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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member XchristinaX's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christina
    Surgery date
    09/13/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Peterson
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Last Activity
    09-21-2017 03:10 AM
    Location
    San Antonio, TX
    Posts
    3
    Said "Thanks" 4 Times
    Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times

    Default Average costs...

    I've spent the majority of my adult life going to the VA for medical treatment so trying to figure out health insurance through this process has been a challenge. Just found out the doctor's office delayed all my preop appts so much, no matter how hard I pushed, that my insurance reset just weeks before my schedule surgery. This means my deductible is now not met again AND my out of pocket responsibility increased by nearly $1000! Now I have to reschedule for at least another month later to save up for this dramatically increased cost. I'm LIVID & don't understand how this is ok. Anyone have experience with this?

    Also curious what other people are having to pay total with their insurance. What's the norm? Any info would likely help ease my anxiety & frustration. Thanks.

    Christina


  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Gvn71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Glenn
    Surgery date
    02/02/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Perrillo
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Last Activity
    08-23-2020 06:45 AM
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    485
    Said "Thanks" 259 Times
    Was Thanked 475 Times in 285 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 177 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    I estimate I paid out about $3000 with co-pays, and other charges not covered by insurance. Surgery costs were about $1800 after it was all done and the dust had settled.

    I have excellent insurance, but like you, I ended up delayed a bit due to one doctor being busy and couldn't get an appointment. I ended up resetting my yearly deductible and it probably cost me $1000 more than it would have.
    LOVING MY NEW LIFE!!!!

    "Never take life to seriously, no one gets out alive anyway!"

    Remember, in this thing, it's a good thing to be a loser!




    High Weight - 317
    Pre Surgery Weight - 291
    Current Weight - 181 OMG
    Target Weight -205 That's right, 205!!!!

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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member GigiUSA's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last Activity
    02-05-2018 11:36 AM
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    449
    Said "Thanks" 285 Times
    Was Thanked 245 Times in 196 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 567 Times
    Blog Entries
    17

    Default Re: Average costs...

    You might want to consider going to Mexico. I am doing great 10 days post-op and my cost for the entire procedure was considerable less than your out of pocket. (hugs) Best of luck to you whatever you do!!!



  6. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member Gvn71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Glenn
    Surgery date
    02/02/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Perrillo
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Last Activity
    08-23-2020 06:45 AM
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    485
    Said "Thanks" 259 Times
    Was Thanked 475 Times in 285 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 177 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Quote Originally Posted by GigiUSA View Post
    You might want to consider going to Mexico. I am doing great 10 days post-op and my cost for the entire procedure was considerable less than your out of pocket. (hugs) Best of luck to you whatever you do!!!
    Your total cost was less than $3000? That's crazy if true.
    LOVING MY NEW LIFE!!!!

    "Never take life to seriously, no one gets out alive anyway!"

    Remember, in this thing, it's a good thing to be a loser!




    High Weight - 317
    Pre Surgery Weight - 291
    Current Weight - 181 OMG
    Target Weight -205 That's right, 205!!!!

  7. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member XchristinaX's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christina
    Surgery date
    09/13/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Peterson
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Last Activity
    09-21-2017 03:10 AM
    Location
    San Antonio, TX
    Posts
    3
    Said "Thanks" 4 Times
    Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Never said what my out of pocket was, just that it had gone up. Was your whole surgery less than $1000?? I'd like to be shocked but the rest of the world does pay a fraction of the cost for healthcare. Our system is robbery. All the same, would be too scared to take the Mexico route. My coworker did that & ended up spending I think it was 2 months in the hospital & almost died from an abscess brought about by a leak. She said she was too active too soon, but either way, got me spooked! lol Of the numerous people I know that have had this procedure she's the only one who had complication & went to Mexico. ��


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  9. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  10. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member GigiUSA's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last Activity
    02-05-2018 11:36 AM
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    449
    Said "Thanks" 285 Times
    Was Thanked 245 Times in 196 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 567 Times
    Blog Entries
    17

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Mine was around $4K with travel/expenses. I completely understand, everyone has to do what is best for them. xo



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  12. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member Lisa73me's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    01/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Marcelo Hernandez
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Last Activity
    12-21-2018 09:19 AM
    Location
    Fort Worth TX
    Posts
    426
    Said "Thanks" 774 Times
    Was Thanked 242 Times in 169 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,104 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Quote Originally Posted by Gvn71 View Post
    Your total cost was less than $3000? That's crazy if true.
    Mine was $3800, that's with two round-trip plane tickets and everything. Extra for the hotel room, food for my sweetie, souvenirs for people back at home, and a little bit of gambling we did down in Mexico at the casino.



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  14. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Lisa73me's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    01/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Marcelo Hernandez
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Last Activity
    12-21-2018 09:19 AM
    Location
    Fort Worth TX
    Posts
    426
    Said "Thanks" 774 Times
    Was Thanked 242 Times in 169 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,104 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Quote Originally Posted by XchristinaX View Post
    Never said what my out of pocket was, just that it had gone up. Was your whole surgery less than $1000?? I'd like to be shocked but the rest of the world does pay a fraction of the cost for healthcare. Our system is robbery. All the same, would be too scared to take the Mexico route. My coworker did that & ended up spending I think it was 2 months in the hospital & almost died from an abscess brought about by a leak. She said she was too active too soon, but either way, got me spooked! lol Of the numerous people I know that have had this procedure she's the only one who had complication & went to Mexico. ��
    I'm one of the less than 1% that had complications also. But I found out it doesn't matter if you have it done in Mexico or back here at home the complication rate is the same and it is less than 1%. By the way, I still don't regret my decision even though I had 2 1/2 months of complications. Good luck to you and your surgery, prayers and good vibes!



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  16. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member RehabNurse's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/20/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Smith
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Last Activity
    02-08-2020 09:38 PM
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    1,147
    Said "Thanks" 695 Times
    Was Thanked 1,491 Times in 728 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 905 Times
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default Re: Average costs...

    When I was sleeved in 2015, I had a 90/10 co-insurance PPO plan through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas, meaning the insurance paid 90 percent and I paid 10 percent. Here's a breakdown of what I'd paid:

    1. Hospital fee: $24,000 (my portion was 10 percent = $2,400)
    2. Anesthesiologist's copay: $170
    3. Cardiac clearance: $6,000 (my portion was 10 percent = $600)
    4. Upper GI series copay: $111
    5. Pre-op appointment: $400
    6. Sleep study: $500
    7. Nutritionist appointment: $40
    8. Psychological evaluation: $30
    9. Initial consultation: $30
    10. Two follow-up consultations: $60 (two visits x $30)
    11. Cardiology visit copay: $30
    -------------------------------------------
    GRAND TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4371.00

    If I had known I would've spend this much money with insurance, I would've eliminated the red tape and spent $2,999 to be sleeved in Mexico with Dr. Maytorena at a bariatric surgery practice called Long Term VSG.


    10/23/14 Initial Consult 200 lb, 5'1 tall
    4/6/15 Highest Wt 225 (yes: 25 lb gain)
    4/20/15 Surgery Wt 218, BMI 41

    1 mo 203.0 -15
    2 mo 190.5 -12.5
    3 mo 184.5 -6
    4 mo 177.0 -7.5
    5 mo 171.0 -6
    6 mo 164.5 -6.5
    7 mo 157.5 -7
    8 mo 152.5 -5
    9 mo 149 -3.5
    10 m 143 -6
    11 m 142 -1
    1 yr 138.5 -3.5
    13 m 133 -5.5
    14 m 128 -5
    15 m 125 -3
    16 m 121 -4
    17 m 120 -1
    18 m 118 -2

    Dec '17: BMI 23.5; consumes 2000+ kcal/day

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  18. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member PokerGuy's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Last Activity
    06-13-2023 05:16 PM
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    120
    Said "Thanks" 9 Times
    Was Thanked 77 Times in 57 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 6 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Just because you have a complication doesn't mean that it's due to having the surgery in Mexico or the US. The press made a big deal about a woman dying after she had the surgery in Mexico but failed to say in any of the reports that she died because she felt great right after surgery and decided to no obey the surgeon's post op dietary requirements and decided to start eating ribs and baked beans within a week of surgery. They love to spin these things trying to play off that it's crazy to have surgery in Mexico. It is simply not the case..

