!YAY! Found US doctor with Mexico rates!

Hi everyone!

I am new to this forum.  I have contemplated WLS in the past, but always decided against it due to the surgeries offered.  I didn't want the bypass or the lapband.  I recently came across of the VSG and got super excited. 

With my insurance company not paying anything towards WLS, I knew I would have to finance it on my own.  Research led me to Mexico.  I was almost ready to schedule the surgery, when someone told me about Dr. Morris Washington in SC.  He has a VSG  all inclusive VSG rate of $8,000.  I've researched him and he seems to be right on!  I am so excited.  My family is even more so because I won't be traveling to Mexico. 

My consultant is March 27th and possible surgery in June. 

Good luck!

The sleeve was the only WLS I would consider and I also self-paid for the procedure.
Best investment I ever made in my health and well being.

That's great! I would just be sure to double check that that includes, not only his fees, but all hospital costs and someone else mentioned at one point, asking if there r complications requiring additional nights, would it be extra or is anything that may arise included... Best of luck to u tho!!! I'm waiting to get mine scheduled now n I'm like a giddy little school girl cuz i just get so excited thinking about it!

I agree, check to make sure no hidden costs. Also, make sure there are some people on here that recommend him. I understand your fears of mexico but at least these surgeons have done thousands of these surgeries and not only 100. I would look into how many sleeves he did, leak rates amd other complications. I just don't undestand how an american dr can charge so little. Had my surgery in mexico amd no complications and never had the post op pain lots have had. Look after yourself and make sure you do your research, it took my a few months of researching before I finally picked a surgeon.

 Yes, definitely excited for you, but as a recent sleever  (insurance paid for my surgery) I know that there are so many other things besides your surgeon and use of the operating room that are involved-anesthesiologist, IV meds, Heparin shots(to prevent blood clots), ,catherization,nursing staff(check and monitor your vitals reguarly), "food"(jello, water, broth),leak test, etc, In short, I would just advise you to make sure all of these items are covered, in addition to verifying how many nights are included-I had no pain but was very nauseous after surgery and the day after, felt better the next day and was cleared to be released(I could have gone home the day after surgery but was glad I had that extra monitoring and extra day of anti nausea meds in hospital). Also, see if a pre op diet and after surgery support are included-they are very important also. Best of luck to you!

Wow.....that is a great price.  I looked him up and it seems legit.  $8,000 includes surgeon, anesthesia, hospital, and radiology.

That's certainly the lowest self pay I have seen the US....wonder how they can pull it off.  Guess they don't need much to live on down in SC.

The ONLY negative I see....as compared to Mexico is that I know the most reputable surgeons down there (Aceves, Kelly, Alvarez, etc) have likely done over 1,000 sleeves....and Dr. Washington (according to his website has only done 192).  Still he seems to have great reviews.

Good luck!  I hope it all goes well for you.

I have checked into Dr. Washington also as I am self pay.  My consult is in April they are booked till July for me.

That fee is all inclusive.  Except for your motel stay if you are from out of town.  You have to stay in N.C. a wk total after the surgery If I am not mistaken.  It also includes 90 day of complication coverage.  So if anything happens like a leak its covered *claps hands*

He moved down from N.J. and my understanding is he is trying to the hospital certified for that thing, whats it called an accreditation?  *brain dead*.

He as of now has done 227 sleeves. His statistics are listed.  I will be asking questions at my consult about the bougie size, and how he closes the staple line.  Weather he over sews or uses a cement.  How he tests for leaks.  Does he do the contrast or does he use the dye right after the surgery while they are still in you.  

Now on his website he has a place where you can watch one of his seminars. He says he has never had a leak.  I figure with all the experience he has had with the RNY. this surgery should be much easier to perform. 

Check him out guys see if you can find anything bad I have looked all over the place short of calling NY where he practices and NJ. 

P.S. It is 2 nights in the hospital.
Cheers guys
Deb