vkcse03

Hello! I have my dr consult next week and was just curious as to how many pounds you were able to loose that first 4 weeks after having the Lap-band procedure? And the next 4 weeks after that? I just want to keep my expectation realistic. Any response will be appreciated. :crying:

Thanks to everyone for responding! I'm keeping an open mind and keeping my fingers crossed for the best. Wish me luck on my dr consult tomorrow morning.

Hi TCL! I live in Rochester, MI and have my first dr consultation tomorrow. I also have United Health Care but they want you to jump through too many hoops (as stated above) in order for the surgery to be covered. I finally deceided to pay for the procedure myself. I found a place out of Harper Hospital downtown Detroit. Their price is very resonable and their criteria is set lower than the Ins companies. According to their web page they will consider wls starting w/ a BMI of 30 if you are 'self-pay'. My BMI is 34. Let me know if you want the name of the dr and place. I'll be happy to share what info I have with you (I should get pay for all the referrals that I'm giving:tt2:)

The cut off number is BMI=30. You can go to their website Greatlakesweightloss.com for more info. I've researched Beaumont and they are really expensive! Great Lake self-pay price is $9,900, but only until the end of this month. You'll have to put down a deposit of $500 right away if you are serious. You'll have to attend a free seminar before you could schedule an appt w/ the dr. I'm not using any financing so I'm hoping to have the procedure done quickly. I have my consultation tomorrow morning. I'll let you know if the dr is strict on his criteria (post a reminder for me if I don't get back w/ you). If you go to their web site, they will have a list of places where you can obtain financing. Great Lakes is the cheapest self-pay wls place in MI. So far I've only heard good things about them. Plus the surgery is perform at Harper Hospital so I'm feeling good about the whole thing. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rochester Hills? You're probably down the street from me:-)!

Thanks! I just emailed you.

Thanks for the info. My BMI is 34 w/ no other health issues. Ever since I attended the seminar and set my mind to doing this, I've not had a good night sleep since. Too much thinking...I'm hoping that since I don't need to finance the money that they could book me in mid June, once my son is out of school. What does the pre-op diet consist of? Thanks for the Adkins shake suggestions. I'll make sure to stock up on it.

35lbs! WOW! That's great. You have just motivated me to workout post-op!

I'm also electing self-pay. How long was it between your dr consult and your surgery date? I'm rushing to get in before the end of the month so that I can qualify for the $9900 price special. Are you excited or nervous? Do you know if Dr Laker have a strict criteria for elgibilities? I was researching Beaumont and their prices was outrageous! I just happen to run across Great Lakes' web page by accident and was so happy that I did.

Yes, I'm in the Detroit area (Rochester). I have an appt for a dr consult next week. I'm keeping my fingers cross that I will be eligible. BMI=34. How are you doing w/ the band? Is it as you expected? How's your weight loss coming along? Sorry, so many questions. Just nice to comunicate w/ someone local.

I have my dr consultation next week and have decided not to tell my family. The only person who will know will be my DH and sister. I don't want any comments, positive or negative. I'm hoping that I will lose the weight gradually so that it's less noticable. I'm planning to tell everyone that because of my colities (inflammation of the colon) I have to adjust the way I eat. I know I'm lying but I just don't want any comments.

I'm opting for self-pay also and will have my dr consult next Wed. Total Amt will be $9,900 (pre-op testing, surgery, 90 day post-op fills) for the Lap band. It's an incredibile deal I think! Without leaving the country. Shop around and you have to stay on top of things so that you don't get over charged.

Hello All! I've been reading all your post and I know what you are all going through w/ the Ins company. After finding out what the ins will cover and won't...I got really discouraged. My BMI= 35 w/ no comorbidity. Which means that I would have to balloon to BMI=40 before the Ins will cover (after the 6mth dr supervised diet). So finally, I just deceided to pay for the Lap-Band procedure myself. Finally, found a good hospital and good Dr. I have my Dr consultation next Wednesday to see if I will qualify. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED!

Readytolive: You mentioned that you are selfpay and having your surgery outpatient. Could I get your doctor's name and location? I've checked at Beaumont and the cost was going to cost me over $40,000. $12,400 I can afford....$40k too much! Any info you could give me will be great! Thanks!!

Thanks Readytolive for the information!! Who is your doctor at Beaumont? Good luck!

I'm considering self-pay also if it would move along faster. How much are you paying out of pocket?

That's a requirement of both Dr and Ins ( I just found out). I guess a 'complete workup' means, I have to try other dr supervised weight loss program first to see if I can loose the weight. If not then the Ins and Dr can approve the surgery. I talked to my Ins yesterday and since my BMI is only 35, I would have to have other medical conditions also to qualify. As of current, I don't, but everyone in my family over 45 has diabetes, and I know i will get it also...if I don't get the lapband. If my BMI=40> then I would automatically be approved for surgery. Very frustrating! Does any one know how much the procedure cost 'out of pocket' and if the lap band is done as inpatient or outpatient?

I'm thinking about getting the lap-band done (BMI=35) and started my research. My PCP recommended Dr Krause at Beaumont but he requires a 4 month complete workup(?) before a consultation can be made w/ him. I have small children and do not have the time to go to all those appointments. Does anyone know of a place or doctor that does not required such a long workup? Similar to the last posting where she had her consultation and then surgery.