and it seems I'm a great candidate for the band and I fit in with what my insurance qualifications are. The insurance coordinator will call my insurance company to verify again (of course I did that already...), and will call me next Tuesday to schedule my first nutrition counseling. That's where I am at.

While reviewing all insurance requirements, etc. with the coordinator, she said that I must pay a $1500 non-refundable fee (even with insurance covering it) one week before surgery.:cool: Is this large of an expense normal even with 100% coverage? Before getting too involved, I just wanted to check with the pros! She said this was to cover follow up for life with the dr. without having to pay any co-pays or office visits. Except for Fills, I will have to pay $40 --even though all of my insurance co-pays are only $10 --even for specialists. These 2 issues concerned me. I did really like the surgeon though--he actually did the seminar himself. He is at the Obesity Center in Washington, DC. They are a center of excellence.

Thanks for any comments!

I find that $1500 up front very weird. I'm 100% covered & only have to pay my co-pays for office visits. What's the $$ for?? Good luck!

It doesn't make sense to me, but I had to pay $250.00 for the psycologist, $200.00 for the nutritionist/exercise person and another $325.00 for the final preop visit with all three. My insurance covers it also. They say these are fees that they won't cover. Tricare Prime for me. I am in my first week of 4 weeks of journaled diet. Hoping to have the band done in August.

Crystal525, The $1500 and $40 per-visit charges seem weird to me too. I would request a written price list from the Doctor's office so you have evidence of what they are charging and what it's for. You might also run that price list by your insurance carrier to see if it seems reasonable to them. Good luck to you.

I find that very odd. Ask for a detalied written explantion of what the fee covers. I only have to pay my co-pays to be responsible for.

Okay--the $1500 is supposed to cover the nutritionist and exercise consultant and office visits for life (no matter if I change insurance carriers and what my coverge is) except when needing the fill. Since he wants me to have the sleep apnea test, I think that's included also. The psych consult is NOT included --the want $375 for that for their in-house therapist. I'm going to use one on my insurance plan. $375 for a 45 minute evaluation seems steep. I'm feeling like I'm getting charged this because I'm using insurance. I'll ask for a breakdown when the insurance person calls-I reallly liked the dr. but didn't seem to get along with her too well. Seemed like she didn't want me questioning what she was telling me. Oh Well... :smile2:

Regarding the $40 fill--I have no clue about that. I will follow up on that too. She told me all this before calling my insurance (Aetna Open Access). I don't have a copay over $10 unless going to the emergency room without being admitted. My specialis copay is even $10!!!

I hope she calls today. I was leery while talking to her now I'm more so...

I just joined this blog today. I am having my lap band done in Mexico on the 23rd and I am getting a little nervous. I tried a couple of doctors here and quickly found out that I could not afford to have it done. My best friend went to the same clinic in Mexico and had it done and she is fine, so I decided to go there.

I am a smoker and am trying to quit, but can't seem to get past my nerves. The doctor in Mexico doesn't require it, but in reading up on this surgery it seems best. I am sure I would be nervous no matter what but the thought of leaving the country for heath care, smoking...and I have a cold right now...seem to be getting me overwhelmed. I know I need to quit smoking to get over the cough, but smoking is like my best friend and to give up two loves in my life ( food and cigs)at one time just seems really hard. Anyone else having this problem?:smile2:

I quit smoking a year ago when I had my breast reduction. And...gained 18 pounds in 6 months! But --YES YOU NEED TO QUIT. I had a friend that did not quite when she had the bypass and ended up in ICU because of breathing issues following her surgery. Very scary. That's what made me know I didn't want gastric bypass. That is a must for you. It's hard but easier when you know you're doing it for a reason--tell yourself you won't be able to have the surgery if you have smoked in the last 30 days. That's what my surgeon told me. It worked!

Hi, This is my first post. I had my surgery June 24, 2008 and so far I love it. My insurance paid 70% and I owe 2700.00 to be paid in monthly installments of $150.00 for 18 months.

I will have my first fill in the next 2 weeks and I am looking forward to it. I know that it can be expensive, but the way I feel today, I would do it all over...I feel awesome and back to work.:biggrin2: