Self-pay DS?

Can you tell me how much a normal DS costs if you have to self-pay...and where you had it done? This is about my last ditch effort to get the DS. If the cost is over $20k, its not going to even be a possibility for me as far as self-paying. It would be really nice if I could find a Medicare provider....not having any luck finding that either...so far.

Hi Lisa, I was self pay in Curitiba Brazil with Dr. Marchesini,  my entire procedure including airfare, hotel, shopping and a kickin' vacation was under $15,000 US.  It seems extreme but I would not trade my experience there for anything.  I have 3 DS surgeons within 10 miles of my house, but if I had to do it again I would not even have to think about going back to Brazil.  I had no complications and was walking and riding the train into the rainforest within a week of surgery.  If you have any questions feel free to PM me. Kym

I have no clue abou the US cost but someone will come along soon and fill ya in.  I do know that a trip out of the US will get you the DS for less than 20K.  I also believe that the cost will include flight and hotel.

For under 20K, you have choices.  There's Marchesini in Brazil and Ungson in MX.  Either would be a good choice.  It's doable.

I had mine done in Kuwait (I know I know!!! The Middle East? Don't freak out!) but I live over here right now. My procedure cost around $10,000.00 US. My mother is coming over in April to have it done by the same surgeon. Her airfare will run about $1800.00 US. She will stay with me so there won't be any hotel costs. Kuwait is gearing themselves up to be THE medical destination of the Middle East. They are bringing in doctors from Europe and America and building Western hospitals all over the place. In fact, The American Hospital is about half way built at this time and I live 2 buildings down from the London Hospital. Elizabeth From Houston, Working in Kuwait edited for a gramatical error

I'm another very happy Dr Marchesini patient.  You can read about my eexperience if you look back in my profile/blog to April 2006!  I'd be happy to answer any questions for you.  My cost was under $15K for tow RT airline tickets, hotel for 2 weeks, sightseeing, etc...

I self paid here in the US.  My surgeon was Dr Hargroder in Baton Rouge, LA.  He was fantastic and I've been delighted with my surgery, care and recovery. I paid $21,000 for my surgery all in, including pre-op testing.  I've heard that Dr Peters also in the USA does the DS for around $20k all inclusive and he's a very experienced DS surgeon.  I'm sure one of his patients will be along soon to let you know more. Edited to add that the $21k for Dr Hargroder is for laproscopic surgery too.

5'7"   SW 268lbs BMI 42/ CW 132lbs BMI 20.7 / GW 140lbs
136lbs  Lost 

                            I Ymy duodenal switch
 

 

I think Anthone in Omaha takes Medicare ... and he's one of the best!  402-354-1320.  His cash pay price is just aroun $29,000 though.   Laurie

I paid not quite $20K, plus the expenses of staying in town near my surgeon for a little over a week after I was discharged from the hospital.  There are several DS surgeons who accept Medicare. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Dr. Schweitzer in Baltimore. Other folks who are more current on which surgeons are taking Medicare patients will be along, if they haven't already :-).

Lisa,

My surgery was in Mexico and cost me under $14,000 for airfare, hotel and everything.  I think it was closer to $13,000.  Dr. Ungson has quite a few patients on the board and any of us will be happy to advise you.  He did a wonderful job for me!!

Terri