Misty

I'm just curious if anyone knows what the lap-band would cost in the U.S. as a self-pay. Is there a way to find out what the costs are locally? I'm considering this and would need to come up with the money but want a rough idea so I could develop a plan.

Hopefully this isn't out of line, but since she's against weight loss surgery I was wondering if anyone else thought that she looked heavier recently? She has done a lot to lose it, and it would be a shame for her to regain it. But I'm just curious if it's just me who thinks she's regained some weight.

Okay we don't have insurance that will cover this (we're on state insurance). After some discussion with my husband who knew I was only looking into the RNY because it is covered I'm seeking input from others. Where do you get the money to self-pay? I know I should probably wait until we're better off financially but I want to see if there are other options I'm not seeing. We have a car that's nearly paid off. I have 401K investment. We do own a house but no equity to take right now (we've done that already to pay off debts.). I'm a stay home mom (seeking employment). My husband is working contract jobs since his layoff (the reason we're on state insurance). Really we're in a rough time financially and I feel extra selfish. But I'm watching my dad deteriorate from diabetes (even though he watches his diet like a hawk). And I feel very strongly about getting something done. Any suggestions?

I keep reading the messages stressing a type of Atkins kind of diet. High protein, low carbs. What makes this different than doing an Atkins type of diet on your own? I guess I just don't quite understand how the band is helping because I keep reading so much about people dieting with the band. Of course it's not a bad thing, because I know I'd rather have more control over my eating habits than deal with a surgery doing it for me. But this is a large amount of money for me to spend so I'm wondering if what that band does helps enough to warrant the purchase.

I haven't been diagnosed with this but I strongly believe I have it. I'm wondering if those with PCOS are able to lose weight with the band? I've been on WW and lost about 6 lbs in 3 months, went of vacation and gained 3 in a week. I then quit. I've been exercising for a month, removed all junk food from our house and haven't lost a pound. Will the band work for me? I need some kind of help.

Leo you look great! Way to go. Do you plan to lose more because honestly you don't look like you need to.

Oh I certainly hope so. If one carrier does more would be on the way. Good luck!

I haven't been able to do anything yet. I'm really hesitant about going to Mexico. I'd rather stay local, mainly for travel and after care reasons. I seem to come across weight loss exclusion type of insurance plans. I feel like I'm hitting against brick walls and really hope something comes through. How are things progessing for you?

Yes Gabby I'm a MN girl. Interesting plan of attack you had. Glad it has worked out for you. Good tip too.

How much after care is necessary for the lap-band patients? If I were to have this procedure done in Mexico, since I'm unaware of interstate doctors that would be able to perform aftercare, how often would I need to return to Mexico for fills? Is there any other type of after care necessary with this procedure, problems excluded? Thanks, Misty

Thanks for your help.

Thanks Jennye, I didn't think to ask about the cost of out patient surgery. I know the self-pay price I was quoted was about 22-25K. Lacrosse is about 3 hours away from me.

Wow that's good to know. If you find out his info. would you PM me? I'll check the South Dakota board for it as well. That's a trip I wouldn't mind making but flying to Mexico for fills would be a weekend trip for us, which is expensive and time consuming. We basically have private type of coverage right now. My husband is working through contracting firms since his layoff last year. So I'm pretty much waiting until things level out here, but I still want to formulate a plan and find out what I can. We have money coming from tax returns (family of 4 and no income for a while makes for a large return). Of course I'd much rather obtain some type of insurance coverage. But I'm working through my options, and trying to diet on my own (minimal progress is really discouraging though).

Gabby, I've been reading your couple of posts. What an inspiration you are already. Glad your doing so well.

Thanks Marsha, best of luck to you. Dr. Kuri is who I'm considering for surgery as well. How do they determine insulin resistance?

I was watching bits and pieces of an obesity show. Hard to watch with an entire family needing to talk to you at the time it's on. Anyway, they were discussing various weight loss options including the lap-band and were about to mention the group they find to be the most successful at the lap-band. Not knowing what they said I'm hoping someone here can shed some light. What characteristics are most common in successful bandsters? Thank you. Hopefully I have them but of course I wonder.

Any other Minnesotans around these days? For those banded, how long did it take from 1st consult to surgery? Were you covered by insurance? How long have you been banded? How are things going? Just want to get to know a few people, and have a few questions answered at the same time.

Congratulations!!! Good luck with everything.

WOW!!! That's awesome!!!!

Thanks for your responses. It helps me to see things differently.

So I called my parents to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving (heading to my IL's soon). Then my mom began telling me about their latest diet. I really wish I could tell her my plan and have her come with me (when I go) for support. But I just know I'd get the diet talk I don't want along with other unknown scare tactics. Did anyone deal with this and tell anyway? I should mention when I told her I was trying to concieve she told me at my weight I would die in labor. I had a regular delivery (unmedicated) and I'm still alive. But those are thoughts I didn't want or need. And yes she was there for the birth.

Im currently researching self-pay myself. I'm considering Dr. Kuri (Tijuana), for around $8500. You can do more research of your own on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mexicanbandsters/. Also www.monarchfinance.com offers loans for surgery as well. That should get you started.

Hope you get your date soon.

Glad to hear things went well and you are on the mend. Wishing you the best of success.

I'm considering self-pay. One of the reasons I'm hesitant about going to Mexico is the follow-up care (fills, etc.). I live in Minnesota so Mexico is a trip. I'd feel much more secure local, but finances are limited. Any suggestions, advice, etc.?