Tomorrow I have a diagnostics appointment. I was just so excited when I made my appointment on the phone that I forgot to ask questions. What exactly goes on during these appointments? What should I expect? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but thanks for taking the time to read!

Thanks for this post! Unfortunately I am in the same boat you are in, I have a vague understanding, but nothing specific. I am having my diagnostic appointment on Friday and would like to know what all this entails. And more importantly, do they do bloodwork?

Is the appointment at your surgeon's office? If so, my first visit, I was weighed and talked to the PA about the Band and why I was choosing that over the GBP. She made sure I understood the differences between the 2 surgeries and answered any questions I had. They also took a medical history to determine what pre-op testing I needed and checked my insurance requirements. That was pretty much it for me!

Good luck to you both!

Edited April 14, 200818 yr by kathystrick

I'm thinking about getting the lap-band done (BMI=35) and started my research. My PCP recommended Dr Krause at Beaumont but he requires a 4 month complete workup(?) before a consultation can be made w/ him. I have small children and do not have the time to go to all those appointments. Does anyone know of a place or doctor that does not required such a long workup? Similar to the last posting where she had her consultation and then surgery.

Is that a requirement of the doctor or your insurance? Also, what is he calling "a complete work up"?

That's a requirement of both Dr and Ins ( I just found out). I guess a 'complete workup' means, I have to try other dr supervised weight loss program first to see if I can loose the weight. If not then the Ins and Dr can approve the surgery. I talked to my Ins yesterday and since my BMI is only 35, I would have to have other medical conditions also to qualify. As of current, I don't, but everyone in my family over 45 has diabetes, and I know i will get it also...if I don't get the lapband. If my BMI=40> then I would automatically be approved for surgery. Very frustrating! Does any one know how much the procedure cost 'out of pocket' and if the lap band is done as inpatient or outpatient?

The cost varies. Quite a few people here have gone to Mexico to have their surgery because it was cheaper. Also, I think most people stay at least one night in the hospital.

Well, I just had my diagnostics appointment today. It was not an appointment to see the surgeon. All I did was talk to a lady who worked at the weight loss center I am having my surgery through. She basically explained everything I already knew about the band. They also gave me an EKG and checked my vital signs. Since I am self-pay things will be moving fast. I have to get bloodwork done tomorrow, then next week I see my surgeon. Tomorrow I start my two week pre-op diet, then by the end of that I should have my surgery.

Yay!

I'm considering self-pay also if it would move along faster. How much are you paying out of pocket?

The cost is 12,400, but I am financing it through CareCredit. My payments will be about 225 a month for 7 years. I think that is the minimum payment, but I can pay it off before 7 years if I want to. The 12,400 also covers up to 10 fills for two years.

Well, I just had my diagnostics appointment today. It was not an appointment to see the surgeon. All I did was talk to a lady who worked at the weight loss center I am having my surgery through. She basically explained everything I already knew about the band. They also gave me an EKG and checked my vital signs. Since I am self-pay things will be moving fast. I have to get bloodwork done tomorrow, then next week I see my surgeon. Tomorrow I start my two week pre-op diet, then by the end of that I should have my surgery.

Yay!

So basically, you are two weeks away from having surgery. Has that idea hit you yet? Are you excited???:confused:

I am excited, scared, sad, all rolled into one. :crying:

I think the sad part of me is going though. I am more excited now than anything!

Thanks Readytolive for the information!! Who is your doctor at Beaumont? Good luck!

no prob! i am not in beaumont though.

Readytolive: You mentioned that you are selfpay and having your surgery outpatient. Could I get your doctor's name and location? I've checked at Beaumont and the cost was going to cost me over $40,000. $12,400 I can afford....$40k too much! Any info you could give me will be great! Thanks!!

$40k? yikes, are you sure they weren't giving you the price for bypass?

i went to true results center in houston and the price for self pay is 12,900, but a lady who works there gave me a card called the true vip card and basically i got a free diagnostics appointment which would have cost me about $400, and also the card knocks $500 dollars off the cost of your surgery so you only pay 12,400. since i have the card, i was given another card to give out to anybody else who is looking to have the surgery and pay self-pay. i would be more than happy to give it to you if you want it.

i know there are different locations in texas and i'm pretty sure you can use the card at any of them, but i would call just to make sure. send me a private message so i can give you my email address.

Readytolive: You mentioned that you are selfpay and having your surgery outpatient. Could I get your doctor's name and location? I've checked at Beaumont and the cost was going to cost me over $40,000. $12,400 I can afford....$40k too much! Any info you could give me will be great! Thanks!!