Question:
I was trying to get information on the cost of self pay...

I live in Ohio and am a college student and self-employed. I have no insurance and I am trying find out what others (who selfpaid) have paid for the RNY (any state), if you know how I would go about getting insurance, or if you know any ways in Ohio to get help paying for the surgery. (I don't think my BMI is high enough to get help through medicaid or through the Rehab. it is 40.    — Melanie S. (posted on March 26, 2002)

March 26, 2002
my surgeon told me today it cost 15-21,000 dollars
   — anitawilson

March 26, 2002
I had a Lap RNY On 2/18/02 with Dr Breslaw and Dr Hyland out of Delray Beach Florida. I was a self pay.. total cost was 21K. ALL INCLUSIVE! I feel great and have lost over 40 lbs in 5 weeks! emal me anytime! [email protected]
   — Pattyrau

March 26, 2002
I'm also considering self-pay. There are two doctors in my area who perform this surgery regularly. One quotes a self-pay price of $25,000 and the other charges $35,000. Both use the same hospital, so most of the difference is in the surgeon's fees. Interestingly, the one who charges *less* has been much more highly recommended to me, both by other patients and by my primary care doc. The thing I worry about most with the self-pay option is whether or not complications will be covered by the price quote. If you don't have any medical insurance, I would be especially careful to clarify that point and get it in writing (a few extra days in the hospital can add up to tens of thousands very quickly!). I have heard of self-pay packages which do cover most immediate complications with no additional fees, but you'll probably have to shop around and travel. Good luck!
   — Tally

March 26, 2002
Lap. RNY on the 9th of April - my self-pay cost is broke down like this: $4,800.00 to cover the surgeon and his assistant - $4000.00 for him ~ $800.00 towards assistant. $1,700.00 for the anesthesiologist and $15,000.00 for a no-complications 2-day stay in the hospital. This covers a private room that is especially designed for WLS patients. I too am overly concerned if complications set in - I have been told point blank that my insurance company will not cover problems that arise from this surgery during the initial OR/hospital time. I believe if I didn't have this concern - of my family possibly going under if complications set in, I'd be doing much better. The thought of my family possibly losing me to complications & then to have them in dept up their 'wazoo' is enough to make me literally sick to my stomach. If I had it to do all over again, I would have MUCH rather have done it at 40 BMI than 61 BMI - it seems less of a risk..the age too. Go for it, if at all possible...I mean, if it feels right for you. Bright Blessings ~ Lisa Jordan (L.J.)
   — Lisa J.

March 26, 2002
I had surgery 10 months ago, open RNY and paid $16,500 total. This was in NJ.
   — Maureen P.

March 27, 2002
Hi there. In Ohio any HMO has to take you as a patient if you enroll during open enrollment...However, my friend that wanted to enroll with one of the companies found out that the one she called, I think it was Cigna wanted 2600 every 3 months. There is a Hospital in Middletown Ohio that takes self pay, and they are the cheapest. However, it still sounds pretty expensive. Without worrying about the dr. you have like three options. They told me, If you pay all up front the hospital expenses will be like 9800 dollars. If you put 1280 down then you have to pay like 900 dollars a month for a year. If you pay something like 6000 up front then you pay like 600 a month or something like that. If I were you go to your Dept. of Insurance homepage and find out when the HMO companies in Ohio are having open enrollment. How much can you afford a month for insurance. I may have a couple of other ideas for you if you email me at [email protected]. Good luck.
   — Michelle H.

May 5, 2003
My Daughter had her surgery 4-10-03 in Mexico with Dr.Aggurrie tolal cost everything was 6,900 has loss 32 pounds so far feels great back at school in two weeks after surgery God Bless You and keep praying about this he will help
   — Theresa L.