Chattanooga or Dalton area???'s

Anyone out there been to the Dalton (hamilton?) or Chattanooga (memorial) for their surgery?? I am wondering if you self pay, what was the final cost on the out patient surgery? If I get denied by my insurance, I am consider going there. They told me on the phone if you self-pay you have to have the surgery in the Dalton center. I live about 2 hours away in TN, but from what I can tell it's about $6000 cheaper than the doctor in Nashville that I was considering! Please if anyone has had any expierence with either of these let me know!! Thanks Michelle

HI MICHELLE I HAD LAP RNY AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN CHATTANOOGA BY DR. JACK RUTLEDGE. I WAS SELF PAY, WHICH WAS APPROX. $18,000.00 TOTAL FOR SURGEON,RADIOLOGY,ANESTHESIA. I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL TWO DAYS.WE REFINANCED OUR HOUSE TO PAY FOR THE SURGERY AND IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNEY.I WISH YOU LUCK WITH YOUR SURGERY.

Do you mind telling me why it was a two day stay for you? I thought most of it was done outpatient??

If you consider Nashville try Dr. Hugh Houston. He did my Lap RNY and is GREAT!!! I don't know what he charges for self pay or what the hospital charges are but Centennial Medical Center has a whole floor just for WLS patients and is set up for it VERY well. Dr. Houston is top knotch as a surgeon. Most other doctors would have done my surgery open but Dr. Houston was skilled enough to do it lap. I HIGHLY recommend him. Jeanette Kinley (8/25/04 330/254 -76lbs) (I live in Polk county which is 50 miles east of Chattanooga - the 180 mile drive was worth it!)

Thanks. I actually went to the siminar at Centennial and he was there. My friend had her lap band done at Southern Hills, so that's where I was looking to go. I felt Cent. was just more of a fan for the RNY, and I really want to do the lap band. Thanks for the info. I am about 2 hrs from Dalton. I'll keep your comments in mind before I decide. Thanks!