Any other SELF-PAYING sleevers???

I'm an educator, who also happens to be single with no kids, so they tax the hell out of me! Needless to say, I don't have any health insurance (I've never had any pre-existing conditions). This has been okay for the last 3 years that I've been a teacher, but when I thought about actually deciding to go forth with WLS, this proved to be quite challenging. So, I remember how when I first graduated college, I needed some dental work. The dentist told me about CARE CREDIT!! I had paid off my first debt to CARE CREDIT, and I never imagined having to use it again! Well, thank GOD I had been introduced to it, because that is what is FINANCING my SLEEVE!!!! My surgery is close to $13, 000.00.......an amount I'd have to save up for quite sometime if in fact I had to pay for it on my own!!! So, CARE CREDIT has been a life saving agent!!

This route has afforded me the opportunity to NOT have to go through many of the procedures that those who had to go through insurance companies have had to do. I didn't have to go through the ACCEPT/DENIED process, and I've not been required to attend certain worshops, seminars, classes, etc. However, I also feel as if I've been cheated a little bit as well! A lot of the things people on here talk about, I know NOTHING of firsthand! What little information I do know, I've received from the (4) people I personally know that have had WLS.  I've not had to see a dietician/NUT, and I do feel a little bit UNPREPARED for what is to come! 

This forum has been of great help, though!! I'm learning more and more daily!!! Has any other self-payer felt DEPRIVED of information, simply because you're PAYING for it, rather than an insurance company????

Hi.
I'm from Canada and also a self pay. I did the surgery in Mexico for $9200. I did so much research before I booked my date. I think I knew everything inside out and backwards lol. I'm happy with how everything turned out and also happy I didn't have to deal with the insurance nightmare.

Heidi
xx

Same here, I spent the time before surgery in research mode.. I actually feel like I walked into this knowing more than some who go through the insurance and hoops. Since I had to take an active role in educating myself, vs listening to the NUT or lectures from the (sales) surgery centers I dove a lot deeper than many.

I'm cash pay (well, partial - the rest is through care credit) and my doctor still required an appointment with the fitness lady, the nutritionist and have a psyche eval. I, personally, think those were important steps for me to take. I also have a slew of tests I have to get done beforehand as well. I'm surprised the doctor doesn't require some of that. Are you sure? You might want to call to make sure.

On my own, I've also found a counselor that specializes in weight issues and am meeting with her before so that if I have problems after, she'll know who I am, what my deal is and what help I may need.

If you feel like you need something more, you need to go out and get it. I think we make our destiny.

@Sleevegirl.....I also paid a partial amount out of pocket. The doctor required me to have a pulmonary evaluation, a cardiologist evaluation, as well as a pscyh evaluation. I didn't have to take any other tests, and I wasn't required to meet with a nutritionists nor a dietician. Now, from what I've heard, I'm NOT completely out of the clear, because he may want me to meet with them after the surgery! However, I've seen on here where people had to meet with everyone, including the PRESIDENT OF THE USA (just kidding) before embarking upon this WL journey!! 

I paid mine out of a retirement account. The fees I paid include access to a nutrionist as well as a decent amount of education materials. I'd say I learned much more by my research though. The distance I am from my surgeon made me want to learn as much as I can to where I am able to more or less care for myself with the help of my local doctors. I felt fortunate not to have to jump trhough all the hoops to get approval. It basically was attend a seminar to hear about all the types of WLS offered by the surgeon, show up for a pre-op consult with test results from blood work, cardiac clearence and endoscopy and schedule surgery. I was scheduled soon after and paid the day before surgery. Very quick and easy but it didn't leave me feeling left out at all.

I am also self pay, from Alberta. I found this website extreamly helpful as well as utube videos and all the info I could read and find. My friend had the procedure done and I asked her lots of questions as well. If you have any questions feel free to ask away! If I can answer them I would be happy too!

I am also a self pay and my pre op testing will be the same as yours.  Mine also includes meeting with a NUT one time to go over my food log, a complete physical and lab work done with my PCP and I also have to attend a "bariatric educational class".  I do have to say that I have done a ton of research.  This web site is a God send and the wealth of information that these people are willing to share is amazing.  Do you know yet if you will have a pre op diet to follow?

I was a self-pay as well. I agree with the being cheated part. I paid 13,000 for mine as well, but I didn't have to get the psych eval or anything else. I just went in, told him what I knew about the surgeries, talked through each of them with him, and then set my date. I also paid for 2 nights in the hospital, but only used 1. Where is my refund? lol If I had stayed 3 nights, you better bet I would have had another $1000 to pay the hospital. lol

I learned everything I knew by researching it, and I was working in a hospital too, so one of the docs let me observe the RNY and Lapband. I didn't get to see the sleeve, but as soon as I started to research it, I had my answer.

The hospital I went to, gave me a huge book that tells me everything I need to know. It has diet information, vitamin information, medication information, and even excercising info! It's my WL Bible.

You'll do so great and you'll not regret this. It's been 3 weeks for me, and I am already so very thankful. I feel like a new person!

 

 

My surgery was 11000 cash pay whi*****luded all pre op testing, doctor, hospital, and 2 years of follow up with doctor and nutritionist. I also had a pre op class which went over all of the expected diet and guidelines.