Self Pay - best price + surgeon closest to Maryland?

[akindofmagick]

Hi,

I live in Maryland. Decided a VSG was for me in August 2009, but still don't meet comorbidities criteria to have insurance cover it, despite being 4.5 years older and 15 pounds heavier. I really REALLY want to move forward, but prices in MD and VA run $18,500-$20,000. Can anyone point me in the direction of a clinic with a fantastic reputation that is driving distance to Baltimore / Washington DC? The closest decent clinic+surgeon+price I've found is in North Carolina, and entails a week-long stay.

I don't care about follow-up with the same physician: love my primary care physician, and Johns Hopkins. Just can't afford Johns Hopkins' prices.

Thanks!

Sheri

[MBL]

You are likely to get a ton of answers about Mexico and why that is "better." You might want to point blank specify if that does not interest you. Best of luck!

[leahmj88]

Had mine done in Mexico and it was the best decision I ever made :-) almost a year later and 110lbs down.

[steaph214]

Hi. Yeah I am here in Md as well. I went through similar issue with my insurance company and after switching twice I still never got coverage so after 2 years of research and alot of prayer, you tube and patient testimonials I decided to do medical tourism and I will be sleeved next month with Dr Almanza. It is the best choice for me so in 29 days I will let you know how it goes. Good luck on your journey

[steaph214]

Sorry I just read the entire post. Sorry but no help with area surgeons. I couldn't find anyone in the DMV. I hope you can find what you need. I know tgey have an amazing bariatric center at Providence Hospital but im not sure of pricing. I have 4 personal friends who used them 2 band, a sleeve and duodenal switch. All rave about the doctor. Good luck with search

[barrbdoll]

I live in Hagerstown, MD and went to Mexico.... GREAT Experience.... can't say enough about it!! I come from a medical family and trust me...... I was taken better care of there then I would have been here... My mother who is a retired nurse went with me and my sister, a nurse practitioner for the Chief of Staff at Shock Trauma signed off as well.. Even her boss has heard of my surgeon! Matter of fact, he has trained a lot of the US Dr's on his techniques... if I am not mistaken some Hopkins surgeons were on that list!!

I'm an open book about my experience so please don't hesitate to ask me questions!! I know it can be scary traveling to another country but I am a world traveler and 85% of my surgeons patients are US and Canada due to insurance exclusions etc..... The care is truly top notch!!!

[akindofmagick]

Thanks - I see you're right!! The incidences of illegal drug related violence preclude medical tourism to Mexico at this time. Dr Aceves would be my choice of surgeons, if that option were open. I need to find something closer to home.

[Lynn61]

I just had my surgery on Monday 1/13. It was done by Dr. Thomas Clark in Newport News, VA (Center for Weight Loss Success). I too was self pay. I live in Norfolk but the Sentara and Bon Secours in Norfolk were too expensive. Someone on this post recommended Dr. Clark and I checked out the website and the rest is history. This is all he does. He has lots of experience and a good reputation. The surgery is done at Sentara Hampton Careplex. The total cost is $13,995 and this covers everything (preop, labs, xrays, hospital, anesthesia and 1 year of classes, behavior modification, nutrition, exercise). It's the total package. I know many on here have had great experience in Mexico but this is another option. Good luck.

[zmdh39]

I had my surgery done with the Santa Fe Medical Group. I paid a little over 4,000 for my surgery. My surgeon, Dr. Quinones was amazing, and has a stellar reputation. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Best of luck on your surgery!

[christine53]

Mexico here. Would never pay the high prices in USA. It would still be paying on it to this day and cussing myself for doing that. Mine is paid for and it worked. Reached my goal in 5 months. Love it!

[toutdesuite]

$10K in southeast Florida with either Dr. Wizman or Dr. Shillingford at a Center of Excellence.

[tinadago]

I'm looking into having Dr. Matthew Weiner, in Michigan. Self pay is $11600. There is also a Dr. Mark Pleatman, who charges $11300. Not sure if Michigan is too far for you to travel.

[flybyngt]

Hi akindofmagick,

I could not have any higher of a recommendation than Dr. Eric Mallico, of Novant Bariatric Solutions, Rowan in Salisbury, NC. Tel # 704-638-8631. Call and talk with them. Dr Mallico and his staff are awesome!! Go read my intro and you will see this man saved my life even before the Sleeve I had done on the 4th of this month and was home by 3 the next day. I am one week, one day out and seriously feel terrific except for a lil tug here and there. Dr Eric Mallico is a very highly recommend Surgeon also. Top of the line. He has been Chief of Surgery at many local hospitals. He moved his practice about ap1 1/2hrs from my home near Charlotte to Salisbury. I don't care, I would follow this man anywhere. No one else will touch me but Dr Mallico. He is even in all my legal health care proxies, directives, etc as the go to man to make any decisions on my behalf. I could not say enough about him and his team. Please call his office and before you seek anywhere else, come speak with him. Outstanding Doctor!!!

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. BTW, I am not affiliated with him or his practice in any way. Just when you find a doctor that I would put my life in his hands.. and I have in the beginning, and such a great experience.. You want to share with others. Call Dr Mallico's office, you can even tell them Tony S. recommend you. You could not find a better surgeon.

I only have one insurance, and it sucks!! He and his team have compassion and understand. He treats each of his patients like they are his friends. Over just about year since I have first went to him. We have become good friends.. Always look forward to seeing him. He takes his time with you, answers all and any of your questions. His bed side manner is unbelievable. You will never feel so comfortable, confident and know you are in the best hands. I used to live in Va, right in Sterling, close to DC. From there its about a 5 to 6 hour trip by car.

Be well, be healthy, be a new, thinner you!

This picture is Dr. Mallico.

IMG_20140311_081602.jpg

[flybyngt]

Is NC to far to travel? Call Dr Eric Mallico, I am 9 days out and really don't even feel like I had major surgery a week ago. He is wonderful, in Salisbury, NC. If you check my profile, albums, you will see his info. Read my intro. This man saved my life over a year ago, then I had the sleeve on 3-4-14. Best of luck, but give his office a call. Ciao, Tonio

[apierson98@aol.com]

Hello, can you tell me who your surgeon was? I would like to have a sleeve as soon as possible.