For your band?

I paid 15,530 for my band at the Sydney private Hospital. It includes the overnight hospital stay, Fills for 13 months and 8 dietitian consults and any support groups they have. I paid out of pocket (still paying)! But I believe it is well worth it. I was told at medicare they would allow me to claim $900 back on that as well. I couldnt wait a year for insurance and defiantly not 5-10 years for medicare.

I paid 15,530 for my band at the Sydney private Hospital. It includes the overnight hospital stay, Fills for 13 months and 8 dietitian consults and any support groups they have. I paid out of pocket (still paying)! But I believe it is well worth it. I was told at medicare they would allow me to claim $900 back on that as well. I couldnt wait a year for insurance and defiantly not 5-10 years for medicare.

I think you can also claim medical expenses on your tax return too. I am not sure if the ATO are still doing this, but it would be well worth bringing your receipts when you do your return.

yeah I was told that my husband could claim about 4,000 on his taxes..so he was happy about that.:confused:

$3500 for my surgeon and $500 for the anaethatist on the Gold Coast QLD...all fills and follow up appointments are included in this price.

Don't forget you can claim 80% of out of pocket expenses after $1500 at tax time

I paid $15000.00 for the surgery itself, $200.00 for an initial consultation with the doctor, $2500.00 for two round trip flights to Houston, another $1200.00 for my sister to fly down with me, Hotels $350.00. Another $300.00 for a nurse sitter at my hotel. So in total I spent: $19550.00 out of my pocket, yikes its the first time Ive added it up. But if I can get to my goal weight and stay there it will be worth it to me.

If Lady Loca is from the US and coming to Australia for the lapband at least the exchange rate will be in her favour and also make it cheaper.

I have no complaints about what I paid....even if it was a year ago-it's what I needed and wanted. Yup, I am about to have my 1st anniversary---I feel great, look great and am toodling along on my weight loss... Can't wait for the 2nd anniversary to see how much more I have lost--probably be at target weight.

Gone from a size 24 down to a 14/16....:clap2:

I have private health insurance so I will pay 3-4 k in addition to the cost of my health premium. Susannah

I paid 12k..I decided I couldn't wait 1 more year so private insurance was out.

i paid $7200 self pay with free fills

I'm in Australia and will be fully self-paid (my insurance doesn't kick in for another 12 months and I can't wait). I was told "between $11 and 12,000" but I get some (not very much!!) back on Medicare for the anaesthetist and surgeon. I will also get most back on the doctor's visits for the initial consults and fills, etc. If it all works as planned, it will be worth every penny.

$2500 - Surgeon

$1700 - Anaethesist

$3896 - Theatre Fees

$2800 - Band

$10,896 Total (Self Pay)

$50 co-pay for surgery

$20 co-pay for fills

I have private health and was going for a Melbourne surgeon who would cost me $3500 out of pocket. I was guided to my wonderful surgeon in Darwin, whom is closer to me anyway, and paid a total of $900. Totally happy! A fill costs me $80 and I think I get 36 back on medicare, a check up costs me 50 and I get 17 back I think.

hi there i think i will be posted to darwin soon as hubbys in the army not sure yet though , was wondering who u went through in darwin , and also im with mbf do they cover alot, and lol if i was to pay cash up front would medicare give me anything back , thanks see ya