Did your insurance pay for your Lap Band surgery, or were you a self-pay?

Where did you get banded? U.S., Mexico, Australia, Europe, Canada, or elsewhere?

Please only vote if you have already been banded, thank you. Remember, for those concerned about privacy, this is a PUBLIC poll: other users can see the choice(s) you selected.

Just curious to see, thanks everyone!

Self pay, banded in US, Dr Kirshenbaum out of Aurora Co, $9950

My husband and I were banded in Mexico, and we are both retired federal employees with FEP-Blue Cross Blue Shield. We had to pay and then were reimbursed. The really strange thing is that, with the same surgeon on the same day, with identical descriptions, bills and insurance, he was reimbursed $7900 of the $8000 cost, and I was reimbursed $7100. The Explanation of Benefits is written up totally differently for each of us. Just goes to show what a crap shoot/inconsistency we have for health insurance in the US. have to admit I am still happy we got most of our payment back, though.

I was lucky to have insurance cover mine.

I had to switch insurance companies to get it covered. Husband's company had exclusion on it with UHC, so waited a year to switch to my companies insurance, which is Aetna. And then after Aetna's apparent usual requirements, 6 months later was approved. Out of pocket was deductible and some other items,and it came in around $1500 out of pocket including office visit copays.

Tina

My insurance covers it, but my policy does not. All money was out of pocket. Weeeee. God blessed me with access to deep pockets, otherwise I'd still be miserable.

Insurance paid for my band and continues to pay for my fills.

UHC paid for my surgery I paid out of pocket 1400.00, but my company switch over to Aetna in Jan 08 now I pay for fills out of pocket $150.00 well worth it .....:rolleyes2:

My insurance covered all needed for surgery and follow up. I am very lucky to have healthnet insurance.

Also Dr. Kirshenbaum in Colorado. $9950 and I fly back and forth for fills.

My insurance paid 100% but it doesnt cover fills , stupid huh? You can have a band but you dont get any follow up care! But I was blessed with the initial payment and I will forever be grateful for that.

Medicare paid for 80% and supplemental ins paid the rest. The whole thing including all care and fill is $1200 at UW Hosp in Madison , Wi