I'm going to do it!!

I haven't been on here much lately - mainly because I was embarrassed to admit that I couldn't do it on my own!  I was trying for the last 3 months, but I just realized that I need help.

I have decided to go for the vertical sleeve (I have researched all of the surgeries and decided this was the best one for ME at this point in my life).  I will be self-pay, as the wait time where I am from is 3-5 years, and I am not willing to wait that long.  I don't want to waste another minute of my life being miserable in my own skin!!

Okay - I have to wait a little - I have to apply for my passport so I can travel to the US or Mexico to have the sleeve done!

Has anyone else on here done the self-pay for the sleeve?  If so - where and how much?

I look forward to actually joining you all on the losers' bench!

Heather.

Hi Heather,

I don't know where in Canada you are but in Ontario there are some surgeons that do a vertical sleeve.  At St. Joe's in Hamilton where I had my surgery done Dr. Hong is able to do a sleeve, in fact, on my consent form I consented to an RNY but if need be, the would convert to a sleeve.  I think someone in Toronto does that as well.

Good luck!!
Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the information.  Does Ontario allow self-pay??  The only surgery I can get immediately in BC is the band because it isn't covered by MSP (or medical services plan).  Anything that is covered cannot be paid for.  But, I know there is a surgeon in Quebec that you can pay to go see - but I don't think he does the sleeve.

Heather.

Heather,

The only thing I"ve heard of for self-pay is Lapband.  I haven't heard of anything else that's self-pay, but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Lisa

Hi Heather, congrats on making the best decision for your future!!!I was self pay. I flew to Cancun Mexico & my surgeon was Dr Verboonen. I used Sheri Burke as a patient facilitator,& she was wonderful! I paid $7500 USD for my sleeve. Everything went textbook. I have had 0 complications, & I could not be happier!!!! Best wishes to you!!!

My sister self paid for her sleeve in San Francisco. I think she spent $17K -- that was the cash price.

The folks over on the VSG board are a great bunch. I tried to get the sleeve, but my insurance wouldn't cover it. On that board, someone might be able to steer you to a surgeon who's a lot closer. Try to find someone who's done a lot of them. My sister's doc has done thousands of sleeves.

Best of luck!!

Hi Michelle - thanks for the encouragement.  And the price you paid is great!  It would be a pretty long flight for me - and I'm not sure I want to go that far.  (I haven't been away from my children for more than 2 nights before!!)

Patti - funny you mention that doctor in San Fancisco - I emailed them yesterday and they got back to me today.  I have heard great things about him as a surgeon, and it isn't that far for me from here.

I will have to sit down with my parents this weekend - they are helping me with the cost.  And I just took the first step in getting my passport renewed!  I am on my way!

Heather.