I have been researching as all of you have already done. WE ALL HAVE SUCH DIFFERENT ISSUES. Since my most critical issue is cost vs. results (as I will be self pay) can ayone share what additional hidden costs may be expected? I keep reading if this goes wrong (or that goes wrong) you may need this or that additional SURGERY. Has anyone had issues with breaking the band because of unexpected emergencies? I know things can happen, but, yikes, what if they do? I have attended a seminar, and had my first consultation with Dr. Michael Snyder at Denver Bariatrics. I feel confident with this choice, but I am on hold because of cost.

Complications requiring surgery only happens in a small % of bandsters (erosion, band leak, slippage...). Following your doctor's instructions and not getting too tight are the two most important things to do to lower your risk.

However, the thing I see self-payers complain about most it seems is Fill Cost. Even if your doc offers free fills the first year, don't expect that you won't need fills after that. You probably will.

And then some docs insist on always doing fills under fluoro -- which they charge more for.

Some docs apparently insist on only doing small amounts of fill at a time, even in the beginning (like .5cc per fill) -- which artificially forces up the cost for self-payers who could probably just start out with 1.5ccs or more to begin with and not be too tight.

And so forth.

So if I were self pay, that's one thing I'd want to have all of the details on when choosing who to go with for surgery. Because the band doesn't work well without the right fill level, and it would totally suck to have the band but not have planned for the $300 per fill that my doc charges (or whatever it is -- it varies from practice to practice).

My advice if you are a self pay, try to find a fill doctor that can your fills under flouro. That way, you get the correct amount of fill and don't have to have as many done. Plus, the chance of your band being damaged during a fill is virtually impossible because they can see everything.

I ALWAYS get my fills under floroscopy. i have had two times when i had unfills done without floro, but it was only because my doctor in mexico was away on business and not mexico. i recommend that you check out your possibilities for fills with floro and the cost. i know it is expensive...but when you cant even get fluids down, you dont care ....youd sell your soul for relief......... i go to mexico so i dont have to wait. but for me it is only 4.5 hour drive..... if you are in denver area you may want to check out fill center usa. some facilities do the fills with floro...... good luck. i totally agree that the fills with floro are so much better..... i also like to see my band and know that it is still in the correct place. no slips.....

I'm also self--pay and I should have my surgery in Mid-May. My doctor does this "blis" thing for the cash patient. You might want to read about it and see if there's a doctor in your area that offers the same deal.

Here's the link to the documents: http://coastalobesity.com/PDF/BLIS_OH_ArticleNov07.pdf

Hope it helps!

The #1 most important issue to avoid costs and heartache down the road are to find a really good, skilled, and experienced surgeon. If you get a crappy surgeon you can go broke paying off medical bills that result from a botched surgery.

#2) Do absolutely everything he tells you. Don't cheat on the pre op diet and don't justify why it is okay to cheat on the post op diet.

#3) If you are really on board for this your chances are good, if your attitude is such that you are looking for a quick fix or if you think the band absorbs calories, I'd hold off completely. ;o)

#4) Get it done.

One concern I have is that it appears you are looking for cheap. You can certainly find cheap, no doubts there. Just remember, those that are the cheapest are cheap for a reason. If they could charge for skill and repuation, they would. I'm not saying expensive is better than average, but just remember, people who are cheap are cutting corners and banking on finding newbies that don't do their research and they are looking for cheap over skill. The cheapest will end up costing you a fortune down the road.

I'm also self--pay and I should have my surgery in Mid-May. My doctor does this "blis" thing for the cash patient. You might want to read about it and see if there's a doctor in your area that offers the same deal.

Here's the link to the documents: http://coastalobesity.com/PDF/BLIS_OH_ArticleNov07.pdf

Hope it helps!

I contacted Blis because there was no SC Doctors on the list. I got an email telling me that they were working on getting one of Drs here on board. The Dr is willing and approved. The hospital is holding out.

They may be doing the same thing for other drs

Cheap is not always cheap for a reason. I went with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver and he was fantastic and under $10,000. I have never regretted my decision to fly into Denver to use him. I also fly in for my fills because using Dr. K is worth the trip. And his fills are free for 3 months and $15 thereafter. I can almost fly to see him for less than getting a local fill. Dr K is the most caring doctor I have ever had contact with in my entire life. If only my regular doctors in NC were even close to as good as Dr K.

The #1 most important issue to avoid costs and heartache down the road are to find a really good, skilled, and experienced surgeon. If you get a crappy surgeon you can go broke paying off medical bills that result from a botched surgery.

#2) Do absolutely everything he tells you. Don't cheat on the pre op diet and don't justify why it is okay to cheat on the post op diet.

#3) If you are really on board for this your chances are good, if your attitude is such that you are looking for a quick fix or if you think the band absorbs calories, I'd hold off completely. ;o)

#4) Get it done.

One concern I have is that it appears you are looking for cheap. You can certainly find cheap, no doubts there. Just remember, those that are the cheapest are cheap for a reason. If they could charge for skill and repuation, they would. I'm not saying expensive is better than average, but just remember, people who are cheap are cutting corners and banking on finding newbies that don't do their research and they are looking for cheap over skill. The cheapest will end up costing you a fortune down the road.

This is great advice. I can't really add to it. You are lucky to live in Colorado as it is such an amazing state and very beautiful. My doctor's aftercare is part of the package for a small fee and everything you need, nutritionist, fills, ...are there. My doctor hits my port on the first go so the advice on finding a skilled doctor is key.