Newbie--I Want Lap Band, But I'm Scared (And So Is My Wallet!)

[Kittymama 0]

Oh, I have so many questions. Is anyone else from Canada? Alberta, specifically? I am really thinking that lap band surgery is probably the way to go for me, as I have lost weight many times before, only to gain it back plus 30 lbs. I am desperate.

I'm looking into Slimband. Anyone had that? In Toronto? I looked into Mexico, but that sounded scary as all get out, so that's out. Cheap, though. Slimband costs $16000 (although they have a special right now where you get $1000 back for travel expenses). Is that about the normal price for all of the ones in Canada and the US?

[morelgirl 177]

Hi Kittymama. I also self-payed for my band (Realize 11cc), although I'm in the US, not Canada. My cost was just over $10,000 and included everything up through the first 90 days of follow up and fills. I'm not exactly right next door, but I am in Washington state, so that price was at least in the Pacific NW of the US. Good luck with your journey to band land!

[running_scared 125]

I had my band installed last week in Vancouver by SWLC out of toronto. The cost was $17,000.

[Kittymama 0]

Thanks for your responses! Hmmm, the Pacific NW and Vancouver are both much closer to me (I don't really want to go to Toronto). However, although the price you mentioned, morelgirl, sounds quite cheap, I do know that Slimband has a special on, that the Alberta government gives a small rebate, and that I can claim it on my taxes and get a good chunk back. So I guess it would work out to be a similar price.

Running_scared, I imagine you researched SWLC and Slimband, then, and decided on the SWLC? What made you go that route? As I said, I'd rather go to Vancouver or somewhere closer, but the Slimband program sounds pretty good to me. I just don't want to pay for it! lol

[running_scared 125]

I found SWLC first, so that's who I went with. Also, my surgeon lives in Calgary, and so I can see him here for all the appointments and fills. I like that I can see him on short notice as well, without having to travel, whereas with slim band, I don't know where I'd go for the fills.

Apparently, I'll be getting about $2000 back from AHS for surgeon and anaesthesia fees. I'm also self-employed, so I'm the administrator for my own HCSA account, so I can write off 100% of the cost.

Are you in Calgary?

[Kittymama 0]

Yes, I`m in Calgary. Slimband has offices where you get the fills done by a nurse. There's one in Calgary.

Are you in Calgary?

[running_scared 125]

I am in Calgary. Feel free to send me a message if you have more personal questions.

[Kittymama 0]

Thanks. I want to do it, I'm just afraid I'll spend all that money and it won't work, you know?

[running_scared 125]

I have that as a fear as well. It is a lot of money, but I'm going to continue to work at my health, and I think that makes it worth it.

[thighhigh 23]

I'm in Calgary too, I'm going to Toronto to have the banding done by SWLC. My BMI was too high to have Dr.Mitchell do it here in AB.

How do you get a rebate in AB? Is it only if you have the surgery done here?

[running_scared 125]

There is a form for out of province reimbursement, and you just get Dr Mitchell (or whoever) to fill it out.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/AHCIP-form-AHC0693.pdf

[Shelleymb 75]

I'm in Seattle and the price that was quoted to me is 15000 and that includes everything before surgery and 13 months after. I haven't been banded yet either.