Question:
current self pay costs

Is there any updated information on self pay costs in the U.S.? I am considering going to Mexico because I have not found an affordable price in the U.S. This would be my last option, but if I could find a doctor that does the procedure around 15K then I could manage. Thank you for any updated information. Ally    — Ally (posted on July 7, 2005)

July 7, 2005
In Kansas it is running around 23k for self-pay which does not include pulmonary or cardiac testing.
   — wolf-lover

July 7, 2005
Hi Ally, I was a self-pay patient and was not able to find anything that I could even remotely afford here in the States. I actually went to Spain, to Dr. Aniceto Baltasar (www.drbaltasar.com) (who is one of the world's best bariatric surgeons) for my surgery just 3 years ago. All tolled (travel included) I spent $15,800. If you'd like to know more, check out www.bodybybaltasar.com - and of course, feel free to email me if you'd like. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

July 7, 2005
Try Little Rock Arkansas. I did mine for around $17,000. which include my hotel stay for a week fror my husband and I and also both of our air fare from South Carolina. I used Dr. Lutrell and he was just marvelous. I could not have been taken care of any better. On the day of surgery I weighe in at 398 and today I weigh 200. I am so happy. Now if I can only find a plastic sergeon who does great work and doesn't charge an arm and a leg, I will be set. My hubby doesn't want to travel as far for my plastics, because of the drains and things you have to have afterwards. BTW, I had all my testing done the day before surgery in Arkansas. Check these folks out they are great. My family PCP does my folow up blood work and faxes it to Dr. Lutrell. Good luck and God Bless. Love, Luck and Laughter!
   — cindyedens

July 8, 2005
Hi. I know you wanted US costs, but I am going to Dr. Joya in Mexico for $12,000. This includes presurgery test, roundtrip airfare from your local airport, surgery, hospital stay and 10 days in motel afterwards. Basically, all inclusive. Barring no complications. Good luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 8, 2005
I just had the surgery in California, I live here and the Surgerons Cash price was $6,000. And with $1500. for the anesthesilogist. the Hospital was the major cost$16,445. I am just 1 week out of the hospital and it is worth every penny! I see the weight coming off already. Janet
   — jpcal