Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here, I am trying to gather as much information as I can about the lap band, I am having my first consultation with the surgeon after a referral from my MD and finally thinking long and hard that this is what I want to do. In June of 2007 I had pelvic floor surgery because through childbirth/obesity/smoking my pelvic floor muscles were so weak that my bladder and uterus were slipping into my vaginal cavity. After having this done I need to lose some serious weight (I carry mostly in my abdomen). I have tried everything and went to a lap band consultation in May but decided to wait until after my pelvic surgery to pursue the band. Now I feel I am ready. Anyhoo...to my main question, why does it look to me that so many of you are self paying for the procedure?? I live in Massachusetts and my health insurance is covering it for me even though my BMI is under 40 (it's 37). Also, why go all the way to Mexico for the procedure if it is available here in the US? If I am being too nosey just let me know, this is my first post and I haven't reviewed all the forums.

Thanks,

Katie:)

I am a self payer. My insurance company does not pay for any WLS. I did some research and thought about having the surgery done in the state that I live in, but the cost was going to be $16,500. I was still ok paying that much until I got on-line and started doing more research. I learned that the Dr.s in Mexico have been doing this longer than the ones here in the US. I also learned that the Dr. I was going to have do my surgery was taught by the Dr. I had do my surgery in Mexico. I figured why spend the extra money on a Dr. here when I could spend half the price with a Dr. that taught the US Dr.

I have to admit that I was scared as H*LL to go to Mexico, but now that I did it I would do it all over again. But if your insurance company will pay for it & you can find a good Dr that you are comfortable with then go for it! Best of luck!!!!!!

My insurance won't cover the surgery.It would cost me $16,000. in Wis. In Mexico it's $8,000. I wish I could have it done here though. I'm forking out what I really shouldn't be. Is the debt worth it?

who will do the fills if the sgy is done in mexico? i too am getting the band done, only here in the us and have found it very hard to get a bariatric dr to take over the fills once the sgy is done in mexico.. just wondering how that works.

I went to Mexico because I have no health insurance. Dr. Corvala in Tijuana did mine for $7250, including everything except air flight. I also got the new J and J band which is about $800 - $1000 cheaper. I was treated like a queen and am very pleased.:clap2:

I went to Mexico and had no trouble finding a doctor here to do fills. My doc in Mexico was great and you do not have to jump through all the hoops you do here. You book your surgery and go. They do all the tests when you get there. You really save a lot of money. You just have to be sure to find a good doctor, as you would here. For me it was a great adventure. Donna

Thanks everybody! You guys all make it sound like it's definitely worth the money. I'm getting excited the closer it gets. Only days away!