Australia - revision lapband to Gastric bypass - out of pocket expenses

[cher0710 0]

Hi

I am considering revision surgery from lap band (which has been loosened and is now unfilled for 12 months) to gastric bypass. Unfortunately, I appear to have put on about 25 kg in 12 months.

I'm hoping some people can give me some suggestion on what their estimate (IN AUSTRALIA) of out-of-pocket expenses for revision surgery was.

I'm being quoted about $8,500 out-of-pocket despite having top hospital cover. Does that sound about right for revision surgery?

I've had the band since about April 2015 but have developed a pouch above the band and have ongoing indigestion. Did eventually go from 129 kg to 84 (but from 100 to 84 too a LONG time as I like liquid calories; now want to know how much and how soon.

My old surgeon is still around but my daugher-in-law had gastic bypass and was only out of pocket 3,000. Oh my god it is all so expensive.

Thanks

cher

[Hop_Scotch 1,625]

The additonal cost is likely to do with the band removal and any surgical fixes that are required.

Which state are you in? Cost may vary a lot between states and not all the additional costs may be related to the revision surgery but the post op program. Some post op programs are full on, others not.

For me my post op program was appts with the surgeon (5mins phone as I am in another state), other programs may have dieticians, behavioural coaches, therapists, exercise physiologists scheduled appointments