Greetings from down under

[*MAD DOG* 0]

Hi everyone,

I'm seriously considering lap band surgery. I have not been to any information sessions yet, nor discussed it with my doctor. I'm 30 years old and on blood pressure medication. I'm 190cm tall and weigh...... well i'm not sure, the last time i weighed myself i was 250kg (no not pounds) and that was 7 months ago.

I'm sure all the forum regulars would have some important info i should know. Please reply and let me know things i need to know. Look forward to chatting with you soon.

Also if any members on this forum are on msn please add me to your contacts list as i'd love to chat and ask questions.

*MAD DOG* out.

[niekalee 0]

I'm from Victoria too. I've just been to the doctors today to get the ball rolling on the whole lapband process

Exciting! There is sooooo much information on here about it, it's great.

Goodluck

[*MAD DOG* 0]

I'm from Victoria too. I've just been to the doctors today to get the ball rolling on the whole lapband process

Exciting! There is sooooo much information on here about it, it's great.

Goodluck

Thanks niekalee,

I hope all goes well for you as well. Have you found out how much it costs in Australia for lap band surgery or are you getting yours done overseas?

[porscha 0]

Hi,

Im from sydney and having my surgery done on the 23rd sept. I just joined a private health fund so im not covered for the surgery. Im paying around $10,000.

From the time i saw the specialist until the surgery is about 4 months.

If you are considering it a consultation with the doctor will explain everything and give you lots and lots of information about everything you could possibly want to know.

Im so excited i cant wait!! you should give it a go!!

Good luck

[niekalee 0]

I was referred to a surgeon, a Dr. Ray McHenry and I spoke to a lady, I think she may have been the consulting nurse, and the upfront cost was $5200, but with private health insurance (Mine's MBF) the total out of pocket expense would be about $3800, that's including all the pre op things like the dietician, psychologist etc. But I think tomorrow I'll give a few others a call just to see how much the prices will vary. My mums friend in Tasmania only payed $1700 all up!

[*MAD DOG* 0]

Thanks porscha and niekalee for the info. I don't have private health insurance at the moment. But i may look into it if it will make the operation half price. I know there may be a waiting period, but if it's a 12 month waiting period i think it would be worth waiting a year.

[BLUEZBANDIT 0]

G'day Mad Dog I am from Tassie and have been banded for nearly 2 weeks. I have read these boards from a***hole to Breakfast so if you have any questions I am more than likely to know the answers. I'll leave things to you to ask as I don't want to shove stuff down ya throat that ya mighn't be interested in. But sounds like you are ready to go to your GP and get referred to a Dr.

Good Luck not that you will need it. Its not a horrible thing to happen to you.

Cya

Deb

[*MAD DOG* 0]

G'day Mad Dog I am from Tassie and have been banded for nearly 2 weeks. I have read these boards from a***hole to breakfast so if you have any questions I am more than likely to know the answers. I'll leave things to you to ask as I don't want to shove stuff down ya throat that ya mighn't be interested in. But sounds like you are ready to go to your GP and get referred to a Dr.

Good Luck not that you will need it. Its not a horrible thing to happen to you.

Cya

Deb

I know you may not want to answer these questions. That's cool. But i hope you can.

How much did it cost?

Did you have private health cover, if so did they pay for it or part of it?

Did it hurt post op?

I know you've only had it for two weeks, do you have any regrets?

I hope you can help me out. Thanks.

[BLUEZBANDIT 0]

Mad Dog! Like I said I dont mind the questions. My MSN ID is bluesmumma if ya want to chat!

I am in top private hospital cover so keep that in mind when I tell you the numbers.

Initial Anethestist visit $105 where $98 refundable

Hospital Stay $200 excess that Medibank Private won't pay

Surgeon $4300 can claim back about $300

Barium Meal XRay $209 most claimable medicare

The anethestist hasnt sent bill yet but it will be claimable

Only minor pain after op not so much from the incision but from gas. only lasted 3 days

Absolutely no regrets I know its early days but I carry a postive attitude and have read so many people on here say its the best thing they ever did and wish they did it earlier!

Cya

Deb

[*MAD DOG* 0]

My wife and I are going to an Lap Band Information Session tommorow night. The session will go for approx 1 hour and i hope will be quite informative. :smile:

I'd like to thank niekalee and BLUEZBANDIT for your replies and help. I'll update how it all goes. :wink_smile:

Cheers

[niekalee 0]

MAD DOG,

Is your meeting at Knox somewhere?

I have one tonight aswell :drool:

:rolleyes2:

[*MAD DOG* 0]

MAD DOG,

Is your meeting at Knox somewhere?

I have one tonight aswell :drool:

:rolleyes2:

Yeah it is. 7:30pm at Quest Serviced Apartments 137 Mountain Highway. Is that the same one your going to?

[*MAD DOG* 0]

If you attended the same seminar as me i was the biggest person in the room with the blue REEBOK top on.

[niekalee 0]

Yes!

I was there at 7:30, I probably saw you.

It was such a great night, I really enjoyed it and it made it so much more clearer. The whole team of people were really nice too.

How'd you find it?

[niekalee 0]

If you attended the same seminar as me i was the biggest person in the room with the blue REEBOK top on.

I just saw what you wrote at the bottom :drool:

You were there with your wife? That's soo 'cute' that you guys are doing it together. I was at the back, with my mum and boyfriend.

It's great that you guys have each other for support during it and after it. Wow! :rolleyes2:

Do you think the seminar/talk helped you come to a decision?