Weight loss surgery? Really? For me? Why?

What’ll it cost me?

Perhaps a better question is “What’ll it cost you if you don’t?”

With today’s uncertain economy and rising healthcare costs, it’s normal to wonder if now is the time to consider the LAP-BAND^® AP System.

Extra weight on a person often goes hand in hand with extra financial burden.

Obesity can have significant medical costs over time. Weight loss surgery can help reduce the cumulative cost of living with obesity: like weight loss programs, prescription medicine and hospital visits.

Knowing this, you may want to consider these questions:

• What are your current out-of-pocket healthcare expenses? Are they due to go up?
  
• What are your current prescription and over-the-counter medication costs? Are they due to go up?
  
• How many times a year do you see a doctor or specialist? Has that gone up over time?
  
• How many days have you missed work over the past few years? Has that gone up?
  
• How much have you spent on non-surgical weight loss programs? (WeightWatchers®, Jenny Craig®, etc.) Did that work?
  
• How much have your costs for groceries and dining out gone up?
  
• How much have you spent on additional clothes due to your weight gain?
  

Acting now by using the LAP-BAND^® System to help you significantly reduce your weight — may also reduce your weight-related costs!

I'm a newbie first post/response 2 thread - I am Self-paid here in Johns Creek, Ga (outside of Atl) & some items were paid by indurance like EKG, blood work, upper GI, Pysche eval. But, my insurance 4 surgery Dr., hospital, Asst., Anesthesia, pre-op, post-op, 6-mos. Fills, Dietician, etc. w/ Dr. discount of $2500 discount, I set aside 17k. So, far I have spent $14,300. Surgery is scheduled 4 6/29. Don't forget u can write off on taxes if exceeds % for itemizing. I took mine out of my 401k. Hope that helps & good luck.

I am in Canada and I will be paying $16,000 one shot, patient for life.......fills, unfills, removals, consultations.

Paying $10,300 for the cost of surgery including pre-op and post-op for 90 days and the first fill in Miami, Florida.

I am in Hungary, Europe (I'm not sure if you are willing to travel that far though:))), self pay, $2100, best doctor in a beautiful hospital, 2 years fills included. I'm planning to have my surgery in October or January. Good luck to everybody!

Wow! I had my band done on june 11th 2012. I just received the dr bill for 5,000 the day of surgery and the hospital fee 19,000 the day of surgery. Almost 25,000 just for the day to be banded. Luckily my insurance covered all but 800 dollars. Just had my first fill it was 531 dollars. Insurance paid that too. I live in minnesota. It must be expensive here.

I haven't had the surgery yet, but financially, it will cost me nothing.

Physically, my Type II diabetes will get better or disappear, my back and knee pain will improve, my GERD will improve or go away (I have a hiatal hernia), my sleep apnea will go away, my fibromyalgia will hurt less, I will lose the metabolic disorder and Pickwickian syndrome, and much, much more. My life will change dramatically, with eating, health, exercise, and looks. I will be able to walk without a walker... A fact that makes it worth it all by itself! I cannot wait to start my journey!

I haven't had the surgery yet. Went to a seminar in Macon, GA and was quoted $11,990. This includes unlimited free fills afterwards. Still contemplating whether or not to go through with this. I have a lot of anxious feelings, but bottom line I want to be healthy for once in my life.

I'm paying just shy of $15,000 in Little Rock, AR. That includes Dr. fees and hospital as well as 18 months of fills.

I was self-pay ($16,000) worth EVERY penny.

I was banded a month before my 40th birthday. I had a complete physical a month before my surgery. My family doctor said I was a "healthy" fat person... for now. It was just a matter of time before every health problem hit me.

The only thing I had was acid reflux. I suffered from it since I was 14. My AR went away 3 days after I got my band. If I had not lost 1 pound.. I would have still paid $16 K just to have my acid reflux go away. I was on 2 prescription meds and took at least 10 Ultra Tums a day.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I went to my first seminar a few weeks ago. I had done alot of research on gastric banding and pretty much had my mind made up before i went.

Before I went to the seminar I called my insurance provider and was told the surgery would be covered by at least 80% and possibly 100 depending on what my doctors say.

I will be meeting with the dietician and financial / patient advocate on October 15,2012.

I am looking forward to following everyone elses success as I await my own.

I am in Ontario, Canada and have paid $16000. all inclusive. I will be banded next week.

I have surgery on 1 Nov, I think when its all said and done I will have spent around 1500.00. All being insurance co-pays for different stuff. I have BCBS Fed.

Susan

I have just begun to research, my insurance will cover 100% less Dr. Copays of $15 or $20, $75 for each day in the hospital. How long does one typically stay? It looks like the only thing my insurance won't cover is any dietary counseling. Is the dietary counceling expensive? Relative to what is covered through my insurance, I am sure it isn't.

I think my BMI is at 41% and I have received high blood pressure medication before, also I have been diagnosed with diabetes as well. Both medication I don't need when I can maintain around 175lbs, current weight guessing 240? I have not been on a scale in awhile. I probably need a good reality check..

I have not called for my assessment yet, I am nervous and really don't want to:

1. Talk to a doctor about how I got this way

2. Get on a scale

3. Did I say get on a scale??

My weight can fluctuate 50 lbs in a year, it is a constant battle, once again I threw in the towel and gained more weight, I am try to explore and see if the Lap Band is right for me. I am in my beginning stages of research. Any advise would be appreciated. With the wonderful insurance coverage, I think I should commit and explore my options and meet with a surgeon.

My out of pocket maximum before the insurance pays 100% is 1,650.00 But the insurance pays for not office visits so I have spent an additional 1,000 getting my pre testing done so around 2600. I will also have to pay out of pocket for all my follow up visits. I think the benefits will be well worth it and compared to the cost of weight watcher or nutrisystem foods hopefully this weight loss will be permanent. I have tons of clothes in all sizes so am looking forward to actually being able to wear them!!

LOL, I told my husband yesterday that I can't wait to go shopping in my closet!

my insurance should of paid but I was refused due to not all of my records being turned in by one of my doctors...but it should be fixed later. I just could not wait any more as this is my health so I paid out of pocket $14,800 and that will cover me for 90 days after getting the band, to be banded on Nov 2, 2012.