Question:
Any regrets about self-paying?
— Julia T. (posted on October 30, 2002)
October 30, 2002
I self paid for Lap. RNY in Sept 2002. I have lost 35 pounds thus far,
going from 205 lbs. the morning of surgery to 170 lbs. in the frist seven
weeks. Much of my pre-op stress was worrying over whether or not I was
being frivolous and foolish spending $20,000 on the procedure, but I really
think I did the right thing. I knew there was no way, with my BMI around
38, that any insurance was going to pay and that if I wanted this done it
was going to have to come out of my pocket. As I see the scale inching
downward I can safely say I would do it all over again, self-pay or not.
About your fear of failing, I can totally relate to that also. I still
can't imagine myself ever being in a size 8 or 10, and I refuse to get my
hopes up that that may happen someday. I try to take things one day at a
time and be pleased with what I'm wearing and how well I'm feeling today.
Easier said than done, granted, but that's how I try to think.
Best of luck to you, whatever you decide.
— Samantha S.
October 30, 2002
I also self paid in Sept 02. I've lost 42lbs from the time I decided to
have the surgery & 36lbs since surgery. I've gone back & forth from
feeling like it isn't working to feeling confident & secure in the
knowledge that it is. I ended up paying 13,000 for an Open RNY & while
it was everything I had, I'd do it again tomorrow. Even with the doubts. My
only regret is that my doc only does extremely proximal procedures, & I
would have liked more bypassed. Oh well, less vitamins for me to take! Good
luck to you!
— LionGirl2k
October 30, 2002
I have no regrets on being a self-pay. According to my surgeon, his
self-pay patients are the most sucessul. I guess that is because we have
paid with our own hard earned money and don't want to have a costly
failure. I had my open RNY end of August and have lost 40 lbs.. I would
do it again in a New York minute..... email me if you have questions....
— barbara A.
October 30, 2002
I too had to self pay. It cost me $11,000 for the Dr, $2,000 for anestheia,
$14,000 for a 5 day hospital stay, and Just today another $700 for new
clothes, size 8 at Cache. Was it worth it...HELL YES!!!.I would pay that
once a year if i had to to stay thin!!! Of course everyone I know had their
insurance pay for their surgery and in all fairness my ins co should have
paid for mine too. I was 5'3" 225 lbs and had a bunch of
comorbidities. I am trying to find the energy to write to my insurance
commissioner, i doubt it will do any good. I am nw 158 looking and feeling
great. you are welcome to write with more questions. Good luck to you,
Robyn
— robyn R.
October 30, 2002
Seems pretty unanimous about the decision to self-pay and I am no
different. In fact, I have not thought twice about the money..."out of
sight, out of mind", except for the fact that I am 80+ pounds lighter
and feel and look fabulous. In my eyes, this was my new car and other
stuff can wait. I saved, I used credit cards and dont regreat a thing. I
make payments each month and have no problem writing out that check every
month. Go fot it!
— Julie D.
October 30, 2002
Not a one! I flew out of the country to Spain and spent about 17 or 18
grand in June 2002. I've gone from 260 to 180...size 22/24 top to large;
size 24 bottoms to size 14/16. I just bought a dress for a holiday
formal...in a size 12!
Regret spending the money? It was probably the best financial investment
I'd made in a LONG time!
— Pamela B.
October 30, 2002
As much as I hate having to write out that check every month to pay for the
loan for my surgery, I have to say no to your question. I don't regret it
at all. My grand total after everything is about $17,000, plus stuff
pre-op that my insurance refused to pay for my medical bills for the year
will be close to $20,000. It's tax deductible, every bit of it ... can't
wait for that check to come in!
I have had zero complications. I am 5'3" and started at about 250 on
the morning of surgery. I'll be 6 months post-op on November 6th. and I am
down 90 lbs. No regrets. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
— KelBurt
November 1, 2002
Hi! I went to Monterray, Mexico. I paid $12,000 aprox. for everything. I
am a slow loser darn but I lost 20 pounds in the first month without
exercise. I feel better about myself and I know more will come off. I feel
that I am worth it and I have no regrets 5 weeks out. Good Luck
— train
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