Bariatric Surgery in Louisiana

I have been researching my options for a few weeks now.  It looks like the price for self-pay is about $15,000.  My issue (other than that being pretty damn expensive) is that I'm worried about hidden costs.  A friend who had the surgery a number of months ago mentioned that her total ended up being $21,000.  Another person I know said $16,000.  I contacted my top choice (so far) and requested an itemized breakdown of the costs for a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  Here is my email and the reply:


Good Afternoon,

I am interested in having vertical sleeve surgery through Dr. -------.  I will be self-paying, so I was hoping I could get a complete, itemized breakdown of the costs.  I see that you list $14,800 as the cost, but I wanted to find out what is not included in that cost.  A friend of mine had VSG (not through Dr. ------) last year and she said the cost was more like $21,000 including post-op labs.  Another friend said her costs were about $16,000.  I just want to make sure I know how much I will have to save up in order to be able to have the surgery.

Also, I would be interested in coming to an information session.  When are the dates and times over the next couple of weeks?

Thanks,

Kelly

Our fee for a VSG includes everything standard to the surgery, ie. Pre-op testing, hospital fees, overnight stay, anesthesia, physician fees including consultation and post op visits for 5 years, physician assistant fee, and 90 days of post op complication coverage. The only thing not covered is the surgery clearance you will need to obtain from your primary care physician, and any other specialist that you see (cardiology, pulmonology, etc.).

I see that you registered. The next step would be to call the office to schedule a consultation with Dr. ------.

Thank you, 

------- Office Manager for _________________________ ------, MD Bariatric Surgery

So far, so good.  It sounds like the cost would be $14,800, which includes everything except for pre-surgery clearance from my PCP and any specialists.  Right?  

I called the office this morning to find out if they offered a free seminar/information session.  I was told that yes, I could come for the seminar, which is free, but usually they also schedule a consultation for you with the surgeon at that time.  The consultation fee is $150.  I know it seems like a small deal, but this troubles me.  I very clearly asked for all the costs, and I feel mislead.  What else wasn't I told about?  I honestly need to know if I need to save up $14,800 or if I need to save up $21,000--no small difference!

I passed on the consult for now.  I think it's still a bit early to meet with a surgeon.  The absolute earliest I could have the surgery would be December, but it's more likely going to be next February or April.  It's my intention to share on this blog my journey.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.