Back again... questions for self payers.

Jennifer L.
on 6/2/10 3:39 am - Dayton, OH
VSG on 07/10/13 with
Hey everyone! So in December of 2008 I came to OH to get some information and support about choosing to do the DS weight loss surgery. I went through all the stuff to get approved and I was declined late January of 2009 because of an exclusion with my husbands insurance. I am very glad I was declined though because just a couple months later I ended up pregnant with my 2nd son, who is now 6 month old! I am very blessed to have had him!

Now my oldest son is 2, my 2nd son is 6 months, and my husband and I decided to have no more children so I closed my baby shop! The good news is that I have lost weight during that time... about 35-40lbs (my weight is jumping alot). I lost 10lbs before I got pregnant, 15 during pregnancy (it showed up after my son was born.. I had no idea!), and 10-15 after. It has been 3 months without a budge on the scale. I was 276, now I am around 240. So I am better off now than I was before. However, even a year and 1/2 later, I still believe surgery is my best option for long term weight control and health for me. I am still have too much weight, and looking at my whole family (on my moms side) I know it is something that isn't completely in my control. My moms family is diverse in lifestyles... and every single person is overweight except for my one cousin who literally never eats and the few others who have had WLS.

My husband has a new job so we looked to see if his new insurance would cover it. Sadly, it doesn't. So now we are considering the self pay option. My husband is beyond supportive. He has watched me try to lose weight and struggle just to get a few lbs off. He watched me gain the weight during my first pregnancy and he didn't understand how it was happening.

ANYWAY... could all of you self payers please share your experiences with me? Trials? Who did you finance through? If you dont mind me asking, how much did it cost and what to you pay every month and for how long? Also.. how is your credit to begin with? I know these are personal questions to many, I just would like to have an idea of what we'd be looking at. Thanks so much everyone!

HW: 275 SW: 265 CW: 200 GW: 135 Month 1: -25 Month 5: -65lbs total
On the fence about self-pay options and if Mexico is the right choice (or scared of that option)? Let my experience (first time ever in Mexico) be your guide. Don't let fear hold you back!

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"You make me new, you are making me new" Gungor

Emily F.
on 6/2/10 4:22 am
I have good credit but we are maxed out so Carecredit gave me like a 20+ interest rate and only about 10000, (My ds was 13000 in Mexico). So that was outrageous. We don't have any equity in our house since the downfall of the market and only had about 7000 in retirement accounts.

So I ended up borrowing from a family member. I told them it would be a LONG time for me paying it back but I'm making small payments.

The CapitalOne medical credit card is not taking applications right n ow, not sure if they will resume.

You can also get a bank loan, not sure how high they go.

Mexico was the best option for me to save money and I'm extremely happy with my experience. It was first class, honestly have never had that good of a hospital experience in the states with my c sections.

Good luck and I know its daunting but worth it!
shannn
on 6/2/10 4:23 am - Knoxville , TN
I'm not self-pay so I don't have too many answers for you, but I do have a couple of opinions just from hanging out around here. If I was self-pay, I'd go to Mexico to Dr. Ungsen (I think that's how you spell it.) He seems to be much more financially reasonable and everyone I've seen has great results with him. If not, I'd think about getting a part time job at Starbucks as they seem to have great benefits.

Any way you go, I hope your journey goes well and you're able to get the surgery you want. :)

~shannon
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~E. Roosevelt


(Ticker includes 11 pounds lost in pre-op diet.) 

goodkel
on 6/2/10 4:53 am
I went to Dr. Ungson $12k, but I believe he charges $13k now---still a BARGAIN. Better care than I have ever experienced or witnessed in the States. Hermosillo is a one hour plane ride from Phoenix which comforted me pre-op, not an issue after I experienced the care down there.

Add travel expenses to that, food for your travel companion (you'll be on liquids) if you bring one, your companion can stay in your room on a very comfortable full length couch, but you'll still need a hotel room for about $85/day for 5 days or so for after you are discharged, my discharge prescriptions cost $250, but that can vary based on your needs. Luckily, drugs are cheaper down there. There's also a Wal-Mart nearby that is a bit of a tradition to visit. Post-ops need the walking exercise and it's a great place to pick up drinks, etc. for back at the hotel at cheap Wal-Mart prices. The cab there costs about $5.00. If there are any other post-ops there, everyone stays at the same very nice hotel, you can share cabs and split the cost.

I paid cash (inheritance), but I do know that they will accept credit cards. You have to pay the credit card surcharge, though, which seems fair.

Hope this helps!
Check out my profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/goodkel/
Or click on my name
DS SW 265 CW 120 5'7"



Emily F.
on 6/2/10 4:58 am
It's 13,000 but the hotel is included. Complications are all covered except the hospital room for the extended stay. Keep that in mind too.
For great WLS info join me here  www.dsfacts.com
goodkel
on 6/2/10 5:21 am
Cool that the increase covers the hotel. I bet it helps keep all the patients together, too. I remember some rebels who were keen on staying at different hotels and that must have been awfully inconvenient for the visiting nurses.

I DID have a minor complication that involved a longer hospital stay. I was charged $100/day for the hospital room--$15 more than I would have paid for the hotel, anyway, without the full time nursing care. And I paid NOTHING for a second exploratory lap surgery or for the extra scans, tests, anesthesia, or doctors. NOTHING.

Another reason why it makes sense to follow doctor's orders and stay nearby post-op in case something comes up rather than racing back home...
Check out my profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/goodkel/
Or click on my name
DS SW 265 CW 120 5'7"



Jennifer L.
on 6/2/10 5:12 am - Dayton, OH
VSG on 07/10/13 with
My husband is SO against going out of the US for the surgery. I am very open minded about it... but to get him on board (and any family members we might have to borrow from) I would need alot of details to convince them. Anything you all can share about that would be great!! Also, if you know of any good surgeons in the US that are on the more affordable side, that information would be good to have too! Information is key right now... especially without insurnace to back me up.

OH! And does insurance still cover the stuff you need from the PCP if you self pay for the surgery? like labs and things similar that will come up after the surgery?

HW: 275 SW: 265 CW: 200 GW: 135 Month 1: -25 Month 5: -65lbs total
On the fence about self-pay options and if Mexico is the right choice (or scared of that option)? Let my experience (first time ever in Mexico) be your guide. Don't let fear hold you back!

Instagram

"You make me new, you are making me new" Gungor

Emily F.
on 6/2/10 5:29 am
My pre op tests were covered, never questioned, but I hear you need to make sure the doc is coding the requests as malabsorption problem instead of wls.

I think Kerry knows who is cheaper in the US.
For great WLS info join me here  www.dsfacts.com
Chad M.
on 6/2/10 5:36 am - Indianapolis, IN
My family would have been very against having surgery outside the country. Frankly, I would have as well, before I knew anything about it. I think having one of Dr. Ungson's patients explain the condition of the hospital and the overall experience might help. I know there are some in Ohio--have you considered getting together with them?
Emily F.
on 6/2/10 5:38 am
My experience is on my blog. It was wonderful.
For great WLS info join me here  www.dsfacts.com
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