Mel22 You still around?

[Misty 1]

I haven't been able to do anything yet. I'm really hesitant about going to Mexico. I'd rather stay local, mainly for travel and after care reasons. I seem to come across weight loss exclusion type of insurance plans. I feel like I'm hitting against brick walls and really hope something comes through.

How are things progessing for you?

[mel22 0]

Hi Misty-

Yep, I'm still here. My surgery that was originally scheduled for December, was delayed while I had some more testing done- finally- all that testing is done and I can get my band! I just recieved a surgery date of March 8th!

What type of insurance do you have now? I know that BCBS just recently changed their policy and are now denying all requests for lap-band. :think Luckily, I recieved my approval in December, just before this policy went into effect.

I just heard about a surgeon in Sioux Falls, SD- he has just started doing the band. I believe that he said the cost was around $10,000. Thats much less than the $19,000 I was quoted. If you are interested in his name- let me know. Its comparable to the Mexican prices, and much closer to home. Sioux Falls is about 3-4 hrs from Minneapolis and I think that Dr. Billing in Moose Lake will do fills for patients he didn't band.

I put a link in the South Dakota support section for a story about the surgeon in Sioux Falls- you might want to check that out.

Good Luck, and DON'T give up!

Melissa:)

[Misty 1]

Wow that's good to know. If you find out his info. would you PM me? I'll check the South Dakota board for it as well. That's a trip I wouldn't mind making but flying to Mexico for fills would be a weekend trip for us, which is expensive and time consuming. We basically have private type of coverage right now. My husband is working through contracting firms since his layoff last year. So I'm pretty much waiting until things level out here, but I still want to formulate a plan and find out what I can. We have money coming from tax returns (family of 4 and no income for a while makes for a large return). Of course I'd much rather obtain some type of insurance coverage. But I'm working through my options, and trying to diet on my own (minimal progress is really discouraging though).

[gabby 0]

Hey Misty:

Thanks for your kind words. Are you a Minnesota girl? When I started this venture, I had BC/BS and hubby had Aetna Insurance. Both of these insurances are extremely difficult to get the band approved. So, I found the insurance that approves the band, then found a job that offered that insurance. (I called benefits office before even applying for the job). I realize this was extreme but, I truly wanted to be banded, without the hassels. This worked for me........initially I hated my "new" job, as I left the job of my dreams. Now, I really enjoy my job and REALLY ENJOY my band. It stinks that the insurance companies can make a difficult situation worse. It's bad enough to be overweight, but once we've made the decision to do something about it, it really stinks that we have to jump through hoops. Good luck......Gabby

[Misty 1]

Yes Gabby I'm a MN girl. Interesting plan of attack you had. Glad it has worked out for you. Good tip too.

[TraciLJ 0]

Hey Misty! I've heard that Dr. Billing charges $11,000 for those who self-pay for the LAP-BAND. This was from someone who talked to him about it within the last week, so I'm assuming it's an accurate quote.

If you're interested, you can contact his coordinator in Moose Lake, Delores, at 218-485-5892.