I am 29 years old, I am 6'4 in tall and weigh aprox 315 lbs, giving me a B.M.I of 40. I have just recently begun the process of accumilating doctor referals to try and persuade my insurance company to pay for this.

I am using Dr. Malley of Surgical Weightloss Centers of KC. I have been to the initial orientation but am waiting on my referals to schedule my first appointment face to face with the Dr.

I have already decided that if my insurance declines coverage, than I will be paying cash...aprox 17,000 dollars. I have a good railroad job, and it wont be easy, but it is worth it, no matter what.

I am in the early stages, but I will keep in touch!! I also welcome any feedback from anyone!! Take care.

Hi and welcome. I'm in Kansas City (MO) - there are several of us around, and several Malley patients. I think the KS forum has a thread running about him right now, but I could be mistaken.

As for your BMI & insurance - do you have any comorbidities? I did not, so was unsure whether or not insurance would cover, but they did, quickly, with no questions asked.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

Hi Pax10 and welcome to LBF! There sure is alot of friendly people here who are willing to share or have shared their experiences-good and bad. I just got my band on the 30th of January. Best of luck to you! Gigi

I feel compelled to mention that there are a number of U.S. surgeons who do this surgery for between $10,000 and $12,000. There is a current thread called something like "The cost of the lap band," or something like that, if you are interested. I hope insurance will cover you so that won't be an issue anyway.

Welcome to lapbandtalk forum. We are all hear to raise you up. If you have any questions ask away. Congrats on making this life changing decision.

WELCOME to LBT... I'm a Malley patient, I just got my insurance approval and I'm waiting on a surgery date.... He is great, his staff is great, and this place is a wealth of information.

I'm betting you will have no problem with insurance.... but like others have said... you could go to Topeka for about 11K, or hop a plane to Denver for under 10K and then have Dr. Malley do your fills... but it is up to you....

If you do go self pay with Dr. Malley you will have less of a wait because you can use the Dr. Hospital. (my bcbs uses Menorah, so I may be pushed out til March or even *GASP* April

Good Luck and keep us posted! You are not alone!

Hi, Shawn

I responded to your PM so check your messages. You can do a search for Dr. Malley and read all about him. Also check out his own website Malleysurgerical.com (maybe?). They also have a message board but not a lot of activity. I think TracyinKS, me and Kimmie have been the only ones that post on there lately. But still, alot of good information there.

Keep us updated on your progress. Good luck.

Sharon