Question:
If your insurance company does not cover it, how much does it cost?

Is it alot cheaper in Mexico? Doesn't it seem risky to go to a foreign country for something like this?    — Lorie K. (posted on April 30, 1999)

April 30, 1999
I had part of my stomach removed, and part of my small intestine bypassed. The entire proceedure cost about $35K, including surgeon, assiting physician, hospital stay, radiology, psych test, and other pre-op tests. I would never have it performed by someone I wasn't 110% confident in. My surgeon had performed the same procedure on my aunt's sister, with wonderful results. My advise is to research healthcare providers who have approved the procedure you want, and gather all necessary evidence to win your case. Contact others who have successfully gotten coverage. Major surgery is very scary, painful, and inherently dangerous. Get a qualified, referenced doctor. Good luck!
   — Elizabeth W.

April 30, 1999
The gastric bypass costs @$17,000.00 to $22,000.00, but, some doctors & hospitals will work with you and maybe give you a discount if they know that you are paying for this out of you own pocket. Mexico is cheaper but you have to remember that this is a serious major surgery. I made sure that the doctor I chose was qualified and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). www.asbs.org This is something you don't want to skimp on. If not done properly it could cost you your life.
   — Lynn H.

May 1, 1999
$10,000 on the low end of the spectrum for the bypass surgery
   — C B.

May 11, 1999
Dr. Paul Selinkoff in San Antonio, Texas charges $3500 for his part and the hospital stay is $2000 per day. If you are recovering nicely he sends you home on the 3rd day, if not he keeps you 5 days.
   — Sandy R.

May 19, 1999
Call Dr. Neil Hutchers office in Richmond Va. he is the bestand the cost if your ins. won't pay is 12,500 for the surgery and hospital stay. This is major surgery and you should be looking for the best Dr. not the cheapest.
   — [Anonymous]

June 7, 1999
In researching laproscopic RNYs, I found the costs to be similar... both Dr. Champion (Atlanta) and Alvarado (San Diego) charge about $20,000 (includes everything). For VBG, the cost was about $12,000. If you are looking at having the lap-band procedure, check out the Bandsters list on OSSG. They have a webpage, that links to surgeons around the world. From what I recall, France was the cheapest with the costs being about $6,500. Please, do not use cost as your only factor, and check out your surgeon thoroughly. Good luck. :)
   — Karla K.