Hello all,

I have been a lurker for a long time. I have been researching the lap band procedure for many months and have decided that this is the route I need to go. I come from a family of very overweight people that have never successfully lost weight for good.

I have dieted since I was 18, every diet under the sun, only to gain it all back and more.

I am going to be self-pay and have a BMI of 33. The problem is I live in Central New York and cannot find anyone that will even talk with me. Both because I will not be using insurance and because of my low BMI.

I am so jealous of those of you that live near a "band friendly" surgeon. I am at a loss. I really don't want to travel far for the procedure, mostly because I want to have somewhere local if I have a complication or need a fill.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Laura

wow i cant believe no one will do it and you're self pay. figured it was just the insurance companies that wanted you to jump through those hoops. wow i'm sorry i have no answers cuz i was self pay as well but my BMI was 41. i've heard of some people wearing ankle weights so they would be heavier when they went in, but i've never tried it. hey it may be worth a shot! LOL

Best wishes hun

Try to look on the New York board, they may be a bit more help to you

Weird! Most docs prefer self payers because the money is all up front and they dont have to deal with insurance! I self paid in LA and it was a piece of cake...

I know that is what I thought. I called Upstate, Crouse and St. Joes in Syracuse and Auburn Memorial Hospital. All wouldn't even talk to me. I am so frustrated. Especially when I read on here how easy it is for others.

I am still looking for anyone that has had surgery, self pay, in upstate NY?

They wont do it because your bmi isnt over 35? Is that why?

yes....that is why. They said they were aware of the FDA approving the surgery for people between bmi of 30 and 35, however they choose to perform surgery only on people 35+ with one comorbidity or 40+ without. They also said they would need "special" approval to perform surgery if someone did not have insurance. I am wondering if that is because they want to make sure someone has insurance to cover complications? The doctors here are more conservative. Again I was ready yesterday. I just can't find anyone to consider me.

Some people go to Mexico...would that be an option for you? I dont know if they have the same standards but I think you are going to run into that problem quite a bit Im guessing. Good luck!

I know my doctor had different prices for self-pay patients, so I KNOW that they would talk to you when it comes to payment options. However, your BMI is pretty low...they required me to have a BMI of 40. Still, it wouldn't hurt to have a consultation. It'll be a 2 hour drive for you to come to Schenectady. Talk to Ellis Bariatric Hospital: http://www.ellishospital.org/bariatrics/our-bariatric-surgeons.aspx