    I also had a complication right after surgery in Mexico. Had Surgery on Friday and Saturday the nursing staff discovered I was bleeding from my incision internally. (Not from my stomach) but from the incision where the camera goes in. They immediately took me to the hospital and called the Surgeon , Dr. Almanzo, he was playing in his Saturday Soccer game. He immediately left the game and rushed to the hospital calling in the anesthesiologist and surgical nurses. Within 30 minutes I was on the operating table and they were going back in. They corrected everything and I'm 5 days post op and feeling great. I seriously doubt that a surgeon in the US would leave the Golf Course or his Saturday soccer game on his day off to come in and operate on a patient that was having a complication. They even had a nurse stay with me all weekend at the hospital to make sure I didn't have any issues. My own personal 24 hour nurse. I truly feel I had better treatment in Mexico than I would have in the US.
    Poker



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  20. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Pam G's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Pam
    Surgery date
    05/27/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr Ponce de Leon
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Last Activity
    02-22-2024 08:48 AM
    Location
    Sugar Land, TX
    Posts
    1,543
    Said "Thanks" 679 Times
    Was Thanked 771 Times in 544 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 57 Times
    Blog Entries
    12

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Did you include travel osts? I consider that part of the out of pocket expenses...


    Quote Originally Posted by GigiUSA View Post
    You might want to consider going to Mexico. I am doing great 10 days post-op and my cost for the entire procedure was considerable less than your out of pocket. (hugs) Best of luck to you whatever you do!!!




    HW: 275
    PreOp: 268 5/12/16

    SW: 258. 5/27/2016
    10 w: 225. Goal 1
    12 w: 222.
    14 w: 216.
    4 m: 215
    5 m: 205
    22: 199.4 10/30 Goal 2
    24: 196
    6 mo: 191
    7 m: 193
    8 m: 184
    9 m: 180 2/3/17. Goal 3
    10 m: 179
    11 m: 171
    48: 170
    1 yr: 166.6. 5/27/17
    13 m: 165.8
    5 y,10 m: 215
    7 yrs: 230


    Revised Goal : 200
    "Bonus" Goal: 180

  21. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member Pam G's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Pam
    Surgery date
    05/27/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr Ponce de Leon
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Last Activity
    02-22-2024 08:48 AM
    Location
    Sugar Land, TX
    Posts
    1,543
    Said "Thanks" 679 Times
    Was Thanked 771 Times in 544 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 57 Times
    Blog Entries
    12

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Total billed to insurance: $78,436.26

    Total ins paid: $38,824.89

    Total I paid: $4313.77

    check out this Thread:
    https://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62480.




    HW: 275
    PreOp: 268 5/12/16

    SW: 258. 5/27/2016
    10 w: 225. Goal 1
    12 w: 222.
    14 w: 216.
    4 m: 215
    5 m: 205
    22: 199.4 10/30 Goal 2
    24: 196
    6 mo: 191
    7 m: 193
    8 m: 184
    9 m: 180 2/3/17. Goal 3
    10 m: 179
    11 m: 171
    48: 170
    1 yr: 166.6. 5/27/17
    13 m: 165.8
    5 y,10 m: 215
    7 yrs: 230


    Revised Goal : 200
    "Bonus" Goal: 180

  22. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member Pam G's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Pam
    Surgery date
    05/27/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr Ponce de Leon
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Last Activity
    02-22-2024 08:48 AM
    Location
    Sugar Land, TX
    Posts
    1,543
    Said "Thanks" 679 Times
    Was Thanked 771 Times in 544 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 57 Times
    Blog Entries
    12

    Default Re: Average costs...

