RfishN

Thanks for answering. Sounds like you have a good deal. My doctor rationalizes the cost by stating a full year of follow-up with up to 20 fills if needed. I do know my doctor well and feel safe with him. I too have an appt next week for pre-op reasons. I find myself getting nervous but excited about the future. My boss has offered to help me pursue overturning the insurance exclusion, but I guess I hate the thought of delays. I just don't think it's fair not to cover some part of lap-band. Please keep me posted on your progress. Best of luck.:wink2:

My tenative lap band date is September 5 in Houma, La. Hi Louisiana girl. W will have to support each other. I wish you all well. I am a nurse for 35 years now, and I am happy with my decision to band rather than bypass. Today was my first MD appt, but he had an emergency and I am rescheduled for next week. I speak to him often at the hospital we work, so I'm not worried about the visit. Keep us updated. I'll be thinking of you on the 3rd. Just curious, what is the cost of lap band in Slidell? Mine is self-pay and is $14,100. I am also on the liquid diet for 2 wks pre-band.

Well I am planning my lap band for Sept 5th. I work at a hospital and the insurance does not cover at all. I have enough criteria, but my insurance excludes bariatric surgeries. I justify the $14,100 out-of- pocket cost by the amount of food I will not be eating. My husband and I work together and we will share a meal once I can eat regular meals. I will save at least $100/month by doing this. We spend a tremendous amount of money at food stores. Also I will save alot on meds and bi-pap costs ($150/month at least). Just not buying a soda a day at work will save me $25/month. Tightening food spending in other areas such as take outs, eating out, snacks will save at least another $50-75/mo. The most important thing is that I am investing in myself, something I have seldom done in the past. I have the extra revenue because of selling some property so now is the right time to do this. I think I may also be able to claim this under medical expenses when doing my taxes. I thought about doing Mexico but feel the aftercare and fills are very important. My doctor does not do fills for Mexico banders.

I work at a hospital and have Gilsbar. I am told that Bariatric surgery is "excluded". Is there anyway around it. I meet all other criteria. My insurance will pay for all the results caused by being overweight but not help me fix the root problem. Do I have any chance of coverage? It's funny, but I have learned that a lot of school teachers are covered because their employers want to keep them healthy and working a long time. Why is that focus not also in the hospital setting, where I work? Please let me know if I should pursue coverage or just pay out of pocket. I need the surgery for my health.:confused2: