Question:
For those who have had to pay for their wls could I please have some totals?

I may have to go this route to this surgery and would like to know the amounts I am I looking at for the open and lap procedures. If you woudl prefer to e-mail me direct, you may do so at [email protected] I appreciate any and all help :) PAige    — Paige W. (posted on February 16, 2000)

February 16, 2000
I have to pay for the surgery. The hospital and my surgeon together are about $24,000.
   — Margaret M.

February 17, 2000
I will probably have to pay for mine. I do have ins. but expect to be denied. I told my surgeon that I would pay for it if I have to he told me it would cost about 14,000 for the whole thing. Surgeons, Hosp, etc. They usually keep you in the hospital here about 5 days. Since I do have insurance, I Dr. said he would give me a 20% discount if I paid upfront. I know if the insurance pays, He will be taking a 30% discount because of their contract. I hope to get the same deal from the hospital which would drop my whole bill to around $11,500. So I have gone ahead an scheduled my surgery for the 17th of March. If my insurance denies my surgery, I will appeal it after my surgery to be refunded what I had to pay. This is my plan, Hope it helps! Waiting in Spokane!
   — Jeanie W.

February 17, 2000
Hi. I was a private pay with Dr. Champion in Atlanta, Ga. for the RNY, I paid $18,750. That includes everything regardless if you stay in the hospital for 2 days or 5 days.
   — Julie F.

February 17, 2000
I was told that at the Belvidere clinic in Illinois you cannot private pay!
   — Jennifer R.

February 21, 2000
Hi, my totals (pre consultations,etc., postop visits, too) have been around $30,000.00 for an open RNY. Good luck!
   — charlene M.

May 24, 2000
I ran across this on the NET...I know nothing about this surgeon or the prosedure he uses.. However, it's sure worth a letter to him to research his program and maybe visit with his support group patients to see how well they are doing etc.. <p> Gastric Surgery Special Offer..he offered whole package for 6,500.00 total... <p> http://www.pilot.infi.net/~dcam/Offer.html <p> He states: He has negotiated a deal and have cut the cost of the surgery fees drastically. He is able to offer this operation at about one third to one quarter or less than you would pay elsewhere. This price covers operating room charges, recovery room charges, hospital's daily room charges, surgeon's fees anesthesia fees and follow up fees following surgery. The price he is offering is $6500.00 and only offered to self payers turned down my insurance companies... Again I state I have no personal knowledge of this surgeon or his program.. Check it out!!! <p> Please visit my profile page for information, links and recipes.. here
   — Victoria B.

May 31, 2000
Hi Paige.. I had my open DS in Spain for $10,000. What I got for my money was the following: A team of 3 surgeons, all hospital costs, medications, room and board for 2 people for 7 days, a wonderful nursing staff and a doctor with the absolute best bedside manner. If you want to combine a mini-vacation with your surgery, this is the way to go. A friend of mine is with my surgeon right now and recovering very well. He and his wife have had her out of the hospital during the day for sight-seeing and a visit in their home. We will be returning to Spain in a couple of weeks for my daughter's surgery. If you have any questions, please let me know!
   — Kris S.