Hi Luci,
My name is Donna and I've just decided to have the lap band surgery too. I also live in the D/FW area (Grand Prairie). I call Dr. Sewell at the Master Surgery Center in Plano. My insurance covers the surgery but, apparently, I have to be DEAD for them to approve it! :-) Seriously, they won't cover me unless I have such serious complications that I would be close to dead. I can't wait for my health to deteriorate to that point before having surgery. Dr. Sewell's office quoted me approximately $20,000 for self pay - including after care and unlimited fills. I decided I had to pursue foreign surgery. I found a doctor in Mexico who has a US liason and some really reassuring credentials. The cost they quoted was $10,600 plus airfare and food. The cost of the hotel, hospital, surgeon, anesthesia, drugs, transfers to and from airport and hotel are included in the $10,600. They also gave me references to local doctors for follow-up care at average rates. Their website is very comprehensive. I know your husband is against the foreign surgery but it's worth looking at again. Their website is gastricband.com By the way, I'm on this message board because Cathy (Dr. Rubout's US liason) recommended it. I hope you'll post again, I'd like to keep in touch with someone this close to home who's at the same stage I am. Donna
