Question:
What can I expect it to cost me for BPD/DS, in the US and Internationally?

I am going to have to "self-pay", so I want to know what the cost will be. I want to also compare the cost savings of traveling internationally ans the convienence of staying home for the procedure. It is performed in Covington, LA only 20 miles from home.    — ryanjrichard (posted on January 3, 2006)

January 4, 2006
Hi, I was self pay I had mine lap rny done 11/1/05. It cost $20,000.00 I live in Fort Smith Ar. I have family who live in Al. they are so much more exp. I have some names. I also have a name in INdia the cost is 10.000.00 Good Luck God Bless
   — ekmeadows

January 4, 2006
You should come to the Duodenal Switch forum and post your question there. Many folks have gone out of country and paid from $10-$15K and in the US it can cost anywhere from $27-35K. There are so many things to consider and you should get input from those who have gone before you. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 4, 2006
Hey Ryan! Welcome to the world of self-pay! It's a wild and wacky place, but honestly - it's really freeing! YOU get to call the shots - not the insurance companies! I loved that part of it! I self-paid for my surgery with Dr. Aniceto Baltasar in Alcoy, Spain. I had my surgery 3.5 years ago - everything, all tolled (surgery, travel, accomodations on the Mediterranean for a week, etc.) was $15,800. I had an open BPD/DS. If I were looking into it now - I'd definitely want a Lap surgery! It's a little more expensive - but dang, so worth it! If you'd like to know more about surgery with Dr. Baltasar, check out www.drbaltasar.com and www.bodybybaltasar.com. On the BBB (www.bodybybaltasar.com) web site, there's a tab called "What's it Cost?" that can give you a break-down of the variables and the like. I know it's possible to get surgery cheaper elsewhere. For me, the deciding factor was most experienced surgeon - that's why I chose Dr. Baltasar. I have heard recently that Dr. Rabkin (in San Francisco) is charging in the ballpark of $30,000 for self-pay patients. He does a hand-assist lap procedure and has an excellent reputation. Ultimately - you have to decide which surgeon you feel comfortable with establishing a life-long association with. Once you find someone that you have that level of peace about, you're where you need to be. Best of luck to you - and definitely let me know if I can answer any questions, okay? Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

January 4, 2006
hey i am in the southern oregon area and i am having the ds and it is costing me 29000.00 that includes pre surgery lab work ,pre op and post op surgeons visit, up to 13 weeks at a gym, poca (breathing eval),up to six days in the hospital,the surgery (of course) itself,dietician appt, and a weekly check in after the work out at the gym, It DOES NOT included the phsyc.eval (400.00) and the lab work at 6 and 12 months out(210.00 for both) know that this is quite a ways from you but all info gives you a better idea of what is out there.also the docs that i am going thru are fantastic. surgery date scheduled for feb 7 2006 good luck hope this helps donna
   — donna m

January 12, 2006
Hi ! International cost - in INDIA it would cost you $ 12990, inclusive of surgery, travel and accomodations. For complete details you can contact- [email protected] Best wishes, AK
   — medtours