I'm wondering why Americans more often do not consider the lap band procedure overseas? From reading others posts on here, I think America put people through too much to have the procedure done. In my opinion it is a way of collecting money. I'm an American and I live in Europe now and had my procedure performed by Dr. Chris Bruyne in Belgium. I don't regret anything about the process. First off I had to approximately $5,600 dollars for the package that was offered which included 3 night stay in hotel for your companion, my two night stay in the hospital, taxi ride from the airport and to and from the hospital and all test, X-rays and lab work. The hospital was clean and the nurses were attentive and I received all the pain medicine to make me feel as comfortable as possible. Maybe it's the paying out of pocket that throws people off but I believe if its something you ready want then you'll save for it. At the end all I had to pay for was the meals my husband ate at the hotel and for our plane tickets (most times you can find tickets from the states to Europe for about $880). I'm a medical student now and I really wish America would catch on to the idea of stop wasting peoples time with their psychological and constant doctor visits, denials by the insurance companies and I can go on and on about how we are slowly advancing in medicine due to others chosen "Ethical" precautions and just do the procedure... BTW I can't wait to loose my weight because I'll be going back for a breast lift and tummy tuck; which is also much cheaper here!!!!!

@54Shirley If you are suggesting that Dr abroad are not up to the U.S.A. standards I would have to refute this. If you haven't noticed many Americans doctors are internationally taught.

On my Surgeons end, they all go to Switzerland throughout the year, and are sharpened up with new Techniques in Schooling. This is a REQUIREMENT...

Even my band is installed the European way. Yes there is more than one way you know...

He chooses the European way because less chance of slippage. That is his way, and that is on every patient of his. That is in the U.S.A.... I am walking proof of his work, and that's good enough for me.

So why travel when you can get it done here.

future, I don't think anyone has the right to say who should or should not be posting here. Many people come to the boards for many different things. Personality types are spread all across the board here. I post at several boards and the tone of each one is different, but I would never take it upon myself to tell anyone that they shouldn't be posting if they didn't meet my standards.

I personally do not think care is better or worse in Europe or elsewhere. It is just that I live in the US, my insurance covers me here, and I have access to some of the best doctors anywhere. I live in the city which houses UAB which ranks in the top five hosptials in the US in many instances. We have a very diverse population due to people from all over the world coming here to study and research medicine. My reasons for not considering surgery in another country have nothing to do with level of care, but with finances and logistics.