Public patients in Australia?

Sarah.R · June 10, 2008

I was wondering if anyone on here is a public patient with the lap band? Like did you go through the public system for it and if so how long did it take you from the time you applied or whatever to the time you got the band? I'm currently going through the public system and will be banded within 6 months - I'm only 20 and I know that some people have to wait for up to 10 years on the public system and was just wondering about everyone. Thanks

Jachut · June 10, 2008

I believe the waits are shortening these days, Paul O'Brien had an article in the paper the other day advocating that it should be an easily available public procedure as a much cheaper (in the long run) way of treating diabetes.

But even within cities it varies a lot - I know people who were done at Williamstown hospital with Peter Nottle within a few months whereas the wait at the Alfred has been as long as seven years.

Unfortunately, at the moment, its another one of those things that is far more easily accessed and utilised by the more financially fortunate. I'm glad for you that you're getting it done without unreasonable waiting!

aquasky13 · June 10, 2008

i was on the waiting list with Dr nottle for 12 months and was told there would be another 12 month wait so i decided to self pay.. that was back in October so maybe its changed since then

Sarah.R · June 11, 2008

Jaqui I know what you mean, it is great that I'm getting it cheap and everything but I kind of feel bad because there are others that may need it more than me you know? Although my surgeon has said that there trying to make it more accessible in the public system which I think is a pretty good idea