Thinking about getting banded

[egalaviz23 0]

Hi there!

I have been thinking about getting the lap band for a couple months now. I weigh 205 pounds however I don't have any health problems that I have been treated for. I'm concerned that my insurance won't cover the procedure (pacific care). Does anyone have any advice or information? I'd like to lose about 65 pounds. I have no idea how much the lap band costs if I were to finance it. Thanks to all who respond!

[questions09 0]

Hey there- I would call your insurance company and just ask if they cover weight loss surgery...if so, what are the criteria you have to meet. They should tell you- possibly give you a website where you can download information. I would also find out what your BMI is (you can find BMI calculators online). Usually, your BMI has to be 38 and have some co-morbidities or a BMI of 40 with some other stipulations.

I have just recently done all of this in hopes of getting the surgery. I have started my 3 month dr. supervised diet that my insurance requires.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision!!! I know it's an important one. Let me know if I can help with any other questions.

You will definitely find this site/blog to be very helpful and the people to be very supportive.

Talk to you soon!!

[questions09 0]

.....oh and I think the procedure costs about $12-14,000 if you self pay.

[mskutz 0]

Hey guys! Yea, I just attended my first seminar yesterday and I am trying to make my mind up too. Like you Egala, I am 250 punds and the surgeon said he does not think that I look "heavy enough" to want to have the banding procedure done. However, my height and bmi qualifies me, so I think I am going to go for it! Was anyone required to pay a program fee before you got your surgery done?

[elgrad 0]

Hey folks!

I am at the end of my pre-op stuff (one more nutritionist appt left) and then I am looking at surgery. The one thing I can tell you is to take your time and really research the procedure. I have been doing just that for almost a year. It is not something to go into lightly. My PCP insisted that I know as much or more than the surgeon about the lap band before he would sign off on it. This is for a very important reason: this procedure is a life altering event. As you will see on this website, a lot of people have been very successful but they will probably tell you that it has been a lot of work. Know what you are getting into before you have the surgery and you will be one of the successful ones too.

Good luck in your journey!

Elgrad

[fifiliga 0]

Hello to all! I've done the whole research on lapband and the gastric bypass and I know for sure that the lapband is for me. I also know after reading all the posts that it's going to be a long and bumpy road and that I can come on here if I'm struggling or have questions. Oh yeah and my Consultation is this Sunday at 9:00am. It's days away but I'm kind of scared. I'll keep ya'll posted. :smile2:

[Lovinglapbandliving 1]

Hi everyone, I was in the same boots just a few months ago. No insurance ect... You do have options. Be sure to have a free consultation with atleast 3 surgeons directly because it is important that you feel totally comfortable with the team you choose to work with as it is a journey that you will be taking together.

I chose Dr. Ramos Kelly because of his great track record and I knew I wanted to go into mexico because I am self pay. Here is what it coste me to get started on my lapband journey......

Airfare- $307

Surgery-$5500

Spending Money-$50

and future expenses....

Fill with fluro in TJ- $200 (they say it takes 3-6 to find a persons "SWEET SPOT" but this changes alot between the people)

Air fare- $300 TO TJ

or in the USA

fill- $165 ($349 first consult) no fluro

fluro- $350

Fluro is like a live exray so the Dr. can se exactly what he is doing and check out the lapband system to make sure everything is working as expected.

I hope this helps, there are alot of options. Just be sure you do what you need not what others assume.