Hi Guys!

Well reding on this website, i got the impression that the Dr's in the states were a bit more pricey then the Dr's in Mexico, but i thought most people said their surgery was between 8-12,000. Okay, im freaking out.. I live in Orlando, FL but will travel anywhere in FL or GA for a good Dr. and i have Aetna PPO. I am going for my first appointment with the nutritionist next week to start my 6mo. diet so i still have time to find a good surgeon, but this price thing is killing me. I spoke with a Dr. Beltre's office in Orlando and they said that the total cost is $15000. In general that isnt awful as my insurance will pay 90%. HOWEVER, they are saying that the hospital portion totals around $10K, but he has an extra $5K fee that doesnt take insurance! Is this normal??? I mean thats almost $6K out of pocket! I am curious what other people have done, when i asked they said that most doctors don't take insurance, which sounds like pure bologna (or so i hope...) help please! Im just out from under my mothers wings, and i am kind of at a loss as to where to go next...

Nicole

You can also IM me on AIM at ICHATTER:cursing:

Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao in Palm Springs charges a $7k fee (for the lap band, $6.5k for bypass) that is not covered by insurance. He has intensive pre-op and post-op programs and impressive success rate. I guess the issue is to ask what you get for the fee. Good luck.

Check with your insurance company.. Lapband is a outpatient process... Which mean you DO NOT have to meet a deductable.. SO dont pay anything over your $100 co pay....Any Dr's office wanting money for some thing or another. is out for money .. find someone else... You should not have to pay these extra fees.....Remember the most important word is OUT PATIENT..

Lapband is a outpatient process...

You had the lap band surgery and did not stay in the hospital overnight?

No I did not have it yet... But I have spoken with my insurance company and DR's office and was told lapband surgery is an outpatient surgery and we do NOT need to pay our deductable.. I just told this to someone the other day and she called her insurance and they confirmed what I said...What state are you in? WHat insurance do you have? My name is Rose..let ,me know

My surgery was same day surgery performed in an outpatient surgery center. It is usually up to your doctor if you can have it done outpatient or they require you to stay overnight in the hospital. If you have sleep apnea, I know they like you to stay. There are other reasons as well. Check with your doctor.