new here-questions about self pay

Hey guys.  I am a friend of Jacqui's and have been overweight all my life.  Because of her great success, I started checking into WLS.  Unfortunately, I found out that my insurance does not cover it at all for any reason.  Have any of you done this as a self pay?  I am not really afraid of paying for the surgery, but am more afraid of paying for complications.  Thoughts/opinions anyone??? Denise

Hi Denise.  Welcome to Indiana OH!  I was a self pay patient at St. Vincents.  I talked to Dr. Gupta up front about my concerns about complications since I was self pay and practically sold my soul to be able to pay for the surgery.  She said that they are very rare and if something like that happened, they would do everything they could to work with your insurance company.  I only spent one night in the hospital after my surgery and have had no complications as of yet.  I am only 4 weeks out but I would totally recommend it!    Good luck!

Thanks for the information.  I know it's only been 4 weeks, but has it been worth it so far?  I guess I'm afraid to spend the money knowing that I have a history of failing miserably at the whole weight loss thing.  It just seems almost too good to be true.

Hi Denise- I was self pay at St. Vincents' and I did have complications.   St. Vincents was wonderful to me in working out the extra charges.  It took some time and effort but, I can't say enough good things about them!  What I paid covered anything that happened in the first three days.  It was the additional 10 days I spent there that increased my cost.  I am happy to answer any questions that you might have - just email me and let me know what you need know.... Smiles - Lisa 351/180

Yayyyyy!!!!  My friend is on OH!!! I love you! Jacqui

I love you too Jacqui!!!