Self Pay prices in the US

      Very true.    I think I would rather pay that extra 5000 and stay in the US.    Im fixin to make some phone calls !!!   THANKS SO MUCH YALL !!!

When in doubt just read the coverage contract, it should mention whether complications are covered even if they won't pay for the WLS. My insurance had a WLS exclusion, but it did cover complications for WLS (as long as I was in the USA)- go figure! Luckily I didn't have complications, but I give Dr. Stewart credit for that. The better your surgeon, the less "oops" scenarios are likely to happen.

Policies are different depending on the insurance provider. I had surgery in Brazil and when I returned I received a letter from insurance provider congratulating me and telling me that they would cover any and all costs for aftercare.  Cha ching!!!

Dr. Steven Simper is going to be my surgeon! I did link his self pay prices (showes a break down) also he showes the hotels and costs with a hospital discount. I found this very helpful!

I am planning on getting my insurance to pay for my surgery but I was very worried about traveling for surgery, like yourself. Since I am from Montana I really had no choice and I bit the bullet. I personally want to stay in SLC for 2 1/2 weeks after surgery incase of any problems and for my follow up appoitment. So I wanted someplace cheap to stay while in SLC. The motel's they listed were great prices, due to hospital discount (around $60 and below). Also 2 of these motels have a free shuttle to the airport and to the hospital! AWESOME!

When deciding factor in all costs and make a spreadsheet and just crunch numbers. On top of costs make sure to make a benjamin franklin list ( pluses and negatives about each choice) because something might be cheaper but maybe not as convenient. :) good luck!

http://www.utahbariatrics.com/about/why-travel-to-utah/

Keshishian in California:
These are just the Surgeons FEES Only!!!!
Open DS: $8650.00
Lap DS: $9525.00

I looked at the website for the Verdugo Hills hospital, and it says $19,000.00 for the 3 to 4 night hospital stay...... I have been in contact with Dr. Keshishian's office (just in case I need to pay cash) JUST THIS WEEK, and the gal at his office re-verify the cash price ~needed up front~ andIit was confirmed to me for $17,500.00

So, my RNY to DS revision, cash pay (Dr fee is different for revision: $11,000.00)
TOTAL for me is $28,500.00


If I am doing the math right, for Keshishian, and hospital fee would be:
Open: $26,150.00
and
Lap: $27,025.00



Hope this helps!!!!!
-Jamie

Hi!  I just had my DS on 10.11.2011 by Dr. Marek Lutzykowski, phone 248.322.1543.  My husband's company is self insured for medical, and weight loss surgeries are excluded.  Any complications from an uncovered procedure is also NOT covered.  I paid the doctor $7,000.  I paid  Doctors Hospital in Pontiac, $11,850, and that includes EVERYTHING -I will not get a bill from the hospital, anesthesia, etc.

My BMI was 40 and I had no comorbids.  In short, I was not a risky patient to begin with, and this helped make our decision easier.

Of course, I did a great deal of research on him and found all good results.  He only does the open surgery.  He has had very little complications after surgery.  I noted that some patients from Canada have come to him.

My dad had a DS 4.5 years ago by a Dr. MacPherson, who no longer performs the surgery.  Dr. Lutzykowski trained under Dr. Mac.

I would highly recommend him.  And the people at the hospital were great!  It is pretty much a surgical hospital and they do a lot of DS and weight loss surgeries.

I had my surgery on Tuesday morning, spent Tuesday through Thursday morning in ICU, and then was discharged on Saturday morning.  The timing was perfect and I never felt like the hospital wanted to get rid of me!

Glad to see you are looking for a DS.  Good luck!