New to this

November 9, 2005

HI everyone- I have been thinking about Lap Band surgery and am researching it now. I 'm almost positive my insurance will not pay for this (its Tricare)- so on average how much does it cost? I've read from $10000-18000 average. Is that about right? anyone else in the DC metro area? Thanks,

Pattie

thinkthin · November 9, 2005

Good luck with your search/research. My doctor told me it costs $17,000 (in Fairfield County, CT), but that covers surgery only - it doesn't include the costs associated with the necessary workup. I'm sure that the work-up I had to go through would add another $3000-4,000 - since it included cardiology clearance, echocardiogram, ultrasound, upper GI, psychological eval, pulmonary clearance, blood work, etc. Perhaps your insurance would cover all the work-up costs, which would help alot. Good Luck Pattie.

vinesqueen · November 10, 2005

hmmm, I believe we have a couple of bandsters who have Tricare as their insurance company. Isn't that the military insurance? (I'm guessing here.) Maybe start a new thread called "military insurance" or something like that. You might also search the Insurance Forum for tricare.

Sorry I can't offer any further help on this matter

November 14, 2005

thanks that helps alot actually.

stockymd · November 14, 2005

Hi Patty

Just wanted to say welcome. I live in Bowie, MD. How far is that from you? We have a support group meeting on the 20th. Let me know if you are interested.

Christina