Question:
For all the Self payers please share your experience...

I would like to know how much they payed and who did the surgery? Thanks    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on June 13, 2003)

June 13, 2003
I self paid around $18,000 for RNY and an additional $3500 for tummy tuck with Dr. Kevin Mitchell in St. Louis, Missouri. He is no longer doing the surgery.
   — Brenda H.

June 13, 2003
I have not had the surgery yet but I am working on getting my money together. I have paid the surgeon his $7000 (Dr. Douglas Nespory, Jopin, MO) and I'm getting the hospital cost together $16500. The really sad thing is that the hospital that I work for actually has it's OWN wls center but the surgery is not covered by our ins. ISN'T THAT CRAZY!!! And not only is it not covered, they will not cut employees a break, I asked for some type of payment plan and they wouldn't even do it ~ I've worked for these people for 5 1/2 years! I am in the process of writing to the corporate office, not that I expect them to do anything, but at least my voice will be heard. They say one day the surgery will be covered by our ins. but that could be sometime next year... if they even do it! Good luck on your journey!
   — MICHELLE F.

June 13, 2003
10 months ago I was a self pay.....total cost to date is $42,000 give or take a few dollars. Dr. James Wallace in Milwaukee
   — barbara A.

June 13, 2003
I self payed to Dr. Marchesini in Brazil for the DS in March. The total with air/motel/food/incidentals was $11800. The hospital was immaculate, the care well above anything I've ever had in the States and Brazil and her people are lovely & very friendly. I've lost 56# in 12 weeks - no complications or problems whatsoever!
   — Cera H.

June 13, 2003
Hi~ I had Open-Rny with Dr.Aguirre in Ensenada,Mexico. My total cost for everything was 6,500.00 plus travel. I see where Nicki said his price was 7,500.00 now, but I talked to a women yesterday who told me he quoted her 6,900.00 so I believe his price is still at 6,900.00. He will be going up on his price starting 1-1-04 to 8,500.00 due to the hospital raising their price. Right now he is booking dates in Novemember. So if your interested I would e-mail him now. Please feel free to read my profile it is "very detailed" with everything. I also have all of his contact information on it. Good luck to you on whatever you decide to do.
   — latrishanickle

June 14, 2003
I was self pay 3/27/03. I paid 22,500. I had it done in Maryland by Dr Schweitzer I had the Lap Gastric Bypass. All has gone well no problems or complications Ive lost 65 pounds. He's a great doctor and worht every penny.
   — Johari B.

June 16, 2003
I AM HAVING SURGERY DAY AFTER TOMORROW IN SALT LAKE CITY. COST IS $17,225.00. $10,000.00 TO HOSPITAL REST TO COVER SURGEON AND ASSIT. ETC. ALSO INCLUDES VISITS FOR FIRST YEAR.
   — carla S.

June 19, 2003
I also was self-pay and went to Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada, Mexico. Surgery date was May 5, 2003. The price was $6,900. which included all doctors costs, hospital fees, lab fees, it was a totally inclusive price. I, too, heard he was raising his price but still worth every penny. I'm 6 weeks out, down 32 lbs. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]