Ok. So I have everything done. I have insurance approval. I am anxiously awaiting to hear from the surgeon what my date will be. Instead when I answer the phone, it is the insurance people from their office. They proceed to inform me that I need to make payment arrangements for the $35,000.00 that my insurance does not cover. Are you kidding me? I can get the whole thing done in Mexico for under $5,000. And that doesnt even have insurance. I have been asking costs since I started this a year ago. And I get to find out two-three weeks before my potential surgery?!?! I am devastated, deflated and enraged all at the same time.

My surgeons office billed my insurance over $50000 for pre-op, scoping, surgery and all post- op fill visits. They then asked if I would like to finance $5500 for the next 3 years.

That amount is totally believable.

I was self pay completely. This procedure isn't covered by insurance in Canada. I paid $15K.

It is covered in Alberta. I didn't have to pay a cent.

wow can I empathize with you. The only thing I can say is at least you found out BEFORE you had surgery!. I was approved and had surgery (revision from lapband to sleeve) in November 13. I was hospitalized 4 days due to complications. A few weeks later I get a bill for ..... wait for it.... $132,000. So I have a major anxiety attack and call my insurance who tells me they indeed did approve the surgery but my policy only covers up to $25,000 per life time. They never told me that nor did they tell the program coordinator at the hospital I went to. Now, I have to tell you, the hospital did "reduce" my bill to $47,000. That was nice of them. When I called to make payment arrangements, the lowest they would accept per month was $800.00. That just isn't going to happen, I'm a social worker who works for a non profit agency. Scary stuff.

Omg! That is extortion!!! I am so sorry