Question:
Any regrets about self-paying?

   — Julia T. (posted on October 30, 2002)

October 30, 2002
I self paid for Lap. RNY in Sept 2002. I have lost 35 pounds thus far, going from 205 lbs. the morning of surgery to 170 lbs. in the frist seven weeks. Much of my pre-op stress was worrying over whether or not I was being frivolous and foolish spending $20,000 on the procedure, but I really think I did the right thing. I knew there was no way, with my BMI around 38, that any insurance was going to pay and that if I wanted this done it was going to have to come out of my pocket. As I see the scale inching downward I can safely say I would do it all over again, self-pay or not. About your fear of failing, I can totally relate to that also. I still can't imagine myself ever being in a size 8 or 10, and I refuse to get my hopes up that that may happen someday. I try to take things one day at a time and be pleased with what I'm wearing and how well I'm feeling today. Easier said than done, granted, but that's how I try to think. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide.
   — Samantha S.

October 30, 2002
I also self paid in Sept 02. I've lost 42lbs from the time I decided to have the surgery & 36lbs since surgery. I've gone back & forth from feeling like it isn't working to feeling confident & secure in the knowledge that it is. I ended up paying 13,000 for an Open RNY & while it was everything I had, I'd do it again tomorrow. Even with the doubts. My only regret is that my doc only does extremely proximal procedures, & I would have liked more bypassed. Oh well, less vitamins for me to take! Good luck to you!
   — LionGirl2k

October 30, 2002
I have no regrets on being a self-pay. According to my surgeon, his self-pay patients are the most sucessul. I guess that is because we have paid with our own hard earned money and don't want to have a costly failure. I had my open RNY end of August and have lost 40 lbs.. I would do it again in a New York minute..... email me if you have questions....
   — barbara A.

October 30, 2002
I too had to self pay. It cost me $11,000 for the Dr, $2,000 for anestheia, $14,000 for a 5 day hospital stay, and Just today another $700 for new clothes, size 8 at Cache. Was it worth it...HELL YES!!!.I would pay that once a year if i had to to stay thin!!! Of course everyone I know had their insurance pay for their surgery and in all fairness my ins co should have paid for mine too. I was 5'3" 225 lbs and had a bunch of comorbidities. I am trying to find the energy to write to my insurance commissioner, i doubt it will do any good. I am nw 158 looking and feeling great. you are welcome to write with more questions. Good luck to you, Robyn
   — robyn R.

October 30, 2002
Seems pretty unanimous about the decision to self-pay and I am no different. In fact, I have not thought twice about the money..."out of sight, out of mind", except for the fact that I am 80+ pounds lighter and feel and look fabulous. In my eyes, this was my new car and other stuff can wait. I saved, I used credit cards and dont regreat a thing. I make payments each month and have no problem writing out that check every month. Go fot it!
   — Julie D.

October 30, 2002
Not a one! I flew out of the country to Spain and spent about 17 or 18 grand in June 2002. I've gone from 260 to 180...size 22/24 top to large; size 24 bottoms to size 14/16. I just bought a dress for a holiday formal...in a size 12! Regret spending the money? It was probably the best financial investment I'd made in a LONG time!
   — Pamela B.

October 30, 2002
As much as I hate having to write out that check every month to pay for the loan for my surgery, I have to say no to your question. I don't regret it at all. My grand total after everything is about $17,000, plus stuff pre-op that my insurance refused to pay for my medical bills for the year will be close to $20,000. It's tax deductible, every bit of it ... can't wait for that check to come in! I have had zero complications. I am 5'3" and started at about 250 on the morning of surgery. I'll be 6 months post-op on November 6th. and I am down 90 lbs. No regrets. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
   — KelBurt

November 1, 2002
Hi! I went to Monterray, Mexico. I paid $12,000 aprox. for everything. I am a slow loser darn but I lost 20 pounds in the first month without exercise. I feel better about myself and I know more will come off. I feel that I am worth it and I have no regrets 5 weeks out. Good Luck
   — train