It is a huge decision to make! You need to be 100% sure that this is what you want or you will not be successful (like your friend). Ask questions, read, and pray about it! It took me about a year to finally make the decision to do it..I'm scheduled for the 24th!

Have you read up on the other procedures available like the bypass and sleeve? Are they something that you might consider? If you're sure that you want the band but are concerned about the after care costs, you may want to consider getting the band with plication or iBand. One of the benefits of the iBand is that fills are needed less often and for some people they don't need to have a fill at all or since you are self pay you can opt to have plication on it's own (the only down side is that you don't have the band as a back up if your weight loss with plication slows down)

I had lap band with the plication and my ins. paid for it. The plication was new so the Dr. threw it in with the lapband. I had it done in May 2011 and I have lost 77lbs. I eat what I want to just a lot less of it. I am really glad I had it. I don't have fills in the lap band. I never have to. Go for it!

Have you been to a seminar? you should it helped me make the decision. My surgeon, had a flat rate for people who's insurance would not pay. I got mine for 14500. One year free fills! Good luck!

Your story sounds very very similar to my own. I was just banded on Dec. 27th, and so I am just adjusting to the band (still on soft foods as well). I finally made the decision because I wanted to grow old...and I wanted to enjoy it. I want to watch my children grow up and have families of their own, and I want to some day bounce my grandchildren on my knee (without it tiring me out-and God willing).

At 310 lbs, I knew that wasn't likely to happen.

This was a decision that took a LOT of prayer, and a LOT of study. I looked into each option and this was the best for me.

My insurance also has a total exclusion, but I found a doctor that had a flat rate for self pay. It turned out that I also had a hiatal hernia that needed repairing before he could place the band. Since my insurance would pay for that part, it took care of the hospital, anesthesiologist, etc.... so the band was the only thing left out of pocket....

I wish you all the best in your decision.

Looking to God and toward the Future-

Nikki

Definitely go to a seminar and see what banding is all about. I started out about 10 years doing research on bypass and more recently on lapband. I was not a candidate for my insurance to cover it (I did not want to wait the 6 12 months to see if they would approve me). Finally, I went and spoke with the dr, and found out that it was going to cost $15,000, That was way too much for me to justify, then they said they could test me for a hyatal hernia, and if I had one, they could do that and place the lapband at the same time...I ended up paying only $7,500. I have to say, it was the best investment I have ever made.

I was banded 8/19/2011 and have lost 70 pounds since starting my pre op diet. My heaviest weight was 299, and that was when I realized I had to do something or I would not be around to dance at my granddaughter's wedding.

I am very lucky because my husband is very supportive and he helps to keep me on track. I love my band.

i WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE BAND TO MY WORST ENEMY! Since you are self-pay, you need to keep in mind that you may end up like me.........out $15,000 with a band that doesn't work. I will now have to pay to have this POS removed, hopefully before it does any damage!

I have had 17 fills and NEVER reached restriction. Most Drs. and band mills will not tell you BEFORE they put the band in that this is very common! :-(