-op.  I still get a little nauseated if I eat too much, so I really watch the quantity of what I eat. Good luck Peggy

This is ABSOLUTELY UNTRUE!! I had lap band surgery in September of 2005 and I have had NO complications whatsoever. I also know several people who have had gastric bypass with no complications. Please do not add unnecessary worry to someone considering weight loss surgery.

When I first looked into the surgery I thought I would be a selfpaid even though I had Kaiser. That was going with Dr Joya in PV, Mexico. THere is also a Dr in Mexacalli and o another mesage board several people have used him for the Lap Bypass. WHen asking my PCP I asked if I did the self pay and had complications, would Kaiser help me out and cover it. He said that he is use to cleaning up other's messes. But I think you need to know. I had a clietn that has Plastic surgery and she had problems and Kaiser did not cover it, as it was elective. However, maybe if you go thru the whole program and get approved, but opt out and have the surgery self-pay then I would think it is a medical necessity argument. Tough one...Good Luck, Calif Kaisers cover lap band and lap bypass. I don't know if you could go to another facility in the Kaiser system and have the lap surgery!!

Hi Amy, I did self pay in Acuna Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez he was great look at his site joseband.com and it only cost 7400. They are so nice and clean very very attentive. Good luck Liv

I PAID $9999 FOR THE LAP DR. RAUL MIRANDE, KLAMATH FALLS OREGON HE IS AWESOME!