Question:
I would love to hear from more people who have self paid.
Where did you go? How much did it cost? Open? Lap? How did you come up with the money? Do you regret the financial issues? I am just starved for information! Thanks, Julie — Julie D. (posted on April 14, 2001)
April 13, 2001
My daughter and I had our lap RNY surgeries with Dr. JK Champion of
Atlanta, GA. She was self-pay, and her all-inclusive cost (surgeon,
assistant, anesthesia and hospital...regardless of length of stay) was
$18,500. That was in January,2000 and I understand that the cost is now a
few hundred dollars more. She was given some money by a loving and
supportive grandmother and borrowed the rest. She has lost 190 lbs, and is
getting married in October. She would be the first to tell you that it was
the best decision that she ever made for herself, and that the debt is
"nothing" compared to the wonderful new life that this surgery
has given her. Good luck!
— Diana T.
April 13, 2001
I self-payed this past November at St. Marys Hospital in Richmond, VA with
Dr. Gary Harrington. My total cost, paid up front to the hospital before
surgery, was $17,500. I got a loan but I have heard of others putting it
on credit cards which I would strongly advise against. For me, although
just a few months ago, it has been worth it even though I had some
complications.
— Rhonda S.
April 14, 2001
Hi Julie-
I self-paid. I drove with my very supportive husband to Foutain Valley, CA
to have Dr. LePort do my open RNY. I live in San Francisco so that's about
a 7 hour drive. My surgery was $15,500. Factoring in the cost of gas, food
and lodging (for my husband)add another grand. We had a cheap motel room
but the nurses gave my husband a cot to sleep on so he hardly left my side.
We arrived in Fountain Valley on a Sunday. Monday was pre-op testing, and I
mean all day Monday. Tueday was light testing and results. Wednesday
morning was the surgery. On Sunday evening we left the hospital to drive
part of the way back to SF. On Monday we were home. It wasn't bad. I liked
my surgeon. My husband was amazing. Money and cost of surgery was a huge
factor and another huge factor was the reputation of my surgeon. Email me
if you want more suggestions or if you have further questions.
[email protected].
— medusa D.
April 25, 2001
I paid 46,500 with Dr. Alverdy in Chicago. I'm sure I spent this on all
the diets I tried in my life. My procedure was lap rny and was worth every
penny.
— Gena B.
July 14, 2001
hi. i will have surgery in aug 2001. dr capella in new jersey is charging
$14,600. so far, this is the cheapest and he is purportedly an expert in
bariatrics. i will self pay. write back if you need more information
www.drcapella.com
— [Deactivated Member]
July 14, 2001
Had my surgery done 1/16/01 with Dr Champion also. Even though I have 2
ins companies ended up a selfpay @ $18,800.00 for everything. This has
totaly changed my life. (LAP RNY 1/16/01 80lbs down)
— Debora H.
July 14, 2001
I had an open BPD on May 9th, 2001 with Dr. Sifers. I am in the Kansas
City, MO area. My total cost was $10,800, and that includes a year of
aftercare from the Dr. My mom cashed in a CD that she and my dad had saved.
It's part of my inheritance, but I don't think I would have lived long
enough to get it otherwise. I am very happy with my decison, and by the
prices I'm seeing from other parts of the country, I got a fantastic deal!
By the way, that price included a 4 day hospital stay.
— Shawn K.
January 24, 2002
I am scheduled for open BDP Feb 1, 2002 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center,
Shawnee Mission, KS (Kansas City, MO area), with Dr. Timothy Sifers. Paid
up front today $10,000 to hospital and $4,000 to surgeon. Had all pre-op
work done today. First visit cost $200 w/surgeon. Total of $14,200.
— Anne J.
January 24, 2002
I paid a total of $27,000. My surgery was done at HealthSouth Hospital by
Dr. John Alexander on 2/26/01. My mother paid for it (fortunately, for me
she is blessed to be wealthy). She said it was the best investment of her
life, to give MY life back to me! :)
— Jennifer J.
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