Self-Pay and second thoughts

I am scheduled to have the lap band later this month.  However, I am having second thoughts about whether or not this is the best surgery for me.  I am doing self pay an everything is already set, the total cost for everything is about $15,000.  I was just wondering for those of you wh odid self pay for RNY approximately what was the cost?  Thanks for any advice that you canprovide me.

My surgeon charged $15,000 for band, and $17,500 for RNY :) Good luck Im sure your brain is flying 15,000 miles an hour right about now. As a self pay I remember well wondering if I was crazy for spending so much money on what could have been another failure to chalk up to the weight loss board. As it turns out I was so wrong and very glad I didn't let the money jitters get the best of me :) HUGS PK

Thanks so much for responding to my post!!!  I am feeling just as you described.  I am going to do a lot of thinking over the weekend and hope and pray that I make the right decision. I will keep you posted.

Good luck to you.  I was initially going to get the band as well but changed my mind.  I am totally comfortable with my decision!! Lisa

I initially began with the notion of having the band.  With study and much prayer and research, I decided to have RNY because of better long term results and less complications........I also considered the DS.  RNY is my final decision and scheduled for June 25.  Good luck to you!!!

I was self pay. I initially planned on getting the band but changed my mind for the RNY. My doctor charged 13000 for the Lapband and 24000 for Laproscopic RNY. Its good to question yourself because it will make you dig further for information and give yourself time to be at peace with your decision.You just have to go with your gut feeling on this.  I know the emotions you are going through because I have been there.

My surgery was a package deal and included airfare, transportation, hospital, hotel, etc. I had lap RNY and it was $12,500 total, and the BEST gift to myself. I had a very positive experience.

My RNY was $20,000, but with all the pre-op and post-op expenses, it was more like $23,000. A lap band would have cost $15,000.

$19500 for lap RNY.  I made my decision ($3000 cheaper for band) based on the idea I wanted this done once and I wanted it to be final.  I have NEVER regretted it for a second. HOWEVER, I had NO complications due to having the very best of surgeons, was in good health for someone who weighed 402 pounds, and swore to follow the program (including diet stages, vitamins, exercise, etc.) to the letter (which doesn't mean I'm perfect.  I just wasn't looking to eat Doritos two days after surgery---yes, my NUT has a client that did.)  I've lost 181 pounds to date with 22 to go to be at a very realistic goal.

My advice is that this is a very important and personal decision.  I would pause and spend time researching both Lap and RNY, and talk to your doctor again.  Also use this board for research.  Don't let anyone pressure you either way and don't be afraid to delay it for a few weeks until you decide.  Remember that this is the beginning of the rest of your life. - Barry