Self Pay in Europe

Hi all,

I am a self pay patient living in the US who went to Belgium to have the band placed. For me, it was a great experience. In addition to the op, I incorporated a trip to Paris.

Dr. Chris De Bruyne performed my surgery. He is very experienced and has been doing Lapband since the early 1990's.

My package included all transportation to/from hotels and hospital, a hotel room for three nights, one night in the hospital, all pre-op and post-op testing, the procedure and all follow-up meds.

As of 9/23/09, the package was $4000 Euros which roughly translated to $6,000 dollars.

The one fact I did learn, and this is not to bash or boast, is that Belgium is using a new generation band which is on it's way to being approved in the US. Also, the bands being used by the surgeons in Mexico are the older generation bands that are (for the most part) no longer being used in the US.

If anyone would like information, there is a thread here about Dr. Chris De Bruyne and also, I would be happy to answer any questions.