Self Pay - need to stay in the US this time - low BMI

**Bre27** · 10-02-2014 05:32 PM

I don't think you are going to find a surgeon that will do it with that low of a BMI. I think your 2 choices are either gain more so your BMI goes up or convince your husband to go back to Mexico.

**SethP** · 10-02-2014 08:24 PM

You have a BMI of 30 and many say that is considered low but do you have any co-morbidities? This will make a difference when you are looking for a surgeon here in the States. I do not know what my Drs. limits were as I was 40.2 when I seen him. It was not an issue and I was a self-pay also. It moved along rather quickly for me. I think alot of the limitations that many talk about is becuase it is set by insurance companies. I am sure that if you are a self pay with a history of weight issues that you will find a surgeon that will be willing to do the procedure for you. My surgery was done by Dr. Schwab in South Louisiana. Godspeed on your journey.

**Journey Tobeme** · 10-02-2014 10:13 PM

I'm sure there are plenty of self pay options in the states. I know of 2 within 30 minutes of my house in Oklahoma. At least 6 in the state that I know of. All great programs. Your low Bmi will likely be a factor. I would guess you would be looking at about 12k-20k. But i don't know figures for certain.

**Dreaming of 139** · 11-23-2014 12:04 PM

My husband said MAYBE on Friday morning, so I am back to researching doctors again. My BMI is up to 31.5.

I would LOVE to go back to Dr. V in Mexico, but my husband is concerned about my traveling to Mexico again. I would rather go back to what I know is an excellent surgeon and team rather than start over and pay at least twice as much.

Any thoughts on US based docs that are NOT chop shops that take low BMI patients??

**Ann2** · 11-23-2014 12:09 PM

Chop shops?

What's a bariatric chop shop?

And how does that vary from Mexico bariatric centers?

**Dreaming of 139** · 11-23-2014 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Ann2

Chop shops?

What's a bariatric chop shop?

And how does that vary from Mexico bariatric centers?

I am referring to inexperienced surgeons who are clueless - I met one during a band fill here in the states.

I suppose that there are chop shops everywhere, but I had a great experience in MX, so I do not consider the docs or hospital that I used to be one. When I look online for US surgeons who will take a low BMI patient, I am scared at what I see for the most part.

**Heather1979** · 11-23-2014 01:48 PM

Unfortunately I think with your bmi the only kind of surgeon that would do the op on you is not going to be a reputable one . Can you not have a fill? Other option which is last case scenario have your band removed let your stomach heal and you will most likely gain weight and then should find it easier to find someone to do the op . Good luck

**Dreaming of 139** · 11-23-2014 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by Heather1979

Unfortunately I think with your bmi the only kind of surgeon that would do the op on you is not going to be a reputable one . Can you not have a fill? Other option which is last case scenario have your band removed let your stomach heal and you will most likely gain weight and then should find it easier to find someone to do the op . Good luck

My band was already removed and I have already regained most of the weight.... sad but true.