Yes, sometimes it is all about the benjamins! But seriously... I've found myself kind of lost on here checking the prices of the surgery if I had to pay out of pocket. I see the surgery itself is around $8,000 to $10,000 or more. I've read some people go to Mexico for the surgery and kudos to you who did but that's not an option for me. Even if it was, thank Maury for scarring me for life with his "plastic surgery gone wrong" shows.

For those of you self payers and even people with insurance coverage I ask.... how much do the fills cost? While it sounds like a very simple procedure, I know doctors can turn things into a major ordeal and make it cost hundreds more than it should.

Oh, and if I am wrong on the cost of the surgery, please give me your input on this too!

I'm self-pay, my fills are included for the first year. After that, it's $150 a fill, and that includes any tweaking for 10 days following the fill.

I am a self pay that went to Mexico. My local doc charges $250 per fill with flouro.

Surgery was 14,000. Fills are included for one year. After that 125.00

Thanks for the price quotes. since there's a difference in pricing I have another little question.... what is the difference between saline and flouro? Is one more effective than the other?

I am getting banded next week in Houston, TX by Dr Spivak. He is running a special right now for banding. I am paying $12,900 for surgery + one year of aftercare (unlimited fills). Any fills needed after one year cost $150.00. When you are self pay, the "benjamins" do play a role.

Good luck.

Thanks for the price quotes. since there's a difference in pricing I have another little question.... what is the difference between saline and flouro? Is one more effective than the other?

Saline is what they put in the band. Flouro means they do it using an x-ray to see how easily barium goes through the band.

Thank you for the fast replies!

I live in NC, but I am having my surgery in Denver, CO for $9,950 w/Dr. Kirshenbaum. Price did play a role of course and MX isn't going to work for me. I think he includes 3 months of fills. The cheapest fills I have found around here is $1,500 for a year (that includes a $500 initial fee). That's still expensive to me.

I also had surgery with Dr K in Denver for $9950. The first three months of aftercare are included then he charges $15 per fill after that.

Mexico wasn't an option for me and I was VERY lucky to find a great surgeon in my area!

I'm in the Kansas City area and I'm a self-pay. The cost is $16,500 with free fills for a year. After that, fills are $100 each.

Sharon

I was self-pay, and had my surgery in Birmingham, AL, for $13,900, which included a year of aftercare and fills. Even though money is a deciding factor, keep in mind that you are more likely to have a good band experience if you have good aftercare. That means being close enough to your doc so that you won't delay getting help when you need it. If you decide on surgery at a distant location, MAKE SURE you have aftercare arranged locally *before* you have your surgery. So many people struggle with finding a good doc who will do their fills, or they end up relying on a doc so far away that they either get too aggressive of fills, or they delay getting fills that are needed to make the band work.

Tami

I think my doctor is around $10k or so. My fills are out of pocket for $200 each. I've had 5 fills.

I think my doctor is around $10k or so. My fills are out of pocket for $200 each. I've had 5 fills.

Julie, I had surgery in Mexico but I go to McKeen in San Jose for my fills. He charges me 325 for every fill. I wonder why mine is more.........did he do your surgery? So far, it sounds like my fills are way more expensive than everyone elses. That sucks cause I'm self pay

Mexico was not an option for me either. My surgeon charges $12,000 with a yrs worth of fills and after care. If you want Flouro its $100 extra ( I THINK ) He's in San Antonio,TX Im S of Austin so its less than an hours drive for me to see him. Im self pay as well and its cash all the way no financing , i couldnt get financed even if i tried. Email me or pm me if you want more info on my surgeon .

HTH

Mindy

It must be because he did my surgery. That is so expensive though. I would be broke if I had to pay that out of pocket. I've had 5 fills in 8 months. I'm going for another one in 2 weeks. Good luck.