*Love*

I had thought that if you were out of province, maybe there was a discount for less after care.

That is right. This is what I found out today: "I have been forwarded your email from Kathy Palermo regarding pricing for the laparoscopic band procedure. I’d like to confirm that the fee for your procedure is $18,000. For a limited period of time, we are honoring our old pricing of $16,000 for customers who had their consultation with us before January 1st 2008 and were quoted this fee." That seems fair.

Where do you live?

Anyone know why & when the cost went from $16,000 to $18,000?

Yes, Kathy emailed me & apologized for the phone call. She has given me the contact info for the person to call to arrange payment 2 days before.

2 days is definately what I worked out with Kathy. They have my deposit.

PISSED OFF!!! I just got a phone call at home, on my answering machine, from the accounting department. A very tiny, faint voice that was hard to understand said (I think) that because they have my credit card on file, they are "just going to go ahead & charge the balance" to my credit card now. She says it was now due, but according to the agreement I have with Kathy, it is 12 days early. I am pretty sure that is illegal. I'd have to check on that. You would think they would also want to make sure there is enough money on the card before charging to it. There is not, but there will be in 12 days.

Are you kidding me? Pay more...on top of the $18,000 fee? I don't think so.

----------------------------------------------- Her immediate reply: "I will always reply. You have my word. It may take a couple of days but I respond. :Have a geat weekend!! Kathy" ------------------------------------------------------------ My reply: "You have been pretty good with me...but I haven't paid yet. J I think they may also have been referring to the nutritionist & any other support workers as well. Especially, post band, replies could be critical. K"

I just sent Kathy an email for all of us: "Just a heads up... On one of the major lap band specific message boards: It is being mentioned repeatedly, that once you have their money,… they can’t get replies to their questions, concerns, compliments, complaints, crisis…via numerous phone & email messages. You may want to consider looking into that. It leaves an uneasy feeling for those that need your help now & it in stills worry for those of us not yet banded."

I have been emailing back & fourth with Kathy. Sometimes it takes her a day to reply.

Sure. I'll put up before & after pics in my profile. I have a small tattoo that I am hoping he can put it under, so we will always find it without hunting / digging for it.

I am not worried about the small scars. I have had laproscopic surgery before & unless you are really, really in my personal space, you wouldn't notice them. Everyone has scars from something. I was more worried about the lump. If it won't show anyway at goal weight - awesome!

Yes. I plan to be doing a lot of scuba diving again in the future (once I can breathe better & fit into my gear) & I hope to be wearing a 2 piece bathing suit again. Having a lump show on my chest, or where ever, would be hard to explain. Under the bathing suit bottoms, it could be camaflouged by pattern or a bow, flower, hotel key or something pinned over it.

I am so sorry that I horrified everyone. :frown: Below the belt is where the top of my bikini use to sit, so that is what I meant by bikini line. It hadn't even occured to me that it meant something else to all of you.

That is amazing! 113 of us & counting. :party: I had no idea, when I first started thinking about this surgery for myself, that there would be this many people getting banded in a year...let alone a MONTH! Look at how many lives will be changing for the better. Good luck to all of you! :party:

I don't have rolls. I do have more of a pregnant / beer belly shape.

Wow! Not sure what you are visualizing. :party: Just below the belt...not waaay below (so the belt won't put pressure on it), off to one side...that is very much my belly. My belt runs across the fattest part of my belly,

I was told my doctor doesn't think it would be a problem. His co-ordinator (or whatever she is called) suggested it, & I then had her confirm it with him.

Can you imagine what it would be like for him at home, wondering, waiting, worrying,...imagining things probably far worse than reality? There is no way my husband would let me go alone.

I can't imagine wanting to see a lump under a more fitted top (more fitted than I would think of wearing now). Wouldn't that be hard to explain? I wear lower rise jeans (I can't stand having anything around my waist) & most of my belly is below my belly button. I think it would be less visible hidden in my jeans, just below my belt. :thumbup:

We have discussed this & are willing to give up one position in order to not have a knob sticking out from under my ribs.

Has anyone in Canada had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get an appointment? It sounds like Americans have to go for a psyc evaluation, meetings, seminars, etc before hand (as seen on the tv programs). Does that happen here too? Are the hoops insurance related? I am 'out of town' for the clinic I have contacted. I faxed in my medical / personal history questionnaire Tuesday night & had a short phone consultation the next day, at the end of which I picked a date for next month & was asked how I would like to make my non-rufundable deposit. I am being sent a package with the forms for the lab work (which has to be done 30 days before the surgery) + surgery info, I imagine. I would have though they would want to see the test results before taking a booking. Is this typical? :biggrin:

That is a great idea. I like Red Lobster's clam chowder & my husband would definately go get it for me. :biggrin2:

I doubt a catheter is necessary in a surgery so short. I had one for a surgery for which I had to remain in bed for several hours afterwards. I have to tell you, I LOVED it! It felt great to not have to 'hold it' all the time & just relax. :biggrin2: I think it is a very different experience for men.