First quote, is it good?
Hi everyone,
Because my insurance just changed it looks like I will have to self pay for all the things I need.
I am starting with my stomach first. I will be having a pani and tummy tuck ( anchor cut) . The price was 8500. I am in Florida. How does this sound? This was my first quote and I plan to visit several doctors. It is just so hard to know what a good fair price is.
Thanks!!
Shan
Because my insurance just changed it looks like I will have to self pay for all the things I need.
I am starting with my stomach first. I will be having a pani and tummy tuck ( anchor cut) . The price was 8500. I am in Florida. How does this sound? This was my first quote and I plan to visit several doctors. It is just so hard to know what a good fair price is.
Thanks!!
Shan
VSG Aug 9, 2010 with Dr. Shieh in Fort Myers, FL 
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
Plastics prices vary wildly based on location. I paid $11,500 for my anchor-cut TT. This was very pricey even for my location (Seattle). But I went to a very fancy-schmancy doctor from the 'rich' part of town. I think here the average is about what you were quoted, around 9k. What you were quoted sounds quite average.
Definitely go to at least 3 doctors. And when you're discussing prices, be sure to ask about 'hidden' costs. Some of those are:
-what labs or tests do they require? (some want EKG's, etc). You'll be responsible for those costs if your insurance won't cover them.
-is their quoted price all-inclusive? (anaesthesia, operating room fee or hospital fee, medications, compression garments, etc).
-does that cost include a pain pump? YOU WANT A PAIN PUMP. I paid $400 extra for mine. It lasts about 3 days and dramatically reduces your pain and need for narcotic drugs. I wouldn't have wanted to do my TT without it. It was worth every penny.
Here's a sample of what I paid for 'extras':
compression girdle: $45
prescriptions: $100
toilet seat raiser (I recommend it): $25 from amazon
wedge pillows: $100
button-up housedresses (GREAT for recovery- they're those ugly 60's elderly housewife cotton muumuu things that button all the way down): $4 at goodwill
private nurse to stay first 2 nights with me at home: $1,200 (expensive but for me, worth it. She saved my life when I had complications)
Your quotes probably won't vary by more than a few hundred dollars. But it's important not to go primarily by price. Go with the surgeon who makes you the most comfortable, will stick with you, supports you emotionally, is the most skilled, has lots of experience with WLS patients (we're much different than average bodies!), and LISTENS to you. That is so so important.
Definitely go to at least 3 doctors. And when you're discussing prices, be sure to ask about 'hidden' costs. Some of those are:
-what labs or tests do they require? (some want EKG's, etc). You'll be responsible for those costs if your insurance won't cover them.
-is their quoted price all-inclusive? (anaesthesia, operating room fee or hospital fee, medications, compression garments, etc).
-does that cost include a pain pump? YOU WANT A PAIN PUMP. I paid $400 extra for mine. It lasts about 3 days and dramatically reduces your pain and need for narcotic drugs. I wouldn't have wanted to do my TT without it. It was worth every penny.
Here's a sample of what I paid for 'extras':
compression girdle: $45
prescriptions: $100
toilet seat raiser (I recommend it): $25 from amazon
wedge pillows: $100
button-up housedresses (GREAT for recovery- they're those ugly 60's elderly housewife cotton muumuu things that button all the way down): $4 at goodwill
private nurse to stay first 2 nights with me at home: $1,200 (expensive but for me, worth it. She saved my life when I had complications)
Your quotes probably won't vary by more than a few hundred dollars. But it's important not to go primarily by price. Go with the surgeon who makes you the most comfortable, will stick with you, supports you emotionally, is the most skilled, has lots of experience with WLS patients (we're much different than average bodies!), and LISTENS to you. That is so so important.
"The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution." -Bertrand Russell
5'9 HW: 297 GW: 160 CW: 161
5'9 HW: 297 GW: 160 CW: 161
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I know that cost should not be the number 1 factor. I honestly, have no idea what a good price is. My insurance was to cover everything , but it got changed just this month. So, I am having to do a lot more research now in that regard than I would have had to before. Thank you for the list of items I will need, thats a huge help!
I am so glad you are going better I read your story and what a scary experience. You are a fighter! So amazing..
Shannon
I am so glad you are going better I read your story and what a scary experience. You are a fighter! So amazing..
Shannon
VSG Aug 9, 2010 with Dr. Shieh in Fort Myers, FL
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
My local quote (Birmingham, AL) for everything is below:
Stage 1:
Lower body lift with anchor cut - $13,000
Stage 2:
Upper body lift to include gynecomastia, arms and removal of excess skin on flanks and back. At the same time I'll have an inner thigh lift - $15,500
These will each be done as 23 hr. inpatient stays, and the price is all-inclusive.
Stage 1:
Lower body lift with anchor cut - $13,000
Stage 2:
Upper body lift to include gynecomastia, arms and removal of excess skin on flanks and back. At the same time I'll have an inner thigh lift - $15,500
These will each be done as 23 hr. inpatient stays, and the price is all-inclusive.
High 468 / Surgery 433 / Current 243/ Goal 219
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