    Ha! I have BCBSTX too, and we paid almost exactly the same! Even though i didnt have some of the same charges you had....funny, isnt it?

    Quote Originally Posted by RehabNurse View Post
    When I was sleeved in 2015, I had a 90/10 co-insurance PPO plan through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas, meaning the insurance paid 90 percent and I paid 10 percent. Here's a breakdown of what I'd paid:

    1. Hospital fee: $24,000 (my portion was 10 percent = $2,400)
    2. Anesthesiologist's copay: $170
    3. Cardiac clearance: $6,000 (my portion was 10 percent = $600)
    4. Upper GI series copay: $111
    5. Pre-op appointment: $400
    6. Sleep study: $500
    7. Nutritionist appointment: $40
    8. Psychological evaluation: $30
    9. Initial consultation: $30
    10. Two follow-up consultations: $60 (two visits x $30)
    11. Cardiology visit copay: $30
    -------------------------------------------
    GRAND TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4371.00

    If I had known I would've spend this much money with insurance, I would've eliminated the red tape and spent $2,999 to be sleeved in Mexico with Dr. Maytorena at a bariatric surgery practice called Long Term VSG.




    HW: 275
    PreOp: 268 5/12/16

    SW: 258. 5/27/2016
    10 w: 225. Goal 1
    12 w: 222.
    14 w: 216.
    4 m: 215
    5 m: 205
    22: 199.4 10/30 Goal 2
    24: 196
    6 mo: 191
    7 m: 193
    8 m: 184
    9 m: 180 2/3/17. Goal 3
    10 m: 179
    11 m: 171
    48: 170
    1 yr: 166.6. 5/27/17
    13 m: 165.8
    5 y,10 m: 215
    7 yrs: 230


    Revised Goal : 200
    "Bonus" Goal: 180

  23. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member DesertGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lori
    Surgery date
    03/24/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Teng
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Last Activity
    04-22-2021 12:54 PM
    Location
    Las Vegas, NV
    Posts
    825
    Said "Thanks" 1,835 Times
    Was Thanked 699 Times in 431 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 197 Times
    Blog Entries
    19

    Default Re: Average costs...

    The hospital submitted to our insurance close to $131,000. and the allowable charge was $11,800. some odd dollars. We owed nothing. We paid the $350. deductible and the office co pays ($35.00) and testing (Upper GI, echocardiogram, labs, etc....) but once the deductible was met, we were good.

    HOWEVER, the surgeon required (unbeknownst to us when I began seeing him 3 months prior to surgery) UPFRONT fees! A week and a half before surgery they sprang it on us... Pay it in one week or no surgery. We were then told that he charges a $500. non refundable 'program' fee that we were not informed about at any time, for basically NOTHING. There is NO program (which is an entirely different story in and of itself). Our insurance was taken aback when I told them about this.

    Height: 5'8"
    Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
    Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
    1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
    2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
    6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
    "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."

  24. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member XchristinaX's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christina
    Surgery date
    09/13/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Peterson
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Last Activity
    09-21-2017 03:10 AM
    Location
    San Antonio, TX
    Posts
    3
    Said "Thanks" 4 Times
    Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times

    Default Re: Average costs...

    I'm very sorry, but so far everyone who's saying they had their surgery in Mexico had a complication and/or paid the same as I will at my hospital. Since the cost will be no different it doesn't seem to outweigh the risk. :/ Not speaking ill of anyone's decision; obviously if you're paying out of pocket without insurance that's the only realistically affordable choice.

    Appreciate everyone sharing the details! Has totally calmed down my outrage about the massive delay & extra cost I learned about this week. Apparently I just missed out on what would've been a great deal & now I'm back up to what everyone else is paying. Leave it to me to JUST miss a sale! HAHA


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