Shellabella 0 Posted August 27, 2008 Hi guys, I'm just sussing things out for a friend. I'm just wondering if there's any clinics in Sydney who do the lapband on the public system? Thanks heaps, Shell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cuddles_01au 0 Posted August 27, 2008 Hello Shell the chances of being done through the public system in sydney are a bit on the slim side i think from what i read and hear the waiting lists are years much better option is to join a health fund and wait the 12 months the public system seems much better in the west of aus it does make it hard for any who can not afford health insurance Leeanne Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shellabella 0 Posted August 27, 2008 Thanks Leeanne. Unfortunately my friend can't afford private health insurance let alone the surgery costs. Shell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cuddles_01au 0 Posted August 27, 2008 its hard isnt it health insurance is expensive but get her to go to an information night and tell her to do as much as she can to start the process with the new health initiatives they are going to start with obesity she may be able to qualify for it through that from what i have read it is about a 12 mths qualifying process following their procedures etc but its certainly worth looking into maybe also worth finding out the cheapest health cover and see if you can help her to juggle her finances she only needs hospital cover not the extra's anything is worth trying as it changes your life Leeanne Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shellabella 0 Posted August 27, 2008 I think she's planning on doing some ringing around to suss Sydney clinic's out today. I really, really want to help her find a way to do this. I'm almost a month post op myself, was banded here in Melbourne on August 1st. It's been THE best thing I could've done. I did what you suggested, took out health insurance, waited the 12 months but got the ball rolling whilst waiting. Thanks again for your help Leeanne. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cuddles_01au 0 Posted August 27, 2008 well done to you hun i was banded 11mths ago best thing i ever did and i wish your friend lots of luck Leeanne Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luscious 1 Posted August 28, 2008 (edited) The cost of health insurance is equal to approximately 5-6 take away meals a month (I used to have that and more). The amount of money I spent on crap food that kept me fat in a year exceeds the costs of the surgery which I had done privately. If your friend can start her lifestyle change early, by getting insurance and saving money in other areas - the long term benefits will be enormous. There is also the option to tap into superannuation to cover the cost of the surgery - that might be another option to explore. Good luck. Edited August 28, 2008 by Luscious Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
striver 0 Posted August 30, 2008 hi there, i know that sios in sydney dr taylor performs 2 lapband surgeries through concord hospital in Sydney per week. The cost is 8 thousand dollars this includes post surgery care fills, etc. You go into the hospital as an uninsured patient. there are conditions but i know a few people who have done it and have been really happy. You get around 1500 to 1800 dolloars back thru medicare and safety net etc. Many cant wait for 12 months on private insurance. regards M:rolleyes2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites