SElf pay nightmare...

[jtoler 0]

So after switching jobs with the hope this large company (in the health field) would offer an insurance plan that would cover lap band surgery, I have only just discovered there is not now nor will ever be a covered benefit for WLS...I am so totally bummed, cause the job is stressful in itself and I thought I could endure it for the sake of "the benefits"...now I am financing through the md office for the surgery...this does not even include the anasth and surgery center and it is already 18K...argh! So frustrated and just wanted to chance to vent! The only positive thing I can say is my sister in law is the billing person for this MD office and might be able to get me a little deal...

[MacMadame 81]

You might want to shop around too. My surgeon's price for a band is 14,000 and that's for everything -- hospital, anesthesia, surgeon -- plus two years of aftercare. And I live in a high COL area!

The prices for bands vary quite a bit and you don't always get what you pay for.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I agree. While money shouldn't be the only reason for choosing a surgeon, it is an important reason. There are doctors in the USA who do the surgery for under 10k. For my surgeon, an all inclusive package (including 1 year of fills) is 15K. There are organizations like "Care credit" who offer financing for medical procedures.

Before you commit to 25K or so....shop around!

[Laptastic 0]

$9950 in Denver. Includes everything. Good luck.

[HeatherO 7]

I agree, shop around. Even the best discount you might be able to get may not be better then prices elsewhere.

[bayba792 0]

I just saw a doctor it it was going to cost 16,000 and they cover until you reach your goal weight (the cost included everything). In california.

[TwilightLover83 0]

So after switching jobs with the hope this large company (in the health field) would offer an insurance plan that would cover lap band surgery, I have only just discovered there is not now nor will ever be a covered benefit for WLS...I am so totally bummed, cause the job is stressful in itself and I thought I could endure it for the sake of "the benefits"...now I am financing through the md office for the surgery...this does not even include the anasth and surgery center and it is already 18K...argh! So frustrated and just wanted to chance to vent! The only positive thing I can say is my sister in law is the billing person for this MD office and might be able to get me a little deal...

Definately shop around. I had BCBS, but if I didn't have insurance, they would give you a deal of like $11,000 that included everything & you got the program fee waived, and you got 1 or 2 after surgery care included. Shop around! Good luck!