I don't think my insurance is going to cover the surgery... I haven't even begun the process yet, but it IS listed in the exclusions (all obesity/weightloss treatments etc). For those who have self-paid, do the the doctors generally want payment in full up-front? Have you financed? Are the payments and interest ridiculous or do-able? *sigh* Thanks....

Yes, that was my understanding of the procedure. I thought this was standard procedure for all band placement. Did I miss something?

I think they all do it. They make a little flap over it to hold it in place. I believe they all stitch the port down too.

From a physical standpoint, I can't see how it could ever stay in place without being stitched. Things can really move quite freely around the body without being anchored somewhere. Interesting thought huh?

Nobody cares about you as much as you should care about yourself.

Remember you are #1, their are few exceptions to this.

Thanks for the replies everyone... I'm thinking of maybe paying a large chunk upfront and then financing the rest. That Capital One medical loan only charges 1.9 or 2.9% interest... can't beat that!

hay. i had my band done in JORDAN, you are so dame right .it seem like a drug dill only my doctor taiked about was the money. after the sergery it was like he didnt know who i was i got my band 10/3/2006. at 3ccs i only lost 10lbs and gaind 2lbs i am sick all the time ,whin i tell my doctor he bruch me off. i am thing of going to another doctor ,this meen more money. if theirs a problom i am going back to him and give him my bill and a peace of my mine.

Best money I have ever spent. I would love or hate to add up my daily ice cream, candy and cookies added up for almost 15 yrs. Maybe $6 (at least) per day x .... I'm afraid . I'm moving away from the calculator.

edie

Easy to deal with, many options as to number of payments, even a 6 month interest free deal. I recommend it highly.

My doctor is Dr. Iordache, chief of surgery unit. St. Ion Hospital. If you live in Romania, I would recommend him. Check his articles.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Search&itool=pubmed_AbstractPlus&term=%22Iordache+N%22%5BAuthor%5D

I

I think banding is one of the best things that I have done, no matter what is the cost. I was ready to pay 10 times more if I had to.

I might be in a self pay situation - insurance - errrr

Are you guys worried about complications? Would your insurance (if you have it) cover removal, if something went wrong?

I payed 12,500 Canadian for comparison.

I would rather have this band than a new car, so that has been my reasoning. lol! And yes, a lifetime of savings from binging and overeating will more than pay for my band. lol

I was self pay, $8,450 to the hospital by certified check (you go to the bank with your cash and the certified check is a guarantee from the bank that funds are adequate) and $4,500 to the MD (for one year of unlimited visits, fills, etc. - fills after a year are $50 each).

I was fortunate in that my fiance gave me the money. He was concerned about my health and when I told him this is what I wanted to do he gave it to me with a smile and a kiss and said, "I'm just glad that we're going to be together for a lifetime - this will hopefully lengthen that time" (he's a sweetie).

My understanding from my physician and from my insurance company (I was not covered) is that in the event a removal or emergency treatment is required, insurance will cover it.

Had insurnace not covered it I KNOW I still would have done it.

Yee Ha, doin it doin it