I'm probably going to be a self-pay b/c my insurance won't cover it. Am considering going to Mexico, obviously, but can already hear the groans and objections from my family and friends.

Does anyone know of any Drs. in the US that do the surgery for a similar cost to Mexico (i.e. $10k) preferably near or in VA, but I'm willing to travel.

Thanks!

I strongly recommend Dr. Curry in Cincinnati, Ohio. My family would have never condoned my going to Mexico PERIOD....so that wasn't an option for me...and quite frankly I guess I'd much rather be here.

Dr. Curry frequents this site as well as OH and is always here to help us. NOT JUST HIS PATIENTS, but everyone on here in need. To me, that speaks volumes about his character, his commitment and his experience.

The difference between 10k and 16k to me is like gambling with the air you breath. I always believe the saying, and have learned over and over in my life...you get what you pay for!

I think we're all talkinga about Dr. K in Denver, yes?

I dunno if I should mention his name.

I'm a self-pay, and chose him based on this laproscopic credentials,

and experience. I think I was his 50+ lapband.

He is technically good, as far as I can tell. He says he has never had

to undo, never had a slip.

He also says his prices are lower because he competes with the

Mexican doctors. I think the prices will be falling soon as they get

more competitive.

Yes buzz, that is the Dr K we are talking about!

When were you banded?

Sweetrepose,

Docs can charge different fees because they have clients that are willing to pay the fees. It's a matter of supply and demand. If there wasn't as much demand, the doc would/could lower the cost, thereby driving demand up.

Many docs charge more because they have a heavier load of HMO clients. The HMOs will only pay a limited amount, which is often lower than the full price ... the self pay clients end up paying more to cover the 'loss' from the HMO patients (I am a HMO client and I mean NO offense to anyone else who is a HMO patient).

Is there anyone out there that was a self pay in Wisconsin? Who was your surgeon and can you give me an idea what you paid?? I am just starting the process and wish I had a better idea of the cost in my area.

Thanks much!

Sheila

I am going to have the lap band done this next year - but the cost is over $20,000 since I have to have the IVP filter put in too. I have no insurance at all but have some family members who are planning to pay for this surgery for me - thank God for them! What I was wondering about was the Monterrey, Mexico site with Dr. Sanchez. Has anyone on here had their surgery done there and what was it like?

Hi Everyone,

I got my insurance approval on Friday and my Lapband surgery is sch. for Dec 4. I am shocked! My insurance is not known for approval, much less lapband. The info I received said some people lose weight the first 4-6 weeks some don't. That surprised me. For the first two weeks it's liquids, next two weeks is soft mushy, and at two ounces, how would someone not lose anything? What were your results in the first 4 weeks. Did you lose anything?

Many blessings,

Michelle

Michelle,

The reason some people don't lose weight is the first few weeks are supposed to be about healing. My doc says if you lose weight, great, but if you don't that is ok too. Look at it like a bonus if you do. I did, but only because I really was careful what I drank during the first couple of weeks. I didn't have ice cream or shakes or stuff like that. I stuck to the slimfast and flavored water and such. Soups that were not fattening as well.

Good luck to you. It will be a great journey!!!

nanniemidder,

The average price to have the surgery done in Mexico is from $7000 to 10,000. The place I chose was $7300, but it was the best location for me since I am in Texas. It is about 3 hours west of San Antonio. I flew from the Dallas area to San Antonio for about 90 bucks and the patient coordinator picked me up at the airport and took me (and my sister) across the border to the hospital. It was a great experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Good luck in your decision.