I am being banded on Jan 27th and I am beginning to feel a little nervous and second guessing my decision. I know this is totally normal and that I need to stay positive but I can't help but be a little apprehensive. I mean this band will be with me FOREVER! Any suggestions to get through the anxiety? Also, I am self pay and I am wondering about having the surgery itself insured in case something goes wrong in the next 60 years. Is this even available? I just see that many people have had some complications and I am just wondering what this surgery will cost in the long run. Thanks!

It's common to be nervous. May I address a couple of your concerns? The band is NOT permanent. You will most likely want it to be, and it's built to be, but if for some reason you want or need it removed, it can be. While there MAY be some scarring around the outside of your stomach, 99% or some huge percentage have no side effects (except weight gain!) once the band is removed. SO if they come up with a miracle cure for obesity, we're good.

And I've read (and believe it makes sense) that once the band is in, insurance will cover you if you have issues pertaining to it. You can ask your surgeon for clarification but it is my understanding that once you have it in there, say you DO need it removed due to medical necessity. Insurance will cover that. (a caveat...I am just repeating what I've heard; if you are concerned, besides asking your surgeon it might be prudent to call your insurance company and ask them)

What will cost is fills and aftercare and that is mostly frontloaded during the first year, so make sure your surgeon offers you fills included in your package.

In the long run, only you will know what it costs you. I personally had prepared to self pay (my insurance covered it) and figured it was cheaper than having the comorbidities and costs of obesity....heart trouble, diabetes, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, etc. The cost out of pocket, even at the more pricey surgery centers, runs about the cost of a car or small SUV.

I figured I am worth a Kia or two.

My surgeon (I will be an early March banding) offers "Blis" coverage as part of her fee. It is an insurance policy that covers complications after weight loss surgery. Although, I do believe it is for cash pay patients only. They also have an option of buying coverage for an extended period. Check with your surgeon to see if they offer anything similar.

I am being banded on Jan 27th and I am beginning to feel a little nervous and second guessing my decision. I know this is totally normal and that I need to stay positive but I can't help but be a little apprehensive. I mean this band will be with me FOREVER! Any suggestions to get through the anxiety? Also, I am self pay and I am wondering about having the surgery itself insured in case something goes wrong in the next 60 years. Is this even available? I just see that many people have had some complications and I am just wondering what this surgery will cost in the long run. Thanks!

Hi I feel the same way - I am having surgery on 1/28 and really am getting cold feet!! I am not self pay but I can't stop thinking about canceling.

Thanks sooo much! I love this site because everyone is so helpful. I have my pre-op appointment tomorrow and I will talk to my Dr. about coverage. Maybe he offers an extended care package especially because I am self pay. I just hope that it stops snowing