Hi my name is Erika and this is my first thread. I am looking into getting the lap band done for about 2 years and have a few questions. First has anyone payed out of pocket and about how much is it? I also hear a lot of things that scare me about the surgery like the band being to tight or slipping and it being painful, should I worry? I was also wondering what my first steps should be in getting the surgery done? I am 21 years old and weigh 275lbs, I was just wondering if this is my best option? Someone please help. :-)

Complications are rare. Many times, they are due to the patient not following doctors orders. I know people that have had slips, fixed. Docs add fill at a slow rate over time to find the best amount for you. At the office, you are required to sip Water, so they know it's not too tight. Now, if later, it feels too tight when you swallow solids, etc., you go back and some fill will be removed.

What I am trying to say is any probs that might happen are outweighed by tge positives that will happen...a new, healthy you!

I have not selfpaid, but lots of people on this site have. I would start with your general practitioner, get their advise on the best surgeon in your area.

Good luck and welcome to LBT!

Hey Warner,

I am starting on the same journey and I will be paying out of pocket if I get approved for surgery. For everything it is $9,000 for the doctor I am seeing. I am 24 and 215lbs (I think) have you made an appointment yet?

Hi my name is Erika and this is my first thread. I am looking into getting the lap band done for about 2 years and have a few questions. First has anyone payed out of pocket and about how much is it? I also hear a lot of things that scare me about the surgery like the band being to tight or slipping and it being painful, should I worry? I was also wondering what my first steps should be in getting the surgery done? I am 21 years old and weigh 275lbs, I was just wondering if this is my best option? Someone please help. :-)

Only you can tell whether it is best for you, pick up alex's "The Big Book of the Lap-Band" to get a comprehensive source for the entire process. As for self pay, I paid 10,975, to have mine done in a surgical center, which covers 12 months of fills and any type of surgical services related to the band.

I read up on all the things that could possibly go wrong. I was nervous too. But the low complication rate was attractive. And i decided before getting banded that it was worth getting it done even if i have a complication a year or two or more down the line. My big fear was they say u supposedly can have it in for life but who has? Truthfully not a lot of ppl. Its only been out since 93 ii think and i had a real hard time finding anyone with it in for 10 yrs plus. But its a risk i was willing to take.

My out of pocket was 5500. I had a hiatal hernia which i guess most obese ppl have and insurance paid for that repair which was 4400. That may be an option for u to look into

Goodluvk!!

Thanks everyone! I have not made a doctors apportionment yet, I am trying to decide on a doctor close to me in Michigan but with good reviews. I was wondering the same thing, can u have the lap band for life? And what about if I want to have children in the next 10 years? Do they loosen it or take it off? And what about the 6 month diet what is it and does everyone have to do it or is that for people to be approved for there insurance? I just have so many questions, I will just have to buy the book. I am just glad to hear there are so many success stories, it gives me something to look forward to because I have been obese all my life and I am ready for a change. Thanks again everyone!

Thanks everyone! I have not made a doctors apportionment yet' date=' I am trying to decide on a doctor close to me in Michigan but with good reviews. I was wondering the same thing, can u have the lap band for life? And what about if I want to have children in the next 10 years? Do they loosen it or take it off? And what about the 6 month diet what is it and does everyone have to do it or is that for people to be approved for there insurance? I just have so many questions, I will just have to buy the book. I am just glad to hear there are so many success stories, it gives me something to look forward to because I have been obese all my life and I am ready for a change. Thanks again everyone![/quote']

I read that u can have it for life. They really aren't sure how long the band can last BC its still relatively new. There are some complications in the long run but If u follow your drs orders then some of those complications can be avoided. Being pregnant with the band is not a problem at all some doctors will just unfill you during the pregnancy or take some Fluid out then after you deliver they will start filling again if u need it. I'm not 100% sure why people have to do the 6 month diet but its probably due to insurance purposes. I only had a week pre op diet I was also self pay which I paid 5500. My ins covered the other half due to a hiatal hernia repair. What I paid for was the lapband itself and then after care for the year! Def continue to research as there is a lot of commitment involved! Don't do it til you're 100% sure its for u! I can tell u so far its the best decision I've made! I'm down 25lbs in 2 months!

Thank you, you answered a lot of my questions. I have been doing a lot of research and I did buy that book. I won't be able to do the surgery till the summer so I do have time and don't want to rush my decision, I am just looking for people to talk to about it because I don't know anyone that has had it done before. Thank you!

Thank you' date=' you answered a lot of my questions. I have been doing a lot of research and I did buy that book. I won't be able to do the surgery till the summer so I do have time and don't want to rush my decision, I am just looking for people to talk to about it because I don't know anyone that has had it done before. Thank you! [/quote']

You're welcome! Smart moves! Well u can ask me anything I will try and help also everyone on here is awesome! They are so willing to help and provide support!

Thank you again, I will take you up on that. I am sure I will have more questions. And everyone on here is awesome.

Thank you again' date=' I will take you up on that. I am sure I will have more questions. And everyone on here is awesome. [/quote']

You're very welcome and no problem. And yes they are

2 years is too long to think about it, just do it!!!!!!! best thing I have ever done for myself. If I could go back and be skinny at 21, I would in a heartbeat. But being 47 and skinny ain't too shabby either!

Welcome! This place has a wealth of good information. I'm 23 -- was banded in May at age 22. Like you, i did not want to take the decision lightly. I decided I would give myself 6 months to try to lose 50lbs on my own. If i couldn't do it, I'd attend an info session and make the decision. Well, like every other diet, I failed. I GAINED weight!

Getting the lapband ended up being the best decision I could've made for my health. I am down over 150lbs since starting this process, and am enjoying life. Its great to be able to enjoy life to the fullest at a young age.

Feel free to message me any time.